Hegland's Introduction to the Study and Practice of Law in a Nutshell, 5th ed

"This guide is a good resource when you are about to start law school or are in your first year. Like other introductory books, it covers reading and briefing cases, preparing for class, outlining and study groups, and taking exams. Exercises are included so that you can apply what you have learned. In addition to these essentials, the book focuses on what is often elusive: legal analysis, why courts follow precedent, how cases are applied and distinguished, and how ambiguous language is interpreted."--Publisher's website.