Every decision that a court makes is infused with value choices. Every judge uses silent or unspoken assumptions when writing opinions. See if you can figure out what those are in each case and how the cases would be different if there had been different assumptions. Analyze the values that are brought into question and see if the result comports with your values. If not, figure out how you could argue to change it, because someday that may be your job.
Study groups are indispensable for every class every year of law school.
They tend to fall by the wayside and that is a big mistake. Brainstorming is one of the best techniques for learning and developing new understandings. Appreciate what your peers have to say. Time in study groups discussing law is never wasted. Most likely you will be working with other lawyers on cases for most of your career, so it is a good time to learn to work collaboratively and to discuss and debate these issues with others.