Read the Statutes First: A Simple MPT Strategy That Pays Off

When tackling an MPT, it’s tempting to dive into the cases first. After all, they're written in narrative form and often seem more accessible than dry statutory language.

But here's a tip: When the Library includes both statutes and cases, always read the statutes first.

Why?

Think of statutes as the raw ingredients of a recipe. They set the foundation. But like any ingredient, they can be used and interpreted in different ways. That’s where the cases come in. They show you how the courts have cooked with those statutes, how they’ve interpreted, applied, or limited them. If you don’t know what the ingredients are, you’ll miss the point of the recipe entirely.

Photo by Katie Smith on Unsplash

Here’s why reading the statutes first is a winning move:

💡 Statutes Define the Playing Field

Statutes provide the legal framework—definitions, rules, procedures, exceptions. You can’t know what’s at stake or how a court reasoned through a case if you haven’t grounded yourself in the relevant statutory language first.

💡 Cases Often Assume You Know the Statutes

Judicial opinions typically don’t reprint the entire statute. Instead, they reference or apply portions of it. If you haven’t read the statute yet, you’ll waste time going back and forth trying to understand the court’s reasoning—or worse, misread the rule entirely.

💡 Statutes Reveal Scope and Structure

Reading the statute gives you the "big picture" view. You’ll often see multiple subsections, conditions, or exceptions that shape how the law works. Spotting those upfront will help you understand why different cases interpret or apply the statute in different ways—and which ones match your client’s situation.

💡 Statutes Help You Prioritize Cases

Not all cases will be equally relevant. If you’ve read the statute, you’ll know which legal issues matter most—and which cases are worth your time. Otherwise, you might waste precious minutes dissecting a case that hinges on a section of the law your fact pattern doesn’t even implicate.

💡 It’s a Time Management Win

Many examinees don’t realize this, but reading the statute first saves time. You’ll read cases faster and more efficiently when you already understand the statutory backdrop. That means you’ll have more time to outline and write a better-organized, more focused response.

Bottom line: When you see both statutes and cases in the MPT Library, don’t just follow your instincts; instead, follow the structure. Statutes first, always.