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How to Write a First-Class Law Essay

Studying law at university entails lots of essay writing. This article takes you through the key steps to writing a top law essay.

Writing a law essay can be a challenging task. As a law student, you’ll be expected to analyse complex legal issues and apply legal principles to real-world scenarios. At the same time, you’ll need to be able to communicate your ideas clearly and persuasively. In this article, we’ll cover some top tips to guide you through the process of planning, researching, structuring and writing a first-class law essay with confidence. 

1. Start In Advance

Give yourself plenty of time to plan, research and write your law essay. Always aim to start your law essay as soon as you have the question. Leaving it until the last minute does not only create unnecessary stress, but it also leaves you insufficient time to write, reference and perfect your work.

2. Understand The Question

Do not begin until you fully comprehend the question. Take the time to read the question carefully and make sure that you understand what it’s asking you to do. Highlight key terms and annotate the question with definitions of key concepts and any questions that you have have. Think about how the question links back to what you’ve learned during your lectures or through your readings.

3. Conduct Thorough Research

Conducting thorough research around your topic is one of the most fundamental parts of the essay writing process. You should aim to use a range of relevant sources, such as cases, academic articles, books and any other legal materials. Ensure that the information you collect is taken from relevant, reliable and up to date sources. Use primary over secondary material as much as possible.

Avoid using outdated laws and obscure blog posts as sources of information. Always aim to choose authoritative sources from experts within the field, such as academics, politicians, lawyers and judges. Using high-quality and authoritative sources and demonstrating profound and critical insight into your topic are what will earn you top marks.

4. Write A Detailed Plan

Once you’ve done your research, it’s time to plan your essay. When writing your plan, you’ll need to create an outline that clearly identifies the main points that you wish to make throughout your article. Try to write down what you wish to achieve in each paragraph, what concepts you want to discuss and arguments you want to make.

Your outline should be organised in a clear, coherent and logical manner to ensure that the person grading your essay can follow your line of thought and arguments easily.  You may also wish to include headings and subheadings to structure your essay effectively This makes it easier when it comes to writing the essay as starting without a plan can get messy. The essay must answer the question and nothing but the question so ensure all of your points relate to it.

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5. Write A Compelling Introduction

A great introduction should, firstly, outline the research topic.  The introduction is one of the most crucial parts of the law essay as it sets the tone for the rest of the paper. It should capture the readers attention and provide the background context on the topic. Most importantly, it should state the thesis of your essay.

When writing your introduction, avoid simply repeating the given question. Secondly, create a road map for the reader, letting them know how the essay will approach the question. Your introduction must be concise. The main body of the essay is where you will go into detail.

6. Include A Strong Thesis Statement

Your thesis should clearly set out the argument you are going to be making throughout your essay and should normally go in the introduction. Your thesis should adopt a clear stance rather than being overly general or wishy-washy. To obtain the best grades, you’ll need to show a unique perspective based upon a critical analysis of the topic rather than adopting the most obvious point of view.

Once you’ve conducted your research and had a chance to reflect on your topic, ask yourself whether you can prove your argument within the given word count or whether you would need to adopt a more modest position for your paper. Always have a clear idea of what your thesis statement is before you begin writing the content of your essay. 

7. Present the Counter-argument

To demonstrate your deeper understanding of the topic, it’s important to show your ability to consider the counter-arguments and address them in a careful and reasoned manner. When presenting your counterarguments, aim to depict them in the best possible light, aiming to be fair and reasonable before moving on to your rebuttal. To ensure that your essay is convincing, you will need to have a strong rebuttal that explains why your argument is stronger and more persuasive. This will demonstrate your capacity for critical analysis, showing the reader that you have carefully considered differing perspectives before coming to a well-supported conclusion.

8. End With A Strong Conclusion

Your conclusion is your opportunity to summarise the key points made throughout your essay and to restate the thesis statement in a clear and concise manner.  Avoid simply repeating what has already been mentioned in the body of the essay. For top grades, you should use the conclusion as an opportunity to provide critical reflection and analysis on the topic. You may also wish to share any further insights or recommendations into alternative avenues to consider or implications for further research that could add value to the topic. 

