KY BAR Cheat Sheet 2026

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

1. A lawyer in Kentucky wishes to enter into a business transaction with a current client. Which requirement is NOT necessary under Rule 1.8(a)? → The transaction must be approved by the Kentucky Bar Association
2. A driver suffers an unforeseeable heart attack and crashes into a storefront. In a negligence action, the driver's best defense is: → The sudden medical emergency negates breach of duty
3. What are prior inconsistent statements used for? → To impeach a witness's credibility by showing contradictory earlier statements
4. At trial, a party calls a witness who unexpectedly gives damaging testimony. Under the Kentucky Rules of Evidence, the calling party: → May impeach its own witness, since any party may attack a witness's credibility
5. A Kentucky lawyer wants to communicate about a case with an opposing party who is represented by counsel. Under Rule 4.2, the lawyer may do so only if: → The other lawyer consents or the contact is authorized by law or court order
6. A corporation's articles of incorporation must include which of the following under the MBCA? → The corporation's name, number of authorized shares, and registered agent information
7. A trial court in Kentucky must decide whether a witness qualifies as an expert on accident reconstruction. In making this preliminary determination, the court: → Is not bound by the rules of evidence, except those on privilege
8. What is the doctrine of sovereign immunity? → The principle that the government cannot be sued without its consent
9. Under the UCC, what is the primary rule for determining the place of delivery for a sales contract involving goods? → Delivery must be made at the location specified in the contract
10. In Kentucky, what is the statutory period required to establish title by adverse possession of real property? → 15 years
11. O conveys "to the school board so long as the land is used as a school." What future interest does O retain? → A possibility of reverter
12. What is the Rule Against Perpetuities? → A rule requiring that future interests must vest within a life in being plus 21 years
13. A minor purchases a car, drives it for six months, then disaffirms the contract and returns the damaged car. In most jurisdictions, what may the minor recover? → The full purchase price, because a minor may disaffirm and need only return what remains
14. Under Kentucky Rules of Civil Procedure, when can a defendant file a motion to dismiss for failure to state a claim upon which relief can be granted? → Within 30 days after service of the complaint
15. What is an agency's enabling statute? → The law enacted by Congress that creates the agency and defines its authority and powers
16. When may character evidence be used to prove conduct? → In criminal cases, the defendant may offer evidence of pertinent good character traits
17. A homeowner uses a spring gun to protect an unoccupied vacation cabin, and a burglar is seriously injured. In a tort action by the burglar, the homeowner is: → Liable, because deadly mechanical devices cannot be used solely to protect property
18. A pedestrian sues a driver who ran a red light in violation of a Kentucky traffic statute. The violation is best used to establish: → Negligence per se, satisfying duty and breach
19. Under the Kentucky Rules of Professional Conduct, what is the lawyer’s obligation if they discover that a client has lied or provided false information? → The lawyer must withdraw from representation if the falsehood affects the case
20. What constitutes a fixture in real property law? → Personal property that has become permanently attached to real property
21. An off-duty police officer working private security shoots an unarmed shoplifter fleeing with merchandise. The strongest tort theory against the officer is: → Battery, because deadly force was unreasonable to stop a nonviolent property offense
22. What is the best evidence rule? → Original documents must be produced to prove their contents unless an exception applies
23. In Kentucky, a claim for loss of parental consortium may be brought by: → A minor child for the wrongful death of a parent
24. A plaintiff sues a Kentucky physician for medical negligence. To establish the standard of care, the plaintiff generally must present: → Expert testimony on the degree of care of a reasonably competent practitioner
25. A trespassing 8-year-old is injured by an unfenced, motor-driven auger on the defendant's farm. The child's best theory against the landowner is: → The attractive nuisance doctrine for artificial conditions dangerous to children
26. What is the purpose of filing a UCC financing statement? → To perfect the security interest and establish priority over other creditors
27. What must the prosecution prove to obtain a conviction for a crime in Kentucky? → The defendant’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt
28. Which lawyer advertisement would violate Kentucky's rules on communications about legal services? → Claiming 'I guarantee you will win your case'
29. During a jury trial in Kentucky, a lawyer learns that her client intends to testify falsely. Under Rule 3.3, the lawyer's FIRST obligation is to: → Attempt to persuade the client not to testify falsely
30. A Kentucky prosecutor possesses evidence that tends to negate the guilt of the accused. Under Rule 3.8, the prosecutor must: → Disclose it to the defense in a timely manner