IA BAR Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield IA BAR facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. A contract for the sale of real property is enforceable under the Statute of Frauds only if it is: → Signed by the party to be charged
2. In Iowa, what is the difference between a joint tenancy and a tenancy in common? → Joint tenancy includes the right of survivorship; tenancy in common does not
3. To establish intentional infliction of emotional distress (IIED), a plaintiff must show the defendant's conduct was: → Extreme and outrageous, intentionally or recklessly causing severe emotional distress
4. Which clause of the U.S. Constitution gives Congress the power to regulate commerce among the states? → Commerce Clause
5. In Iowa, what is the landlord's duty regarding the habitability of rental property? → Landlords must maintain the property in a condition fit for human habitation
6. Which of the following is a complete defense to a battery claim? → The plaintiff voluntarily and knowingly consented to the contact
7. In a contract for the sale of goods, when does a contract become enforceable under the UCC if no price is agreed upon? → When the parties agree on a reasonable price at the time of delivery
8. What is a quitclaim deed in Iowa? → A deed that transfers whatever interest the grantor has without any warranties
9. In a negligence action, the 'but-for' test is used to establish: → Actual cause (cause-in-fact)
10. Under the Restatement (Second) of Contracts, an anticipatory repudiation occurs when a party: → Unequivocally states it will not perform before performance is due
11. What is the purpose of a directed verdict (now called judgment as a matter of law) in Iowa? → To end the case when no reasonable jury could find for the non-moving party
12. The parol evidence rule bars extrinsic evidence offered to: → Contradict or vary the terms of a fully integrated written agreement
13. What is the Iowa statute of limitations for most felonies? → 3 years
14. The doctrine of res ipsa loquitur allows a plaintiff to: → Create an inference of negligence from the circumstances of the accident
15. Under Iowa law, what is the burden of proof in a civil case? → Preponderance of the evidence
16. A condition precedent in a contract must occur before: → A party's duty to perform becomes absolute
17. What is a counterclaim under Iowa civil procedure? → A claim by the defendant against the plaintiff arising from the same transaction
18. Under the 'reasonable person' standard in negligence, the defendant's conduct is measured against: → A hypothetical person of ordinary prudence under similar circumstances
19. In Iowa, an oral modification of a written contract that falls within the Statute of Frauds is generally: → Unenforceable unless supported by promissory estoppel or partial performance
20. Under traditional common law, a landowner's duty of care to undiscovered trespassers is generally: → To refrain from willful, wanton, or reckless conduct
21. Which element distinguishes an illusory promise from a valid contractual promise? → The promisor retains the unlimited right to cancel or not perform
22. Which Supreme Court case established the principle of judicial review? → Marbury v. Madison
23. In Iowa, what rights does a defendant have at a preliminary hearing? → The right to counsel, to cross-examine witnesses, and to present evidence
24. What are the four elements a plaintiff must prove to establish a negligence claim? → Duty, breach, causation, and damages
25. Under the UCC, the risk of loss in a shipment contract passes to the buyer: → When the seller duly delivers the goods to the carrier
26. Which constitutional doctrine allows federal law to take precedence over state law? → Supremacy Clause
27. Which of the following would be considered a breach of contract? → A party failing to deliver goods as agreed without a valid excuse
28. Which of the following is NOT a required element for a contract to be enforceable? → Written documentation
29. Battery is best defined as: → An intentional act causing harmful or offensive contact with another's person
30. What is the standard of proof required for a conviction in a criminal case? → Beyond a reasonable doubt