9. Review The Content Of Your Essay

Make sure you factor in time to edit the content of your essay.  Once you’ve finished your first draft, come back to it the next day. Re-read your essay with a critical perspective. Do your arguments make sense? Do your paragraphs flow in a logical manner? You may also consider asking someone to read your paper and give you critical feedback. They may be able to add another perspective you haven’t considered or suggest another research paper that could add value to your essay. 

10. Proofread For Grammatical Mistakes

Once you’re happy with the content of your essay, the last step is to thoroughly proofread your essay for any grammatical errors. Ensure that you take time to ensure that there are no grammar, spelling or punctuation errors as these can be one of the easiest ways to lose marks. You can ask anyone to proofread your paper, as they would not necessarily need to have a legal background – just strong grammar and spelling skills! 

11. Check Submission Guidelines

Before submitting, ensure that your paper conforms with the style, referencing and presentation guidelines set out by your university. This includes the correct font, font size and line spacing as well as elements such as page numbers, table of content etc. Referencing is also incredibly important as you’ll need to make sure that you are following the correct referencing system chosen by your university. Check your university’s guidelines about what the word count is and whether you need to include your student identification number in your essay as well. Be thorough and don’t lose marks for minor reasons!

12. Use Legal Terms Accurately

Always make sure that you are using legal terms accurately throughout your essay. Check an authoritative resource if you are unsure of any definitions. While being sophisticated is great, legal jargon if not used correctly or appropriately can weaken your essay. Aim to be concise and to stick to the point. Don’t use ten words when only two will do.

12. Create a Vocabulary Bank

One recurring piece of advice from seasoned law students is to take note of phrases from books and articles, key definitions or concepts and even quotes from your professors. When it comes to writing your law essay, you will have a whole range of ideas and vocabulary that will help you to develop your understanding and thoughts on a given topic. This will make writing your law essay even easier!

13. Finally, Take Care of Yourself

Last but certainly not least, looking after your health can improve your attitude towards writing your law essay your coursework in general. Sleep, eat, drink and exercise appropriately. Take regular breaks and try not to stress. Do not forget to enjoy writing the essay!

Words by Karen Fulton

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How Important is the Paragraph Structure in Legal Writing? It’s Everything.

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• December 14, 2020
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The Power-Packed Paragraph™*

In legal writing, if you do not wish to lose your reader immediately , you must write in power-packed paragraphs.  What is a power-packed paragraph? It is a phrase I coined, for law, after learning the expression from one of my excellent high school English teachers!  She used the expression to describe the paragraph structure for writing basic English papers.

Preferring CRAC to IRAC

What is a power-picked paragraph in law?  I prefer CRAC   . . . to IRAC. Those already in law know that IRAC is the analytical structure law professors teach students in drafting legal documents, like motions.  IRAC is Issue, Rule, Analysis, and Conclusion.  CRAC is Conclusion, Rule, Analysis, and Conclusion. Let’s apply each element of IRAC in a power-packed paragraph.  Then, we will see why I prefer CRAC.

IRAC at Work

The Issue, generally, is a mix of law and facts that the writer uses to pose as a question.  For instance: Is a jury likely to find the defendant, Jack King, guilty of first-degree murder when he pulled a gun and shot his wife five times, killing her? 

Next, the writer states the Rule moving from “big to small.”  In other words, the drafter states the broader legal principle and “drills down” to move to the exact elements.  Here is an example: For murder, the defendant must have the mental state of malice aforethought at the time of the killing.  (Pen. Code, § 187.)**  Malice aforethought is either express or implied.  ( Ibid .)  A defendant has the mental state of express malice aforethought when he/she/they has/have the intent to kill.  ( Ibid .)

