NM AT Law case studies
NM AT Law · Put your knowledge to work in context.
The NM AT Law exam is the law component of the New Mexico bar examination, testing candidates on the structure and jurisdiction of New Mexico's judicial branch. It is intended for aspiring attorneys and others who must demonstrate working knowledge of how New Mexico courts are organized, which courts hear which matters, and where appeals travel. The NM AT Law case studies are 5 cases and about 2,818 words.
1Life Without Parole, a Lesser Count, and the Wrong Appellate Clerk
In 2023, a district court jury convicted Marcus of first-degree murder and sentenced him to life imprisonment without parole. The same jury convicted him of tampering with evidence, a third-degree felony, and the judge imposed a consecutive three-year sentence.
654 words, about 3 min2Partial Summary Judgment, Rule 54(b), and the Premature Appeal
In a Bernalillo County district court, homeowner Elena sued a contractor for defective remodeling, seeking $85,000. The court granted Elena partial summary judgment on liability, leaving damages and the contractor's counterclaims for trial.
557 words, about 3 min3A Non-Attorney Magistrate, a Felony Plea, and Habeas Review
In a rural county, a magistrate judge who is not a licensed attorney presides over a case in which the State charged Daniel with felony DWI, fourth offense, and misdemeanor careless driving. At arraignment, Daniel's public defender advised him to plead guilty to both.
555 words, about 3 min4City Ordinance, State Battery, and the Limits of Municipal Court
In a New Mexico city outside Bernalillo County, police respond to a loud party. They cite homeowner Priya under a municipal ordinance for unreasonable noise and also charge her with state misdemeanor battery for allegedly shoving an officer.
520 words, about 3 min5Contested Will, Quiet Title, and the Probate Court's Ceiling
In a county of 15,000 residents, the probate judge, a non-attorney elected official, is asked to probate the estate of a deceased rancher. The will leaves the 400-acre ranch to one daughter and cash to another.
532 words, about 3 min