MS BAR Cheat Sheet 2026

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

1. The task memo says your supervising partner wants "a persuasive letter to opposing counsel seeking settlement." The tone should be: → Firm and persuasive but professional, since it addresses another lawyer
2. In a Mississippi real property essay, a grantor conveys land 'to A for life, then to B and her heirs.' B dies before A. At A's death, the land passes to: → B's heirs or devisees, because a vested remainder survives the remainderman's death
3. An MPT statute in the Library has three numbered elements, but the Library cases interpret only two of them. What should you do about the third element? → Analyze it using the statutory text and the File facts
4. In Mississippi, under the doctrine of adverse possession, which element is generally NOT required? → Payment of property taxes for the statutory period
5. How many justices serve on the Mississippi Supreme Court? → 9
6. A Library statute became effective after the events described in the File occurred. A strong answer will: → Address whether the statute applies to conduct predating its effective date
7. Which of the following is NOT a skill the MPT is designed to test? → Memorized knowledge of substantive state law
8. Under Mississippi law, what is required for a deed to be valid and enforceable? → The deed must be signed by the grantor and acknowledged before a notary public.
9. Under Mississippi agency law, a principal is vicariously liable for the torts of an independent contractor in which of the following situations? → When the work involves an inherently dangerous activity
10. Mississippi's constitutional guarantee of a speedy trial applies to which courts? → All criminal prosecutions in Mississippi courts
11. In Mississippi, which doctrine allows a court to reform a deed that fails to reflect the true intent of the parties due to a mutual mistake? → Equitable reformation
12. Under Mississippi professional responsibility rules, a lawyer serving as a mediator should: → Remain neutral and avoid representing any party in the same dispute afterward
13. On the MBE, a plaintiff suing in negligence must establish the defendant's duty of care. What standard applies to a landowner toward a licensee? → Duty to warn of known concealed dangers
14. In a Mississippi professional responsibility essay, an attorney receives a large cash payment from a client as an advance fee. The attorney must: → Deposit the funds in a client trust account and withdraw only as fees are earned
15. On the MBE Contracts essay, when both parties are mistaken about a material fact at the time of contracting, the contract is generally: → Voidable at the election of the adversely affected party
16. Under the Mississippi Rules of Evidence, which of the following is NOT a recognized hearsay exception? → A statement of future intent offered to show the declarant later acted consistently
17. Under Mississippi partnership law, a general partner's liability for partnership debts is best described as: → Joint and several with all other general partners
18. Under the MBE, a police officer arrests a suspect without a warrant. For the arrest to be constitutional, the officer must have: → Probable cause to believe the suspect committed a felony
19. Under Mississippi family law, which standard governs all child custody determinations? → The best interests of the child, applying the Albright factors
20. The Mississippi Constitution prohibits the Legislature from passing laws granting which of the following? → Special or local laws in certain enumerated cases
21. A defendant is charged with larceny. Which mental state is required for conviction under common law? → Intent to permanently deprive the owner
22. Under Mississippi Rule of Evidence 407, subsequent remedial measures are inadmissible to prove: → Negligence or culpable conduct in connection with the injury
23. In a Mississippi negligence case, the doctrine of comparative fault adopted by Mississippi is best described as: → Pure comparative fault, allowing recovery even if the plaintiff is 99% at fault
24. What percentage of the total UBE score do the two MPT items together represent? → 20 percent
25. Under Mississippi property law, a deed containing a general warranty covenant obligates the grantor to defend against claims arising from: → All encumbrances, whether created by the grantor or a prior owner
26. In which of the following situations would a "fee simple subject to a condition subsequent" estate terminate? → The property is used for a purpose other than residential housing, with no prior notice.
27. Under Mississippi Rule of Professional Conduct 4.2, a lawyer may not communicate directly with a represented opposing party without: → The consent of the opposing party's counsel or authorization by law
28. The Mississippi Due Process Clause is found in which article of the Mississippi Constitution? → Article III
29. Under MBE Contracts, when a party to a contract delegates performance duties to a third party, the original obligor: → Remains liable unless there is a novation
30. The Mississippi Constitution's prohibition against double jeopardy is best described as which of the following? → A protection against being tried twice for the same offense