What follows next is the Analysis where the writer states the facts/evidence, and marries the facts to the law. Using our hypothetical: Defendant Jack King (defendant) extracted a gun from under his suit jacket and fired it at his wife and victim, Debra Jones, point-blank.  Specifically, he had a gun under his suit jacket, having placed it there himself.  The defendant removed it.  Then, he aimed the gun at his wife.  Based upon the forensic evidence—specifically the gunshot residue evidence on the defendant’s right hand, the prosecution’s forensic expert will opine that the defendant fired the gun, striking his wife, from only inches away.  When the defendant removed his gun from his jacket, aimed it at his wife, and pulled the trigger, he had formed the intent to kill her.

And last, in the paragraph, is a brief Conclusion. (If the paragraph is short and the Conclusion does not add anything, the writer can omit it.) Here: Therefore, a jury is likely to find that the defendant committed first-degree murder when he shot his wife five times, point-blank and killed her.

That’s IRAC.

Why No Love for IRAC?

Why do I have no love for IRAC?  That’s not how lawyers write in real life.  What I mean is that lawyers do not start every paragraph with “the issue here is . . . .” This just isn’t strong legal writing.  Attorneys are advocates, and in litigation, starting every paragraph with a question detracts from making a forceful argument. It is important not to distract the reader. California Court of Appeal Justice Jim Humes, in an interview , agreed that it is key for legal writers not to distract the reader. This includes attorneys not distracting court of appeal justices with poor grammar, writing briefs that are too long, and significantly here, not using the introduction well. Justice Humes said:

The most important paragraph of every brief is the first paragraph: the opening paragraph. Because in that opening paragraph, you’ve got to convince the judge, you’ve got to explain to the judge what’s going on, what the issue is and why you should win. You have to do that right off the bat. You basically say, “This is what I’m going to talk about in this brief and this is why you should rule in my favor.”  That’s the prime real estate of any brief: that first opening paragraph. But after that, then you absolutely have to be persuasive, you have to be brief, you have to be concise, you have to be clear, you have to be readable. You have to be, and this is hugely important, non-distracting.

The Key Difference Between IRAC and CRAC

The only difference between IRAC and CRAC is that first sentence—the topic sentence in the power-packed paragraph. With the Issue, the topic sentence is a question. Under CRAC, the first Conclusion is a topic sentence and is an affirmative statement. Either way, this topic sentence must contain a mix of law and facts. For example, using CRAC, the topic sentence would be: The jury is likely to find the defendant, Jack King, guilty of first-degree murder when he pulled a gun and shot his wife five times, killing her. What’s wrong with having an issue statement in every paragraph? It is “wimpy” writing. Real lawyers write as advocates for their clients and take every opportunity to write forcefully. Can you imagine in a motion that the defense counsel files with the court, if counsel started every paragraph with a question? This weak writing does not serve the client. As you can see, CRAC is what lawyers use in the real world.  (Some commentators even refer to the preferred structure as CREAC, slipping Evidence into the term.)

Why Not Start a Power-Packed Paragraph with the Rule?

Don’t start a paragraph with the Rule. You may be tempted to do this, but don’t. New legal writers recognize that all legal documents revolve around both the facts and the law. The law is new to them in the relative scheme of things. When the drafter starts a paragraph with the Rule, the reader has no idea what the writer is discussing. For instance, if the writer started the paragraph with the law only, it might sound like this: For murder, the defendant must have the mental state of malice aforethought at the time of the killing.  (Pen. Code, § 187.) So, what is the problem? Let’s assume that the reader is a partner at a criminal law defense practice and has any number of murder cases. The partner is thinking which murder case is this? As writers, we need to make the reader’s work easy—tell him/her/them exactly which case this is and what the legal analysis is. Writing the following is much more likely to guide the busy reader: A jury is likely to find the defendant, Jack King, guilty of first-degree murder when he pulled a gun and shot his wife five times, killing her. The reader thinks: I remember this case and I understand the legal analysis here. Do not bury the lead. And, hit the reader “over the head” with the analysis.

