Podcast
Study for the Bar in Your Car
Hosted by Angela Rutledge, LLM, LLB · EN
Turn Drive Time into Study Time: The Ultimate Bar Exam Prep Podcast
Are you juggling a busy schedule while preparing for the bar exam? Maximize every moment with "Study for the Bar in Your Car," the podcast designed specifically for ambitious law students and graduates who refuse to let a single minute go to waste on their journey to becoming attorneys.
Whether you're commuting through traffic, riding public transit, working out, or completing household chores, this podcast transforms your otherwise "lost" time into productive bar exam preparation. Each episode delivers focused, audio-friendly content covering essential MBE and MEE subjects, distilled into clear, memorable lessons you can absorb on the go.
I'm Angela, a law student from George Mason University's Antonin Scalia Law School, and I created this podcast with one primary goal: to help myself pass the bar exam. By transforming my comprehensive study notes into engaging audio content, I've developed a resource that fits seamlessly into busy lifestyles—and now I'm sharing it with you.
Join me and my team of knowledgeable assistants as we break down complex legal concepts, review critical cases, and provide strategic approaches to exam questions. We'll cover everything from Constitutional Law and Civil Procedure to Evidence, Criminal Law, and beyond.
"Study for the Bar in Your Car" isn't just another passive study aid—it's your mobile companion for the final stretch toward bar exam success. Subscribe now and turn your commute into your competitive advantage for the July bar exam.
Because sometimes, the road to becoming an attorney means literally studying on the road.
13episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Criminal Law - Arson and Possession Crimes
Sep 1400:34:52Tap to summarizeJoin your AI hosts, Maude and Claude, for Episode 6 of the Study for the Bar in Your Car podcast, where they ignite your understanding of Arson and critical Possession Crimes. Guided by Angela's meticulously detailed notes, this episode unpacks essential concepts that frequently appear on the bar exam, promising those "aha moments" that solidify your learning.Maude and Claude expertly break down Arson, clarifying that common law requires malicious burning of a dwelling (or modern-day structure). You'll discover that malice for arson means acting with a reckless disregard of an obvious risk of burning, not a specific intent to set fire. A crucial distinction is made between mere scorching (not enough for arson) and charring (sufficient, as the material itself is altered by fire). The hosts highlight a vital bar exam takeaway: while completed arson is a malice crime, attempted arson always requires specific intent to complete the burning, a higher mental state. Furthermore, learn how transferred intent applies to completed arson but generally not to attempt.The discussion then pivots to Possession Offenses. You'll grasp that for general possession, knowing you possess an item and its nature (e.g., it's white powder) is usually enough, but you typically do not need to know its illegality. A significant clarification is made for Receiving Stolen Property: not only must the defendant know or believe the property is stolen at the time of receipt, but the property must actually be stolen. This means that in a police sting operation where goods have been recovered, the property legally loses its "stolen" status, preventing a conviction for the completed crime (though attempted receipt remains a possibility under the MPC).Finally, the hosts shed light on the modern legislative shifts that have consolidated common law property crimes like larceny, embezzlement, and false pretenses into a single, broader statutory crime often simply called theft. This simplifies complex charging issues, focusing on the wrongful nature of the taking rather than technical common law distinctions.Don't let these intricate details trip you up on exam day! Tune in to master the nuances of arson, possession crimes, and the evolution of theft law. Subscribe now to Study for the Bar in Your Car and drive your bar prep forward!.
