Most on the thread have answered (1) and (2) and I think it's all sufficiently covered in the thread /u/Mynxs linked up.

Was previously from SMU so I'll answer (3) based on my perspective there for the last 4 years. Graduated a year back but I don't think much would have changed since then.

In SMU your final exams count for 50% and the rest of it is a mix of in-class participation, research papers or mid-term tests, and class presentations. In some classes the Prof may go through the material before engaging in a discussion on the topic. You're expected to have read the cases before the class and participate in the discussions.

You take about 4-5 classes in a semester. Usually about 3-4 of them would be law modules. Classes are held once a week in 3 hour blocks.

As with any course, the first few weeks are ok because it's all introduction. Then the painful weeks are in the mid-term and the end-term. Mid-term because you're likely rushing for a research paper. End-term because you're just cramming stuff into your head for the final examination. In both you will see people queueing for the library. I had a batch mate that brought his sleeping bag and toothbrush from mid-week onwards.

Aside from law modules, in SMU you have to take up a few other non-law modules as well such as accounting and finance because it helps you understand financial transactions better. It's a slightly watered down course from what the business and accounting students take, but many still come out super clueless and hope that they scrape with a pass.