CP Cheat Sheet 2026

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

1. What right is protected by the Fifth Amendment in criminal law? → Protection against self-incrimination
2. When Shepardizing a case in Lexis, what does a yellow triangle warning signal mean? → The case has been distinguished or has some negative treatment
3. Which of the following is the LEAST appropriate method for a paralegal to use when summarizing a client interview? → A voice recording sent to the client for their personal records without attorney review
4. Which California Family Code section establishes the guidelines for calculating child support? → California Family Code § 4050 et seq.
5. When using Westlaw's KeyCite, a red flag on a case indicates: → The case has been overruled or reversed
6. Under California's Three Strikes Law, a defendant convicted of a third felony receives a mandatory sentence of: → 25 years to life
7. After a California jury verdict, a party who believes the verdict is not supported by the evidence may file a motion for: → New trial or judgment notwithstanding the verdict (JNOV)
8. What is the purpose of a Notice of Petition to Administer Estate in California probate? → To notify creditors and interested parties of the probate proceeding
9. What happens at an arraignment? → Formal charging and plea entry
10. In California, what is the statute of limitations for most felony offenses? → 3 years
11. Which research tool provides the full text of California Attorney General opinions? → The California Attorney General's official website and commercial legal databases
12. What is the primary fiduciary duty of a trustee under California Probate Code §16002? → To administer the trust solely in the interests of the beneficiaries
13. A 'Pitchess motion' in California criminal proceedings is used to: → Discover a peace officer's personnel records for prior complaints of misconduct
14. What is the role of a summons in civil litigation? → A notice to the defendant to respond to the lawsuit
15. Under California law, a cross-complaint must generally be filed: → At the same time as or before the answer
16. Under California Probate Code §8461, who has FIRST priority to be appointed administrator of an intestate estate? → The surviving spouse or registered domestic partner
17. Which of the following is typically the role of a paralegal in civil litigation? → Assisting attorneys with case preparation and research
18. A paralegal who holds themselves out to the public as an attorney is subject to which California criminal statute? → California Business and Professions Code § 6125
19. Which of the following is an example of a civil case? → A case involving contract breach
20. What is the primary purpose of sending a 'follow-up letter' to a client after an initial interview? → To confirm facts discussed, identify outstanding documents needed, and set next steps
21. Which ethical rule most directly prohibits a California paralegal from splitting fees with an attorney based on case outcomes? → California Rules of Professional Conduct, Rule 1.5
22. The 'corpus delicti' rule in California criminal law requires: → The defendant's confession to be corroborated by independent evidence of the crime
23. The Sixth Amendment right to counsel attaches at: → The initiation of formal criminal proceedings
24. A California LLC is primarily governed by which statute? → California Revised Uniform Limited Liability Company Act (Corp. Code § 17701 et seq.)
25. What is a motion in civil litigation? → A request for a court decision on an issue in the case
26. A subpoena compelling a non-party witness to appear and testify at a deposition in California is called a: → Deposition Subpoena for Personal Appearance
27. In California child custody proceedings, the paramount consideration is: → The best interests of the child
28. In a California criminal trial, the standard of proof required for conviction is: → Beyond a reasonable doubt
29. A mechanic's lien in California allows contractors and material suppliers to: → Secure payment by placing a lien on the improved property
30. When documenting a client interview, which practice best protects the integrity of the record? → Recording exact quotes and observations contemporaneously during the interview