IN BAR Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield IN BAR facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. An examinee finds that a fact needed for the analysis is missing from the MPT File. What is the best course? → Note the missing fact and explain how its resolution would affect the conclusion
2. In drafting an MPT persuasive brief, point headings should generally be written as what? → Complete argumentative sentences combining law and favorable facts
3. Under Indiana Evidence Rule 617, a statement made during custodial interrogation at a place of detention is inadmissible in a felony prosecution unless: → An electronic recording of the interrogation was made, absent an enumerated exception
4. A wife is called to testify against her husband in a federal criminal trial about events during the marriage. Regarding spousal testimonial privilege: → The wife alone holds the privilege and may choose to testify
5. A licensee argues due process was violated solely because the same agency both investigated and adjudicated her case. Under Withrow v. Larkin, this argument: → Fails absent a showing of actual bias or special risk of unfairness
6. A defendant in Indiana files a motion for a speedy trial under Criminal Rule 4(B) while incarcerated on the charge. The State must bring him to trial within: → 70 days of the motion, absent delay chargeable to the defendant or court congestion
7. What is required for a warrantless search of a vehicle to be considered lawful under the Fourth Amendment? → The police must have probable cause to believe the vehicle contains evidence of a crime.
8. In an Indiana proceeding to terminate parental rights involuntarily, the state must prove the statutory elements by what standard? → Clear and convincing evidence
9. A general contractor uses a subcontractor's bid to compute its own winning bid, and the sub then tries to revoke. The sub's bid is most likely: → Irrevocable under promissory estoppel because reliance was foreseeable and actual
10. In Indiana, a will must be signed by the testator and witnessed by at least how many competent witnesses? → Two
11. What does the Fourth Amendment protect against? → Unreasonable searches and seizures by the government
12. A landowner contracts to sell a unique lakefront parcel and then refuses to convey. The buyer's best remedy is: → Specific performance, because land is presumed unique
13. A petitioner seeking judicial review under AOPA fails to file the agency record within the statutory period and obtains no extension. What is the consequence? → The petition is subject to dismissal
14. The MPT Library includes a statute and two cases from the fictional state of Franklin. What should an examinee assume about outside law? → Only the law provided in the Library should be used to analyze the problem
15. Which of the following is NOT a protected right under the First Amendment? → Right to privacy
16. The Supremacy Clause provides that federal law preempts state law. Express preemption occurs when: → Congress explicitly states its intent to preempt state law in the statute
17. A defendant falsely tells a woman her husband was killed in an accident, as a cruel prank, and she suffers severe emotional trauma. Her best claim is: → Intentional infliction of emotional distress based on extreme and outrageous conduct
18. When citing authority in an MPT answer, what level of citation formality is expected? → Informal but clear references identifying the authority, such as the case name
19. Under Indiana law, punitive damages in a tort case must be proven by: → Clear and convincing evidence
20. Under the Due Process Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment, which of the following is NOT considered a fundamental right requiring strict scrutiny? → Right to education
21. Under Indiana's 'one-pot' theory of marital property, which assets are subject to division at dissolution? → All property owned by either spouse, including premarital and inherited assets
22. Under the Indiana Trial Rules, a defendant served with a complaint in Indiana generally has how many days to respond? → 20 days, plus 3 if served by mail
23. When may character evidence be used to prove conduct? → In criminal cases, the defendant may offer evidence of pertinent good character traits
24. A seller delivers goods and the buyer uses them for two months before complaining of obvious defects. Under UCC 2-606 and 2-602, the buyer has most likely: → Accepted the goods by failing to make an effective rejection within a reasonable time
25. A car dealer sells a used car 'as is.' The sale most likely disclaims which warranty? → The implied warranty of merchantability
26. What is a quitclaim deed? → A deed that transfers whatever interest the grantor may have without warranties of title
27. A trusts essay involves a spendthrift trust. Which creditor can typically reach the beneficiary's interest despite the spendthrift clause? → A child with a court order for child support
28. During settlement negotiations, a defendant says, 'I know my brakes were bad, but I'll only pay half.' At trial, the plaintiff offers this statement. It is: → Inadmissible under Rule 408 as a statement made during compromise negotiations
29. Under the Indiana Child Support Guidelines, child support is calculated primarily using which model? → The income shares model based on both parents' weekly gross income
30. In Indiana, the statute of limitations for an action on a written contract for the payment of money is how long? → Six years