There Are Proper Uses for IRAC

Don’t get me wrong, there is plenty of room in law for IRAC. For instance, in a legal memo, an attorney may be recognizing a true dilemma, and state initially what the issue is.  The lawyer writes: Is a jury likely to find the defendant, Jack King, guilty of first-degree murder when he pulled a gun and shot his wife five times, killing her? If so, we should consider requesting a settlement for a manslaughter charge. And, under appellate rules, a court of appeal may require a statement of all of the issues, so the court knows exactly which issues are “teed up” for the court’s resolution.

The Importance of a Topic Sentence in Each Paragraph

The topic sentence in a power-picked paragraph is critical.  It may be that your busy reader reads no more in that paragraph. Wait, what? Yes, judges, partners, and senior associates may read a topic sentence carefully and at best, skim the remainder of the paragraph.  Readers are busy.  I once asked a criminal court judge if she had read my brief, and she raised it from her lap, and said, “I’m reading it now.” The judge was presiding over a busy motion calendar.

Our Power-Packed Paragraph, in its Entirety, Using CRAC

Here is the whole power-packed paragraph discussed above, using CRAC:

A jury is likely to find the defendant, Jack King, guilty of first-degree murder when he pulled a gun and shot his wife five times, killing her.  For murder, the defendant must have the mental state of malice aforethought at the time of the killing.  (Pen. Code, § 187.)  Malice aforethought is either express or implied.  ( Ibid .) A defendant has the mental state of express malice aforethought when he/she/they has/have the intent to kill. ( Ibid .) Defendant Jack King (defendant) extracted a gun from under his suit jacket and fired it at his wife and victim, Debra Jones, point-blank.  Specifically, he had a gun under his suit jacket, having placed it there himself.  The defendant removed it.  Then, he aimed the gun at his wife.  Based upon the forensic evidence—specifically the gunshot residue evidence on the defendant’s right hand, the prosecution’s forensic expert will opine that the defendant fired the gun, striking his wife, from only inches away.  When the defendant removed his gun from his jacket, aimed it at his wife, and pulled the trigger, he had formed the intent to kill her. Therefore, a jury is likely to find that the defendant committed first-degree murder when he shot his wife five times, point-blank and killed her.

If you would like to learn more about legal writing, particularly, writing legal motions, legal briefs, demand and advice letters, and legal memoranda (to senior partners and with multiple issues), check out my online Course, Legal Writing Launch .

Billionaire investor Warren Buffet states, “[b]y far the best investment you can make is in yourself.”  Warren Buffet Says This 1 Investment Decision Will Be By Far the Best One You Ever Make , Inc.com (Jan. 2021).  Buffett added that developing one’s communication skills—both in writing and in-person—”can increase [one’s] value by at least fifty percent.” Id. Invest in yourself, right? So, write!

*Power-packed paragraph is a trademark of Legal Writing Launch, LLC.

**The citation style is from the California Style Manual. 

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Structure Of Law Essays and Reports

656 words (3 pages) Law Essay Help Guide

5th May 2020 Law Essay Help Guide Reference this In-house law team

Structure of Law Essays and Law Reports

Unless you are told otherwise, the very minimum requirements of a law essay or problem question are an introduction, a body and a conclusion.

• Introduction: As a very rough guide, for essay style questions, the introduction will represent about 10% of your word count, outlining perhaps a brief interpretation of the question and what you intend to cover in the essay. For problem questions, the introduction will be fairly short and simple, outlining for example the areas of law and main statutes/cases that the question is concerned with.
• Body :The body of your answer, accounting for the majority of the word count, should demonstrate your understanding of the area and develop your argument. It is a good idea here to keep referring explicitly to the question asked.
• Conclusion: The conclusion for essay style questions will represent about 10 – 15% of your word count. This must summarise your main findings and points, and usually will reach a conclusion and answer the question set, which must be consistent with your findings and arguments in the body of the essay. You should never introduce new points or material in the conclusion. For problem questions, the length of your conclusion will depend on how you have approached the question. If you have reached conclusions in the body of your answer, there is little point repeating them here and you may just end up summarising your findings, e.g. “in conclusion, Jessie has a binding contract with Eve and will be bound by its terms, as agreed between the parties on the 18th of June” etc.

