SC BAR Cheat Sheet 2026

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

1. An MEE constitutional law essay involves a state law that discriminates against out-of-state businesses. The essay should primarily analyze: → The dormant Commerce Clause
2. When a government action burdens a fundamental right under substantive due process, what standard of review applies? → Strict scrutiny
3. Which of the following classifications triggers strict scrutiny under the Equal Protection Clause? → Race
4. In the MPT File, a client interview transcript contains facts that contradict the client's affidavit. The best response in an objective memo is to: → Flag the factual inconsistency and analyze both possibilities
5. A party who is dissatisfied with a final decision of the South Carolina Administrative Law Court in a contested case generally seeks review in: → The South Carolina Court of Appeals
6. Under the South Carolina Rules of Professional Conduct, which of the following is a duty an attorney owes to a client? → To maintain client confidentiality unless the client consents to disclosure
7. What is the exclusionary rule? → Evidence obtained in violation of constitutional rights is inadmissible at trial
8. What does the Fourth Amendment protect against? → Unreasonable searches and seizures by the government
9. In an MPT, the Library contains a statute and two cases interpreting it from different angles. The strongest answers will: → Synthesize the statute and cases into a working rule applied to the client's facts
10. What is specific performance as a contract remedy? → A court order requiring the breaching party to perform their contractual obligations
11. South Carolina follows which type of recording statute? → Race-notice
12. What is the double jeopardy clause? → The Fifth Amendment prohibition against being tried twice for the same offense
13. An MEE question crosses two subjects, such as agency principles inside a partnership dispute. The examinee should: → Address issues from both subjects as raised by the facts
14. Under Lucas v. South Carolina Coastal Council, a regulation that deprives a property owner of ALL economically beneficial use of her land constitutes: → A per se taking requiring full just compensation
15. What is eminent domain? → The government's power to take private property for public use with just compensation
16. While an appeal of an agency license revocation is pending, the licensee wants to keep operating. Under the SC APA, the licensee should: → Seek a stay of the agency decision from the tribunal or reviewing court
17. What percentage of the total UBE score in South Carolina comes from the written components (MEE plus MPT) combined? → 50%
18. The South Carolina General Assembly's ability to disapprove a proposed regulation during the review period is best characterized as: → A legislative check on executive-branch rulemaking authority
19. What is a material breach of contract? → A breach so substantial that it excuses the non-breaching party from further performance
20. Under South Carolina law, what is the primary method for resolving disputes over the distribution of an estate when there is no will? → Probate court adjudication according to the intestacy statutes
21. An MEE torts essay describes a defendant who acted reasonably but caused harm through an abnormally dangerous activity. The essay should focus on: → Strict liability, which applies regardless of the care exercised
22. Under South Carolina law, what is the statutory period required to acquire title by adverse possession? → 10 years
23. Which structural approach is generally most effective for an MEE answer? → IRAC or CRAC organization with headings for each issue
24. What is the residency requirement for filing a divorce in South Carolina? → The petitioner must meet state-specific residency requirements before filing
25. A grantor conveys land "to A for life, then to B and her heirs." What interest does B hold during A's lifetime? → A vested remainder in fee simple
26. A witness gives testimony at trial inconsistent with a statement she made under oath at a prior deposition. For what purposes may the prior statement be used? → Both impeachment and substantive evidence, because it was given under oath at a proceeding
27. An MPT task asks for a persuasive brief with argumentative point headings. A proper point heading should: → State a legal conclusion tied to the client's specific facts
28. What is relevance in evidence law? → Evidence that has any tendency to make a material fact more or less probable
29. How much time is allotted for each MPT item on the Uniform Bar Exam administered in South Carolina? → 90 minutes
30. What is a quitclaim deed? → A deed that transfers whatever interest the grantor may have without warranties of title