For 1Ls, it can be difficult to learn how to master a judicial opinion. It is critically important that you learn not only the "rule" or "black letter" of the decision, but also the reasoning of the court which led to the holding.
So, as you approach a judicial opinion, ask yourself "what is the question presented or the problem the court was asked to decide in this case?"
Once you know the question presented, master the court's reasoning, not only the what but the why of their decision. Is the court's reasoning persuasive? Is it based upon legal logic (good) or emotion (not the role of the judiciary)? If you disagree with the court's reasoning, how would you have explained your reasoning in a dissenting or concurring opinion?
Thinking like a lawyer means asking hard questions and critically analyzing legal arguments and judicial opinions.