Law Reports

You may be asked to write a report about a specific area of law. A report will be a neutral presentation, often dealing with the current law, proposals for change and whether those proposals have been approved by leading bodies and interested parties. A report will also often consider alternatives to proposed change. A good structure for a law report would be as follows:

• Title Page : showing the title of the report, the author, the person for whom the report is prepared, and the date of completion
• Summary/Synopsis/Executive Summary: (approx 10% of word count) – this will identify: The purpose of the report, The scope of the report – issues covered/not covered, The important results and findings, The conclusions and recommendations, Acknowledgement of any assistance in researching and compiling the report’
• Table of contents: not including the title and contents page!
• Body of report : this will include: Introduction – what is the report about, Discussion – divided into sections and sub sections, presented clearly and confined to fact rather than analysis/opinion.
• Conclusion: this should: Relate back to the findings in the body of the report, Include a clear summary of the main points, Outline the findings of the research. There should be nothing in the conclusion that has not already been mentioned in the body of the report.
• Emerge from the conclusions
• Suggest what is to be done, who is to do it and how/when it is to be done
• Be justified based on findings, not just the opinion of the writer
• Bibliography Appendix/Appendices: containing supplementary material too detailed for the main body of the report, such as tables, charts, statistics, questionnaires etc

(Adapted from Source: NCI Learning Centre: Study Skills/Writing Skills/Writing Reports )

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A Lawyer’s Guide to Persuasive Writing: 5 Rules to Live by

How to better communicate ideas and persuade your audience.

Brian Sansom

The Writing Cooperative

One shared experience among lawyers is the often asked question, “Should I become a lawyer?” Over the years, my answer has changed from, “Sure! It’s the most fun you can have with your pants on!” to, “Do you like to read? Do you like to write?” The truth is, lawyers spend more time reading and writing than litigating. Law school itself is less about knowing the law and more about learning to think and communicate like an attorney.

The benefit of my experience as a civil litigation attorney is the ongoing practice of advocating for my clients and publishing my arguments both in written and spoken form. There is an organization to it that would allow anybody from a Judge to a juror to pick up something that I have written and understand the thesis, the content, and the conclusion and, hopefully, be persuaded by it.

At its core, persuasive writing should ease the reader into a warm bath, allowing them to savor the content. The writing should be focused, concise, and credible. A reader should not feel pushed, but lead. The proceeding sections are a culmination of my own experiences in the legal field that, I hope, will help writers better communicate their ideas.

1. Structure and road maps

Know your audience. There is not a lawyer alive that hasn’t heard a Judge say, “Get to the point counselor.” For those of us that come from a creative writing background, some habits need to be broken in order to better communicate. The readers engaging your content will not be looking for world-building or character development. They are giving you the opportunity to teach and share your insights. You have their attention for a finite amount of time, you need to make the most of it.

In the legal profession, I had to learn to put aside flowery imagery (ouch…my artistic soul!). Similarly, if you are advocating for a cause or your goal is to inform the reader and, ultimately, persuade them, you need to hold their hand and walk them through your piece. The structure is the backbone of any persuasive publication. The five-paragraph essay format was the bread and butter, for essay prompts, that was taught to students educated in the United States and contained the Introduction (Paragraph 1), the body (Paragraphs 2, 3, and 4), and the conclusion (Paragraph 5).

In law school, we were taught a different format called IRAC (Issue, Rule, Analysis, Conclusion). When analyzing legal questions, the first step is to identify the issues buried in a complicated fact pattern. Then we had to state the rule of law that was relevant to the facts and issue. In the analysis portion, we were required to “show our work” and apply the rule of law to the facts. Finally, we had to draw a conclusion based on the analysis.

The important tools that both approaches offer writers is a structure to organize their thoughts, arguments, and content. As a writer gains more experience in writing persuasive pieces, the structure can become more fluid. However, certain elements cannot be absent from the content.

