UT BAR Cheat Sheet 2026

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

1. What is the exclusionary rule? → Evidence obtained in violation of constitutional rights is inadmissible at trial
2. Utah has abolished joint and several liability for fault-based torts. What does this mean for a defendant found 30% at fault? → That defendant pays only 30% of the damages
3. You finish your MPT answer with 15 minutes left. What is the most productive next step? → Review your answer against the task memo to confirm every assigned element was addressed
4. A homeowner sets a spring gun to protect an unoccupied vacation cabin, and it seriously wounds a burglar. Why is the homeowner liable? → Deadly force cannot be used solely to protect property
5. Utah's wrongful death cause of action is notable because it is: → Guaranteed by the Utah Constitution, which bars its abrogation
6. An MPT task memo asks for an 'objective memorandum.' Which writing approach is correct? → Analyze both strengths and weaknesses of the client's position neutrally
7. In Utah, what is the statute of limitations for bringing a personal injury claim? → 2 years
8. Under the Uniform Commercial Code (UCC), which of the following is NOT a requirement for the formation of a contract for the sale of goods? → Writing
9. An MPT Library statute has several numbered elements. The strongest answers will typically: → Address each element separately, applying File facts to each
10. In which UBE session are the MPT items administered? → The morning of the written day, before the MEE
11. A Utah couple with a minor child files for divorce. Before the court will grant the divorce, both parties generally must complete what requirement? → A mandatory divorce orientation and divorce education course for divorcing parents
12. The Utah Bar Exam is administered as which examination? → The Uniform Bar Examination (UBE)
13. When may character evidence be used to prove conduct? → In criminal cases, the defendant may offer evidence of pertinent good character traits
14. A party calls its own witness, who unexpectedly gives damaging testimony. The party may impeach its own witness: → Freely, because any party may attack any witness's credibility
15. What is a material breach of contract? → A breach so substantial that it excuses the non-breaching party from further performance
16. When drafting a settlement agreement, which provision is crucial to include to ensure that the agreement is enforceable? → A clause releasing both parties from future claims related to the matter settled
17. What is specific performance as a contract remedy? → A court order requiring the breaching party to perform their contractual obligations
18. A city rezones a parcel, eliminating nearly all economically viable use of the land. The owner's strongest constitutional claim is: → A regulatory taking requiring just compensation under Lucas's total-deprivation rule
19. A man points an unloaded gun at a victim who knows the gun is unloaded. The victim laughs. In a suit for assault, the victim will most likely: → Lose, because the victim had no reasonable apprehension of imminent harmful contact
20. Utah allocates water rights under which doctrine? → Prior appropriation — first in time, first in right, based on beneficial use
21. The task memo instructs you to draft only the argument section of a brief, not the statement of facts. What should you do? → Draft only the argument section as instructed
22. Which of the following is a valid basis for annulment rather than divorce in Utah? → The marriage was between parties within prohibited degrees of consanguinity
23. Which standard governs a Utah court's initial award of custody between two fit parents? → The best interest of the child
24. What is the double jeopardy clause? → The Fifth Amendment prohibition against being tried twice for the same offense
25. The File includes an ethics rule excerpt and the task involves a potential conflict of interest. This suggests: → The answer should apply the provided ethics rule to the facts
26. Under UAPA, how is an adjudicative proceeding before a Utah agency commenced? → By either a notice of agency action or a request for agency action filed by a person
27. A claim for defamation in Utah must generally be brought within: → One year
28. Under Utah law, a divorce decree may not be entered until how long after the petition is filed, absent a waiver for extraordinary circumstances? → 30 days
29. In Utah criminal procedure, felony charges are most commonly initiated by: → An information followed by a preliminary hearing
30. What are prior inconsistent statements used for? → To impeach a witness's credibility by showing contradictory earlier statements