University of Mississippi Law Library

What is CALI?

The CALI Library of Lessons is a collection of over one hundred interactive, computer-based lessons covering 26 legal education subject areas. The lessons are designed to augment traditional law school instruction and are sometimes assigned as supplemental study material or integrated with other course materials. The descriptions contained in the catalog provide information about the specific legal issues presented in each exercise and offer suggestions for effective use. The lessons are written by law faculty and librarians and are regularly reviewed and revised.

Need help getting started? Instructions are available on YouTube. The YouTube video introduction to CALI covers the basics: how to create a login, select a lesson, etc.

What are CALI lessons like?

The format of the individual lessons varies according to the educational objectives of the author. Some authors use the setting of a simulated trial to provide students with an opportunity to test their understanding of an area of law. Other lessons drill students through a series of questions requiring them to identify relevant issues and apply recently learned concepts. You select from multiple choice answers. If your answer is not the best choice, CALI will explain why. At the end of the exercise, CALI usually provides your score which you can print.

How can I use CALI?

CALI exercises are available on all computers in the Law Library computer labs and via access on the Internet at CALI's homepage.

To access the lessons on your home computer, your computer must have a web browser such as Mozilla Firefox or Internet Explorer. Browse to the CALI homepage (http://www2.cali.org/). If you have previously registered, please enter your user name and password.

If you have not previously registered, you must have the CALI access code for students or faculty for the University of Mississippi. To obtain the access code please call (662) 915-6812 or contact Christopher Noe via email. Once you have the access code, you can register online. The CALI Catalog organizes the lessons in several ways and offers a search feature for students to find lessons by subject or keyword.

What Subject Areas does CALI have lessons for?

Lesson Subject Areas include the following:

One can purchase the CALI CD-ROM, which contains the complete set of CALI Lessons, for $39.95 plus shipping. Ordering information is here.

Does CALI require any workbooks to accompany the lessons?

All of the Insurance exercises, most of the Civil Procedure exercises, and some of the Tort exercises do require you to use an accompanying workbook. The workbooks are on reserve in the Law Library. The titles include:

• Roger C. Park and Douglas D. McFarland, Computer-Aided Exercises on Civil Procedure (1995).
• Robert E. Keeton, Intent One: An Exercise on the Use of Intent in Torts.
• Robert E. Keeton, Intent Two: Computer-Aided Intent Questions.
• Robert E. Keeton, Computer-Aided and Workbook Exercises on Insurance Law (1990).

Further questions might be addressed at the CALI FAQ or by contacting a Reference Librarian at (662) 915-6812.