An introduction is essential. In the introduction, the writer must lay out the main idea of the publication and present their thesis. The thesis is the road map to the rest of the content. It should be a strong, affirmative statement, communicating the position you are taking. By reading the thesis, the reader should immediately understand the topic of the paper and the angle that the writer is taking. As the reader proceeds through the publication, they will have an expectation as to the content and will pay attention to the points that support the writer’s thesis.

It is perfectly acceptable to add more detail and to expand on the introduction. It is also acceptable to have multiple theses in the introduction. However, in that first paragraph, the reader should have a very clear understanding of the proceeding content. Be careful about over-saturating the first paragraph with too much content as, again, you do not want to lose the reader.

The body of the paragraph is where you make your case. I lean more towards the IRAC format as I feel it’s a bit more focused. If the “Rule” in the legal analysis is the law applicable to a set of facts; in a non-law context, it would be your evidence that would ultimately support your conclusion. Present the data and the findings in an unbiased light. Let the reader get the lay of the land before you start nudging them towards your thesis.

Heavy-handed, biased, handling of the evidence will cost you trust as the reader will doubt the sincerity of the findings. If the data says that the sky is blue, present it as such. Let the reader accept the information as presented. Then, once you have presented the evidence, you can proceed to the application section where the data can be applied to your specific arguments.

The final paragraph is the conclusion. The conclusion should restate the thesis and summarize the arguments in the body of the paper in a condensed and concise manner. The last sentence should be strong and affirmative and leave the reader with no more questions or expectations. It should be like getting a check at the end of a fulfilling meal.

2. Go to the source

Research is the fundamental principle of persuasive writing. The best way to lose credibility, instantly, is to dedicate paragraphs to incorrect or outdated information. Before your pen touches paper, before an opinion is formed, it is imperative to understand the subject matter that you are writing about. Even if it’s a subject that you have studied before, there is always new information coming to light.

In legal practice, persuasive writing will usually take the form of legal motions and memos. When a legal motion is submitted to the court attorneys will make representations to the court regarding facts and law. More specifically, they will cite case law and represent to the court that the case law and the facts support their position.

In a recent motion that was submitted against my client, the defense was arguing that my client’s complaint lacked specificity. The defense argued that facts must be, “sufficiently specific so as to enable defendant to prepare his defense,” Smith v. Wagner, 588 A.2d 1308, 1310 (Pa. 1991).

Then opposing counsel went on about how the complaint failed to discuss treatment, injury prognosis, specific bills, specific wage loss information, etc…Persuasive, right? Now, let's take a look at the rest of the Smith decision, which defense counsel did not cite:

“Evidence from which such facts may be inferred not only need not but should not be alleged . . . .Allegations will withstand challenge under § 1019(a) if (1) they contain averments of all of the facts the plaintiff will eventually have to prove in order to recover…”

The defendant’s cited material turned out to be fatal to their own claims. In fact, when I read each case that they cited, I noticed numerous inconsistencies. By the time I was done responding, the Judge had a lot of questions as to whether defense counsel even bothered to read the material they were relying on.

Any attorney reviewing a motion or a memo should always go to the source that is being cited. The same principle applies to every writer that is seeking to persuade. If a congressman cites a statistic, go to the actual source of that statistic and cite the statistic, not the congressman. It is infinitely more difficult to argue against raw data than an opinion relying on somebody else’s opinion that is citing data that they do not provide a detailed citation to. Do your homework!

3. Identify the relevant issues

A basic skill that is mandatory at the law school level is issue spotting. Issue spotting is the exercise of processing a large block of information and pulling out the crucial issues that must be addressed. A law student will never pass a law school exam or the bar exam without developing this skill. For Example:

John is invited to Cindy’s house for a party. John asks to use the restroom and is directed to use the downstairs restroom. John decides to use the upstairs restroom. John jokingly bumps the elbow of Phil, who spills his drink into Cathy’s eyes. Phil turns around and punches John in the face. Cathy suffered corneal damage and has to undergo a medical procedure and is further injured when the doctor botches the surgery. After getting punched, John goes upstairs to use the restroom. The toilet leaks, causing him to slip and fall. In his anger, he kicked the sink, causing damage. What claims does Cindy have? What claims does John have? What claims does Cathy have?

