“Briefing Shortcut Risks” examines the increasing reliance on case briefs in legal education and practice, questioning whether this trend sacrifices depth for speed and impacts the development of essential legal skills. The book argues that over-dependence on these shortcuts can erode critical reading abilities, diminish nuanced legal reasoning, and lead to misinterpretations due to incomplete information. It highlights that the sheer volume of case law and the pressure of billable hours contribute to this reliance.
The book explores the drawbacks of relying solely on case briefs, specifically how they can fragment understanding and compromise critical reading skills. Drawing upon empirical research and cognitive psychology, it presents strategies for balanced case engagement, suggesting methods to integrate thorough reading with efficient briefing. It emphasizes textual interpretation and contextual understanding while providing practical implications for legal educators, students, and practicing attorneys.
