Should I buy the required NCA textbooks?

I am frequently asked whether students should invest in the required textbooks listed on the NCA syllabus. My answer is a definite yes!

The NCA syllabus specifies the minimum essential readings to adequately prepare for the exams, and you should ensure that you cover at least the required readings. The additional readings listed on the syllabus are entirely optional.

Now, you might wonder if having notes would suffice and eliminate the need to buy textbooks. However, notes serve a different purpose and cannot replace engaging with the course material directly. As you read through the required textbooks, it's essential to create your own notes, summarizing the key concepts and cases. These notes will serve as a quick reference guide during your exams. The NCA exams are time-sensitive, and relying solely on the textbook during the exam to look up legal tests would not be practical. Well-prepared notes will save you time during the exam. However, please note that your notes may not cover every single detail in the textbooks, and there might be instances during the exam where having the textbook with you becomes crucial for answering a question.

If you are wondering where to purchase the textbooks, or if you live outside of Canada, here are some options:

• Get them directly from the publishers. The contact information for publishers is typically provided at the end of each NCA syllabus. Some publishers also offer digital editions of their textbooks, which might be a convenient alternative if you are living outside of Canada and want to avoid shipping costs.

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• Check your local library. Some NCA books might be available in public libraries, often held on reserve, so you might need to ask for them.

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• Explore your local university's law library or law bookstore.

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• Consider purchasing used textbooks. The largest NCA online community, with over 2200 members, can be found HERE, and it might be a useful resource for finding used textbooks.