In order to provide a correct answer, a law student would need to identify each legal issue, identify the appropriate rule of law, apply the law, and reach a conclusion. In practice, the fact patterns are usually not as complicated, but the stakes are much higher.

Applying this principle to the non-legal field, issue spotting is the idea of taking a big topic and breaking it down into individual elements. This allows a writer to be more thorough and specific with the arguments they are making. If we consider a topic like the legalization of homosexual marriage, it’s a monolith. If the topic is broken down, the individual issues are a lot more manageable: federal preemption vs. state sovereignty, public policy arguments vs. traditional notions of marriage, separation of church and state, promoting vs. diminishing family values, etc…This way, a writer is more focused on adding substance to the most important elements instead of casting a wide enough net and hoping they touched on everything.

Writers can waste a lot of time running in circles and still miss the important points. This is particularly true if a writer is responding to another article or speaker. They should be able to mark down the exact points the other person is making and address each point. The most common culprit, leading writers astray, is when advocates get caught up in the emotional furor of a particularly hot issue and will vomit their opinions like they are chastising their diary.

If you make the choice to discuss important issues, it is your obligation to organize your thoughts, understand the important elements, and to be concise in your criticism or support of those elements. Passion is a fantastic motivator for advocacy, but passion should not overshadow substance.

4. Understand the arguments against your position

Sitting in a courtroom, with my client by my side, in front of a jury of twelve, no matter how many times I’ve done it, there is always at least a slight blow to my pride when the opposing counsel is attacking the merits of my client’s case. As uncomfortable as it is to see the cracks in the claim, it would be malpractice to be unprepared for the inevitable attacks from the other side. No case is foolproof, every case has weaknesses.

I work in the area of personal injury law, which means that my clients are claiming injuries to their bodies. If I have a client that is older and their MRI results are showing disc herniations, I know for a fact that the other side will blame them on age-related degeneration. If the client had a prior accident, I know for a fact that the other side will blame my client’s complaints on preexisting injuries. If I don’t address those counterpoints in my case, I know that the other side will.

You do not have to agree with the counterpoints. You do not have to like them. But, you have to address them in a meaningful way. Don’t just throw a few sentences out there as a pittance. It is far more persuasive to bring up the harshest criticism of your position and argue it away rather than minimizing it because the harshest criticism is exactly what you will face from the opposition and you will lose credibility in front of your audience if you ignore it. The reality of living in an interconnected digital space is that lawyers, doctors, engineers, and many other experts are one click away. You may have a powerful voice and a valid perspective, but, if you do not take the time to address the counterpoints to your position, you will fail to persuade your readers.

5. It feels good to give

The best way to take the wind out of someone’s sails is to agree with them. This works in writing and debates. Why spend paragraphs and pages analyzing and arguing points that are really not in contention with or otherwise do not damage your position? This is one of my favorite tactics in litigation.

Take the previous example with the client that has disc herniations. I’ve had instances where the other side is presenting medical expert testimony and is prepared to spend 90% of their closing argument dedicated to talking about how those herniations have been there for a long time. What are they going to do if I simply agree with them?

“Ladies and gentlemen, you have been presented with diagnostic testing that confirms the presence of positive findings. The defense will present medical expert testimony and will argue that there is evidence of degeneration in the lower back, which likely predates this accident. We do not disagree. However, the truth is that Mr. Jones had zero symptoms and treatment before this accident and now requires a cane to walk and has received numerous steroid injections into his lower back. The defendant’s assertions that my client was not injured is ignorant of his medical history and is without merit. In fact, the presence of these degenerative findings further supports the likelihood that my client was injured as a result of this accident.”

