Should I Buy Used Or New Law School Textbooks?

Should I Buy Used Or New Law School Textbooks?

Textbooks are expensive, and law school textbooks are certainly no exception. To minimize this necessary expense, many students consider alternative options to buying brand new books for every class. Some of these cheaper options include buying used textbooks, renting/loaning them, or buying access to the book in an electronic format. Before you jump at the best bargain you find, consider these factors to help determine whether you should buy used or new law school textbooks!

Should I Buy Used Or New Law School Textbooks?

New Hard Copy

If you are going to be taking notes and/or rely on book briefing, it’s worth considering a new hardcopy textbook. Notetaking and briefing cases directly in your case book rather than copying key quotes into your notes is not only efficient, it is more effective for your learning and class preparedness. A hard copy textbook allows you to write notes while you’re reading directly on the pages of the case.

A new copy gives you the freedom to make your own notes without the encumbrance of a stranger’s note-taking system and scratches to distract you. If you are considering a used version, make sure the in-text notes and highlights are minimal. In addition, if you are considering practicing in the area of law you are studying, owning your own textbook will be useful in the future. For a less important consideration, law school textbooks also look beautiful and impressive on an office bookshelf.

Electronic Format

Most classes will assign a casebook, however, some classes assign “guide” books- books on the how-to’s of legal writing, trial advocacy, etc. For these guide-type books, an electronic format may be a good option. The electronic version allows you to quickly access the relevant topics you need for your specific task (thanks to the shortcut Ctrl+f). Another pro of electronic format is the ease of storage. You can keep this electronic textbook with you throughout law school and beyond for quick reference on necessary skills.  Electronic books are also a lot less cumbersome to lug around from class to class.

Renting, Loaning, or Used

You will inevitably get a professor who requires the class to buy a lengthy and expensive textbook and then rarely references it or assigns readings from it. Though this can be incredibly frustrating, renting/loaning a textbook in this situation will minimize your waste. Of course, the only way you can predict the usefulness of a textbook is if you have insider information. Utilize upperclassmen and ask around before ordering your books so you can decide based on the professor’s assignments if a textbook is a good candidate for one of these cheaper options.

• Seeking Success in Law School?

  • Benefit from personalized one-on-one tutoring by our seasoned law school tutors.
  • Explore our NEW and highly acclaimed law school study aids, available for a free trial.