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Criminal Law - Larceny, Robbery and Burglary
Sep 1300:38:14Tap to summarizeJoin your AI hosts, Maude and Claude, as they return in Episode 5 of the Study for the Bar in Your Car podcast to tackle the "big six" property crimes: Larceny, Embezzlement, False Pretenses, Robbery, Receipt of Stolen Property, and Burglary. Drawing directly from Angela's meticulously organized notes, this episode is a vital resource for navigating these heavily tested legal concepts on the bar exam.Maude and Claude dissect each crime, emphasizing the crucial elements and the subtle distinctions that can make all the difference in a legal analysis. You'll learn:Larceny as the "trespassory taking and carrying away of tangible personal property of another with the intent to permanently deprive" – paying close attention to the critical timing of intent and the continuing trespass doctrine.Embezzlement hinges on the defendant's initial lawful possession of the property, followed by its fraudulent conversion.False Pretenses uniquely requires obtaining title (ownership) to property through an intentional false statement of fact with intent to defraud, a key differentiator from larceny by trick where only possession is transferred.Robbery escalates larceny by adding "force or threats of immediate death or physical injury" when taking property "from the person or presence" of another.Receipt of Stolen Property demands actual knowledge that the property was, in fact, stolen at the time of receipt – a crucial common law distinction often tested via police sting scenarios.Burglary at common law is meticulously defined by "breaking and entering of the dwelling of another at nighttime with the intent to commit a felony therein," highlighting the specific nature of each element.The hosts illuminate these complex areas with practical examples, challenge your understanding with MBE-style questions, and guide you through an MEE essay analysis in the IRA format. Tune in to demystify these core property crimes and drive your bar prep forward. Subscribe now to master the nuances and ace your exam!
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Criminal Law - Offenses Against the Person
Aug 1300:23:12Tap to summarizeWelcome to "Study for the Bar in Your Car," Episode 4: Criminal Law – Offenses Against the Person! Your AI hosts, Maude and Claude, are here to expertly guide you through Angela's invaluable law notes, breaking down the intricacies of crimes that directly impact individuals.This episode delves into the core definitions and critical distinctions essential for bar exam success. We start with Assault and Battery, clarifying the "unlawful application of force" for battery—a general intent crime where even an offensive touch suffices. Then, we differentiate between assault as an "attempted battery" and "reasonable apprehension of immediate harmful contact."Next, we unravel False Imprisonment and its aggravated cousin, Kidnapping, emphasizing the addition of "substantial movement" (asportation) or concealment that elevates the offense. Learn how seemingly simple acts can trigger serious charges and why intent and the degree of movement are so crucial.The episode thoroughly unpacks Rape, highlighting the evolution from common law definitions to modern statutes, and the nuances of "effective consent". But perhaps most critically for your exam, we dive deep into Statutory Rape, a strict liability crime where a defendant's mistake regarding the victim's age is generally NO defense! This is a frequent bar exam trap, and we make sure it sticks.To solidify your understanding, we walk through MBE-style questions, dissecting real-world scenarios to illustrate how these rules apply in practice. Tune in to "Study for the Bar in Your Car" and master these high-stakes concepts with us. Subscribe now for more expertly distilled legal knowledge that will drive your bar prep forward!
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Criminal Law - Homicide
Aug 1200:46:41Tap to summarizeWelcome to "Study for the Bar in Your Car," Episode 3: Criminal Law - Homicide! Join Maude and Claude, your AI hosts, as we unravel the intricate world of causing another's death, guided by Angela's meticulously organized notes.This episode dives deep into the foundational definition of homicide and the critical concept of malice aforethought, distinguishing between various types of murder: intent to kill, intent to inflict great bodily injury, and the dramatic depraved heart murder (extreme indifference to human life). We also dissect first-degree murder's requirements of premeditation and deliberation.Crucially, we clarify the nuances of felony murder, detailing the BARK felonies (Burglary, Arson, Rape, Robbery, Kidnapping) and exploring the differing agency vs. proximate cause theories of liability.Understanding manslaughter is key, so we break down voluntary manslaughter (triggered by adequate provocation or imperfect self-defense) and involuntary manslaughter (from criminal negligence or misdemeanor manslaughter).The episode illuminates the vital role of causation, distinguishing between actual ("but-for") and proximate (foreseeable) causes, and addressing how intervening acts like medical negligence impact liability.Finally, equip yourself with essential defenses like self-defense (including the duty to retreat nuances and proportionality) and the limited application of voluntary intoxication.This episode is packed with "aha moments" to help you confidently tackle homicide questions on the bar exam. Tune in and subscribe to "Study for the Bar in Your Car" to master these high-stakes concepts!
