CA CLS Criminal Law case studies
CA CLS Criminal Law · Put your knowledge to work in context.
The California Certified Legal Specialist Examination in Criminal Law is the specialization exam pathway for California attorneys who want formal recognition of their expertise in criminal law. This page is an independent study resource for candidates preparing for that exam; it is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or operated by the California Lawyers Association or the State Bar of California. The credential is aimed at practicing criminal law attorneys - prosecutors, defense counsel, and others whose practice centers on criminal matters - who are building a specialization portfolio rather than sitting a general bar exam. Because specialization testing is practice-focused, preparation should emphasize doctrinal fluency across criminal law plus the ability to apply rules to fact patterns under time pressure. The CA CLS Criminal Law case studies are 5 cases and about 3,622 words.
1The Unloaded Gun and the Unexpected Bullet
Dana, a licensed gun owner, keeps a revolver in a locked box. Her roommate, Lee, has repeatedly asked Dana to teach him how to handle a gun.
829 words, about 4 min2The Borrowed Car and the Missing Registration
Alex borrows his friend's car to run errands. The friend, Jamie, tells Alex that the car is registered and insured, but the registration sticker on the license plate expired two months ago.
720 words, about 4 min3The Fence and the Stolen Bicycle
Sam operates a pawn shop. One afternoon, a teenager, Chris, brings in a high-end mountain bike and asks Sam to buy it for 200.
674 words, about 3 min4The Locked Room and the Missing Watch
Emma and her roommate, Rachel, share an apartment. Emma owns a valuable watch that she keeps in a locked drawer in her bedroom.
648 words, about 3 min5The Fight Outside the Bar
Late at night, outside a bar, Victor and Omar exchange angry words. Victor shoves Omar, and Omar shoves back.
751 words, about 4 min