Russ Brown of the University of Alberta Faculty blog posted
a story recently that claimed Japanese researchers found that 5 year old  chimps had better short-term memory than adult humans.

The chimps didn’t have better accuracy, but completed the test faster than the humans could.

Brown suggests this indicate we conduct more closed-book exams in law school.  That may be, but the practice of law, as well as bar exams, are conducted with full access to all resources, including the internet and library databases.  The idea is that what is important in law is not the regurgitation of abstract facts and laws, but the integration and comprehension that comes with reference on hand.

If legal education is to simulate and prepare for legal practice would not similar access during exams, with limitations to communication technologies, also be appropriate?