MN BAR Cheat Sheet 2026

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

1. Under Minnesota law, a liquidated damages clause is enforceable if: → Damages are difficult to estimate and the amount is a reasonable forecast
2. In Minnesota, first-degree premeditated murder requires which of the following in addition to causing death? → Premeditation and intent to cause death
3. Under Minnesota law, when does a contract for the sale of real property satisfy the Statute of Frauds? → When it is signed by the party to be charged
4. In Minnesota, which standard governs a court's decision to grant or deny a preliminary injunction? → Preponderance of the evidence on all four Dataphase factors
5. In a Minnesota civil trial, when may a court grant judgment as a matter of law (directed verdict) to a defendant? → After the plaintiff rests, if reasonable minds could not differ on the outcome
6. When can a party file a "motion for summary judgment" in Minnesota? → After the pleadings are closed but before trial
7. In Minnesota, what is the standard remedy for breach of contract? → Expectation damages
8. Under Minnesota law, how is child support calculated? → Using the income shares model based on both parents' incomes and parenting time
9. What is the standard for granting a "motion for a new trial" in Minnesota? → An error of law or a significant procedural error affecting the outcome
10. Under the UCC as adopted in Minnesota, a merchant's firm offer to buy or sell goods is irrevocable for up to how long even without consideration? → 90 days
11. Under Minnesota law, a premarital (antenuptial) agreement is enforceable if: → It was entered voluntarily and is not unconscionable at enforcement
12. Under the Minnesota Rules of Evidence, hearsay is defined as: → An out-of-court statement offered to prove the truth of the matter asserted
13. In Minnesota, which of the following is required for the excited utterance exception to hearsay under Rule 803(2)? → The statement must relate to a startling event and be made under its stress
14. In Minnesota, which ground for divorce is recognized? → Irreconcilable differences — irretrievable breakdown of the marriage
15. Under Minnesota Rules of Civil Procedure, which discovery method allows a party to require a non-party to produce documents? → Subpoena duces tecum
16. Under Minnesota UCC Article 2, risk of loss for identified goods passes to the buyer when the seller is NOT a merchant: → When the seller tenders delivery
17. In a consumer protection case, what is the significance of proving "reasonable reliance" on a deceptive practice? → It is essential to demonstrate that the plaintiff was misled by the defendant’s actions
18. In Minnesota, spousal maintenance (alimony) may be awarded when: → The requesting spouse lacks sufficient income or assets to meet their reasonable needs
19. In Minnesota criminal procedure, impeachment of a defendant's credibility with a prior felony conviction is governed by: → A balancing test weighing probative value against prejudice
20. Under Minnesota sentencing guidelines, what is the primary factor that determines the presumptive sentence for a felony? → Offense severity level and criminal history score
21. Under Minnesota law, property acquired by one spouse through inheritance during the marriage is treated as: → Nonmarital property if kept separate
22. When is a "motion to strike" used in Minnesota civil procedure? → To remove certain allegations or parts of a pleading that are improper or irrelevant
23. Which of the following is a common zoning classification used in Minnesota municipalities? → All of the above
24. What type of damages may a plaintiff recover under the Minnesota Consumer Fraud Act? → Actual damages and punitive damages
25. In Minnesota, what is the statute of limitations for most felony offenses? → 3 years
26. A Minnesota court would likely find a contract unconscionable and refuse to enforce it if: → The contract had grossly unfair terms imposed on a party with no meaningful choice
27. Under Minnesota corporate law, shareholders in a closely held corporation may bring a derivative action when: → The board refuses to sue on behalf of the corporation after a demand or demand is excused
28. What is the primary purpose of zoning laws in Minnesota? → To control land use and development in specific areas
29. In a Minnesota limited partnership, general partners differ from limited partners in that: → General partners have unlimited personal liability and management control
30. Which Minnesota doctrine prevents a party from asserting a contractual right when their own conduct would make doing so inequitable? → Estoppel