FE-1 Criminal Law study plan

Map the exam blueprint against your own knowledge gaps by writing a one-line self-rating for each major topic area

Define the elements of the core offenses (homicide, assault, theft, robbery, burglary) and recite each element set from memory without notes

Distinguish actus reus from mens rea and identify which mental states attach to which element in three hypothetical scenarios

Build a personal terminology glossary of 30 doctrine terms with a one-sentence definition each

Classify the four common law mens rea levels (purpose, knowledge, recklessness, negligence) and apply each to the same fact pattern to show how the outcome changes

Analyze mistake of fact versus mistake of law and state when each negates liability

Explain strict liability offenses and identify the policy justifications for imposing them

Draft short rule statements for each mental state that you can reuse in essay answers

Break down the doctrine of accomplice liability, including the mental state required for the accomplice and the natural and probable consequences rule

Compare attempt, conspiracy, and solicitation on the actus reus threshold each requires

Explain legal impossibility versus factual impossibility and predict outcomes in both

Analyze withdrawal from a conspiracy and its effect on co-conspirator liability

Apply the self-defense elements, including proportionality, imminent threat, and the duty to retreat, to three escalating fact patterns

Distinguish duress, necessity, and entrapment and state which defenses excuse versus justify conduct

Analyze the insanity tests (M'Naghten, irresistible impulse, Model Penal Code substantial capacity) and identify which facts trigger each

Explain the effect of voluntary versus involuntary intoxication on mens rea

Trace the felony murder rule, including which felonies qualify, the merger doctrine, and the agency versus proximate cause approaches to co-felon liability

Analyze causation in homicide, separating actual cause from proximate cause and identifying intervening causes

Distinguish first degree, second degree, and voluntary manslaughter using heat of passion and adequate provocation

Apply the year-and-a-day rule and note its modern status

Distinguish larceny, embezzlement, false pretenses, and robbery by the moment of taking and the nature of the property interest

Explain the continuing trespass doctrine and its effect on later intent

Analyze burglary elements, including the modern expansion of the structure and timing requirements

Apply the elements of arson and identify what the common law required to be burned

Complete 60 timed practice questions under exam conditions and log every miss by doctrine category

Re-derive the rule behind each missed question in your own words without looking at the answer explanation

Identify your three weakest doctrine areas from the error log and rebuild those outline sections from scratch

Practice eliminating answer choices by spotting the single element each wrong choice distorts

Take two full-length timed practice exams and score them against the same rubric to measure improvement

Write four full essay answers under time pressure using a consistent issue-rule-application-conclusion structure

Review only your error log and condensed outline, avoiding new material in the final days

Rehearse the element sets from memory one final time to confirm retention