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. Which of the following is true about a motion for summary judgment? → It requests a decision without a trial, based on undisputed facts
2. What federal statute primarily governs the procedures of federal administrative agencies, including rulemaking and adjudication? → Administrative Procedure Act (APA)
3. What are the three branches of the U.S. government and their functions? → Legislative (makes laws), executive (enforces laws), and judicial (interprets laws)
4. What happens if someone dies without a will? → The estate is distributed according to state law
5. What is an assignment of contract rights? → The transfer of rights under a contract from one party to a third party
6. What is the process of 'probate administration'? → The legal process of administering a deceased person's estate
7. What is an arraignment in criminal procedure? → A proceeding where the defendant is formally charged and enters a plea
8. What is remittitur in civil litigation? → A court-ordered reduction of an excessive jury award
9. A CP professional encounters an unfamiliar situation while performing fundamentals & core concepts duties. What is the most appropriate first action? → Consult relevant standards, guidelines, or a qualified supervisor before proceeding
10. In federal court, what is a Rule 26(f) conference? → A mandatory meeting between parties to discuss discovery and develop a discovery plan
11. Which of the following is an example of an appellate court's role in litigation? → To review the decision of a lower court for legal errors
12. Which of the following constitutional protections is guaranteed by the Sixth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution? → The right to confront witnesses
13. What is the primary ethical obligation of a CP professional when a conflict of interest arises during fundamentals & core concepts activities? → Disclose the conflict to all relevant parties and recuse from the decision if necessary
14. What is 'professional competence' in legal practice? → An attorney must handle matters competently based on their training and experience
15. Under the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, what is the time limit for a defendant to file an answer after being served? → 21 days
16. What is the role of a probate court in estate administration? → To oversee the distribution of assets in an estate
17. What is an intestate estate? → An estate without a valid will, distributed according to state law
18. What is a codicil to a will? → A legal document that amends or supplements an existing will without replacing it
19. What is the purpose of the Model Rules of Professional Conduct? → To establish ethical standards for attorneys
20. What is the role of an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) in the federal administrative system? → An official who presides over formal agency adjudicatory hearings
21. What is a legal memorandum? → A document analyzing a legal issue and providing a recommendation
22. A homeowner grants a utility company the right to run power lines across a corner of their property. This is an example of which real property concept? → Easement in gross
23. A spouse wants to annul a marriage on the ground that the other spouse was already married at the time of the ceremony. What is this legal ground called? → Bigamy
24. What is a 'pur autre vie' life estate? → A life estate measured by the life of a third person other than the holder of the estate
25. What is the importance of understanding legal terminology in legal writing? → It ensures clarity and precision in legal communication
26. What does Shepardizing or KeyCiting a case mean? → Verifying a case is still good law by checking its subsequent history and treatment
27. According to NALA guidelines, what must a paralegal do upon discovering a conflict of interest? → Immediately disclose it to the supervising attorney
28. To have constitutional standing to challenge federal agency action in court, a party must demonstrate which three elements? → Injury in fact, a causal connection to the challenged action, and redressability
29. What is a legal brief? → A document outlining legal arguments and evidence
30. What is the right to a speedy trial under the Sixth Amendment? → A right requiring trials within a reasonable time, with no fixed limit