MD Bar Essay 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Since Maryland adopted the Uniform Bar Exam, which essay component do examinees complete?
- The Multistate Essay Examination (MEE) (Correct answer)
- Maryland-drafted state essays only
- A single three-hour thesis essay
- Oral essay defense before examiners
Correct answer: The Multistate Essay Examination (MEE)
Maryland administers the UBE, so the essay portion consists of the six MEE questions.
Question 2: How much time is allotted for each MEE essay question on the Maryland Bar Exam?
- 30 minutes (Correct answer)
- 60 minutes
- 45 minutes
- 20 minutes
Correct answer: 30 minutes
The MEE consists of six essays with 30 minutes allotted per question.
Question 3: An MEE question presents a contract dispute over the sale of 500 custom widgets. Which body of law should the essay primarily apply?
- UCC Article 2, because widgets are goods (Correct answer)
- Common law contracts, because the widgets are custom
- UCC Article 9 secured transactions
- The Restatement of Torts
Correct answer: UCC Article 2, because widgets are goods
Contracts for the sale of goods, even custom-made goods, are governed by UCC Article 2.
Question 4: In an essay answer, what does the 'A' in the IRAC structure require you to do?
- Apply the rule to the specific facts presented (Correct answer)
- Assert the correct answer immediately
- Abbreviate the rule statement
- Argue only the strongest side
Correct answer: Apply the rule to the specific facts presented
Application means analyzing how the legal rule operates on the fact pattern's specific facts.
Question 5: An essay tests a will signed by the testator but witnessed by only one person. Under the majority rule tested on the MEE, the will is most likely:
- Invalid, because two witnesses are generally required (Correct answer)
- Valid, because one witness suffices
- Valid, because notarization is never required
- Invalid, because wills must be handwritten
Correct answer: Invalid, because two witnesses are generally required
The traditional attested-will rule requires the testator's signature plus two witnesses.
Question 6: A grader awards points on an MEE answer chiefly for:
- Accurate rule statements and reasoned analysis of the facts (Correct answer)
- Length of the answer alone
- Citing case names from memory
- Reaching the same conclusion as the grader
Correct answer: Accurate rule statements and reasoned analysis of the facts
MEE grading rewards correct rules and fact-based reasoning more than conclusions or citations.
Question 7: Which subject combination can appear together within a single MEE question?
- Two related subjects, such as trusts and future interests (Correct answer)
- Only one subject per question, by rule
- All twelve MEE subjects at once
- Only MBE subjects, never non-MBE ones
Correct answer: Two related subjects, such as trusts and future interests
NCBE regularly writes crossover MEE questions combining two or more related subjects.
MD Bar Essay 2
Since Maryland adopted the Uniform Bar Exam, which essay component do examinees complete?