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Criminal Law - General Principles
Aug 1101:04:30Tap to summarizeWelcome to "Study for the Bar in Your Car," Episode 2: Criminal Law - General Principles! Join your AI hosts, Maude and Claude, as we delve into the essential building blocks of criminal liability. Based on Angela's meticulously organized law notes, this episode simplifies complex legal ideas into digestible insights.We break down the absolute fundamentals: Actus Reus (the guilty act) and Mens Rea (the guilty mind), exploring common law distinctions like General Intent and Specific Intent, plus the Model Penal Code's culpability categories (Purposely, Knowingly, Recklessly, Negligently). Understand the critical difference of Strict Liability crimes where intent isn't required.Unpack the vital link of Causation (Actual and Proximate Cause) and learn about Parties to a Crime (e.g., Accomplice Liability vs. Accessory After the Fact). Navigate Inchoate Crimes such as Conspiracy (remember, it doesn't merge!) and Attempt (it does merge!), grasping their distinct elements and liability rules.We then tackle key property crimes like Larceny, Robbery, Burglary, and Embezzlement, highlighting their unique requirements. Delve into the serious area of Criminal Homicide, distinguishing between types of Murder (including Felony Murder and Depraved Heart Murder) and Manslaughter.Finally, equip yourself with crucial Defenses (e.g., Intoxication, Self-Defense, Insanity, Mistake of Fact) and essential Procedural/Constitutional Principles from the Fourth, Fifth, Sixth, and Eighth Amendments, covering everything from Search & Seizure to Double Jeopardy and Burdens of Proof.This episode is your roadmap through foundational criminal law concepts, designed to make them stick for your bar prep. Tune in, enhance your understanding, and get those "aha!" moments! Subscribe now to "Study for the Bar in Your Car" for more expert-guided legal insights.
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Criminal Law - Introduction
Aug 401:39:02Tap to summarizeWelcome to Criminal Law EP 01: Introduction! Join your AI hosts, Maude and Claude, on Study for the Bar in Your Car, as we begin an essential journey through criminal law. Built upon Angela's exceptionally detailed law school notes, our mission is to transform complex legal concepts into digestible, insightful audio.This episode lays the groundwork, diving deep into the foundational elements of any crime: actus reus (the prohibited act) and mens rea (the guilty mind), including specific intent, malice, general intent, and strict liability, plus the Model Penal Code categories. We also unravel the intricacies of causation, from "but for" cause to foreseeable harm, and its unique application in felony murder.Beyond foundational concepts, we introduce inchoate crimes like solicitation, attempt, and conspiracy, highlighting the critical merger doctrine and conspiracy's non-merger rule. We also explore accomplice liability, distinguishing common law roles from the modern approach. This comprehensive overview is designed not just for bar exam success, but for anyone seeking a deep understanding of our legal system.Discover actionable knowledge and achieve those "aha!" moments, truly grasping the rationale and practical implications of criminal law. Tune in to distill immense information into clear concepts that truly click! Subscribe now to master criminal law with Maude and Claude!
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Constitutional Law - The 13th, 14th and 15th Reconstruction Era Amendments
Aug 301:39:02Tap to summarizeUnlock critical insights into the 13th, 14th, and 15th Reconstruction Amendments with Maude and Claude on 'Study for the Bar in Your Car'! This essential episode, directly from Angela's expertly organized constitutional law notes, navigates how these revolutionary amendments reshaped American law.Discover the 13th Amendment’s unique power to ban private racial discrimination without requiring state action. Grasp the 14th Amendment’s expansive reach, covering citizenship, incorporation of fundamental rights (Due Process), and Equal Protection’s three levels of scrutiny—from strict (race, fundamental rights) to intermediate (gender) and rational basis. Finally, understand the 15th Amendment’s direct protection of voting rights against racial discrimination.This deep dive clarifies complex concepts, providing the key tests, buzzwords, and distinctions vital for your bar exam success. Elevate your understanding and confidently tackle MBEs and essays by exploring the foundational impact of these amendments on modern civil rights. Listen now and make your study time count!
