It does, however, have the merit of bringing home the strength of the conflicting arguments on each point. Some sort of discussion, real or simulated, is essential to the understanding of legal problems. In universities, where the lecture method is used, there are almost always supplementary discussion groups in addition to the lectures. It is one thing for a student to hear that there are arguments on each side of a question and dutifully to write it down in his notes. Discussion of cases should not be confined to the classroom, and many law students find it useful to meet in groups, more or less regularly, for study and discussion.
Most law students find it convenient to make notes of cases they read.
Some students consider it unnecessary to make Case Briefs and, instead, underline key passages in their casebooks. There are, however, several reasons for making written notes. First, the act of preparing and writing a summary of a case tends to fix it more firmly in the mind. Second, brief and accurate notes are helpful for review. Third, and most importantly, making a summary of the significant facts of the cases requires skill and judgment.