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Constitutional Law - The Tenth Amendment
Aug 300:36:05Tap to summarizeJoin Maude and Claude, your AI hosts on the Study for the Bar in Your Car podcast, for a deep dive into the Tenth Amendment! You'll even hear from Angela herself, fresh off her bar exam, sharing her candid experience with essay success and MBE challenges. This episode illuminates the bedrock of American federalism, exploring how this vital amendment reserves powers to the states and the people, firmly limiting federal overreach.Discover why the federal government lacks a general police power and the nuanced interpretations of the Necessary and Proper Clause, ensuring Congress's implied powers remain strictly tied to enumerated ones. Maude and Claude break down how landmark cases like Lopez redefined the Commerce Clause, drawing a crucial line between economic and non-economic activity, and explain the delicate balance of Congress's Spending Power, distinguishing between permissible inducement and unconstitutional coercion.The discussion extends to key state protections, including the anti-commandeering doctrine, which shields states from federal mandates, and the complexities of state sovereign immunity under the Eleventh Amendment, detailing its crucial exceptions, such as congressional abrogation under the Fourteenth Amendment's Section 5. The hosts connect the Tenth Amendment's powerful phrase "powers...to the people" to the protection of unenumerated fundamental rights through substantive due process, covering the critical levels of judicial scrutiny applied.Gain essential insights into how this foundational amendment, often seen as quiet, profoundly shapes modern constitutional law – from its subtle links to privacy through the Third Amendment to its application in contemporary issues like prison conditions and homelessness under the Eighth Amendment. Tune in and subscribe to Study for the Bar in Your Car for an illuminating and comprehensive review that's crucial for your bar prep!
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Constitutional Law - The Ninth Amendment
Aug 200:30:23Tap to summarizeJoin Maude and Claude, your AI hosts on the Study for the Bar in Your Car podcast, as they delve into the Ninth Amendment – a short yet profoundly impactful clause often seen as the Constitution's "constitutional sleeper agent". Drawing from Angela's comprehensive law school notes, this episode illuminates how this amendment protects fundamental liberties that are not explicitly listed in the Constitution.Discover why the framers, particularly James Madison, included this vital safeguard: to explicitly state that the enumeration of certain rights "shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people". This prevents the dangerous implication that any rights not mentioned were implicitly surrendered to the government.For nearly two centuries, the Ninth Amendment largely "sat there", underutilized due to judicial hesitation and fears of "judicial activism". However, its pivotal moment arrived in the landmark 1965 Supreme Court case, Griswold v. Connecticut, which recognized a constitutional right to privacy. Justice Goldberg's concurring opinion in Griswold powerfully argued the Ninth Amendment provided a solid textual basis for discovering these "unenumerated rights".Maude and Claude explain how the Ninth Amendment, though often un-cited directly in modern cases, acts as a "vital rule of interpretation" for understanding concepts like substantive due process. It deeply informs the protection of rights considered "deeply rooted in this nation's history and tradition" such as marriage, procreation, and travel, which are subject to strict scrutiny against government interference.This episode provides essential context, helping you grasp the philosophy behind our broad realm of individual freedoms. Tune in and subscribe to Study for the Bar in Your Car to elevate your understanding of constitutional law for bar exam success!.
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Constitutional Law - The Eighth Amendment
Aug 100:24:34Tap to summarizeJoin Maude and Claude, your AI hosts on the Study for the Bar in Your Car podcast, as they delve into the Eighth Amendment – a concise yet profound constitutional safeguard against government overreach. Drawing from Angela's comprehensive notes, this episode illuminates the amendment's historical roots in English law and its enduring impact on American justice.Discover the protections against excessive bail and fines, learning that while the government doesn't always have to grant bail, any bail set cannot be disproportionate. The hosts clarify how preventive detention is permissible for community safety, and how fines must align with legitimate governmental purposes. Crucially, the Excessive Bail Clause is incorporated against the states through the 14th Amendment.The episode then tackles the highly debated Cruel and Unusual Punishments Clause. Maude and Claude explain the concept of "evolving standards of decency" that shapes its interpretation. They explore its application to prison conditions, where officials have a duty to ensure humane treatment, and deliberate indifference can constitute a violation. A timely discussion addresses the contentious issue of homelessness, examining how criminalizing the status of being homeless or unavoidable acts like sleeping outdoors, when no alternatives exist, can be deemed cruel and unusual punishment – a vital area of modern litigation.This insightful discussion provides a solid understanding of the Eighth Amendment's text, its three core clauses, and its vital role in protecting fundamental liberty interests from arbitrary and excessive governmental action. Tune in and subscribe to elevate your constitutional law understanding!
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