Now, if the defense spends a significant portion of their time presenting evidence and discussing the elements that I just agreed to, I can have the distinct pleasure of seeing the jury’s eyes glaze over. Let us apply this to an issue like gun regulation. I have read too many opinion pieces that are attempting to prop up gun regulations that either do not acknowledge the constitutional framework of the second amendment or try to talk around it. Agree to things that don’t actually negate your position. Your goal is not to dismantle the second amendment, but to explain why this gun regulation is valid.

By taking this approach, you shift the focus from rehashing and arguing established law and instead shift the focus to the specific regulation, which is where you can make your stand. Furthermore, you are utilizing the “give a little” tactic to bring two sides closer together, and, as a result, the discussion can be a lot more fruitful. It also forces the opposing side to fight on your turf and stick to your talking points rather than regurgitating their prepared lecture on constitutional rights.

Written by Brian Sansom

An attorney by trade, a writer at heart. I sincerely believe in the power of words and ideas. Hoping to make my own meaningful contribution.

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• Writing a Student Note
• Writing Process

The Writing Process

Typical outline of a note.

• Introduction : The Introduction should include a description of the problem, a thesis statement, and a roadmap of the argument to follow.
• Part I : This section should be used to set forth the background information on which the later analysis in your Note will depend. It should be a general and broad review of the important issues relevant to your topic that educates your readers about everything they must know in order to understand your Note. When writing this section, be sure to use language that a reader who is not familiar with your Note topic can easily understand.
• Part II : This section should examine the major cases and statutes that your Note will be analyzing. It will contain the main portion of your analysis of how the law stands. For example, if your topic focuses on a circuit split, Part II is where you would explain the conflicting holdings and rationales. You may also choose to discuss what other commentators have said about your topic and these cases.
• Part III : This section is where you will contribute your own analysis of and views on the topic. You will say why you feel the cases/commentary you analyzed are wrong and what should be done instead. In the case of a circuit split, say which side is better and why. Part III is where you should place your original thoughts and contributions, along with the conclusion of your Note.
• Conclusion : The Conclusion should briefly restate what you have already said. You should not focus too much on this section when preparing this Prospectus.

Tips on Legal Writing—Patrick Garlinger ’09

While some may have a greater facility for language than others, there is nothing natural about good writing. It comes from practice—and from rewriting.

Advice on writing is easily dispensed but difficult to follow. This is largely because writing requires enormous discipline. The following are six basic principles that provide a structure for the writing process. They are not specific to academic writing or to legal writing in particular but may be especially helpful in a law school environment where time to write is a precious commodity. Over the years these guidelines have given me the discipline to start and finish, among other academic texts, a student Note.

Writing is like a muscle: Exercise it regularly.

For most students, the Note is the first experience with publishable academic writing. In college, all-nighters might produce passable term papers, but that approach certainly won’t do here. Nor will exam writing really prepare you for legal academic writing. Instead, good academic writing requires regular practice. Law school does little to assist here, since all too often the periods for working on one’s Note are isolated and scattered due to the time constraints imposed by classes, journal work, clinics, and extra-curricular activities. You may pursue a Directed Research as a way to carve out a block of time dedicated to the note or, alternately, write your note to fulfill the writing requirement of a seminar. Winter break is also a great time to make substantial progress on a first draft. Either way, you should try to work steadily on the Note so as to avoid losing momentum and focus.

Good writing does not come naturally: Read good writers.

While some may have a greater facility for language than others, there is nothing natural about good writing. It comes from practice—and from rewriting. To practice without models of good writing is, however, pointless. You must read other legal writers carefully, for both their analysis and their style. As a starting point, find a few sources that inspire your intellectual juices and, over time, keep adding to the list. Read and analyze how those writers introduce their topic and communicate their thesis. Look carefully at the architecture of their argument, their lexicon and sentence structure. In short, read them as both legal scholars and writers. Emulate (but do not copy, of course). Additionally, you may benefit from style guides that provide specific guidelines for legal writing (e.g., Bryan Garner’s Legal Writing in Plain English ). Avoid legalese. A student note should not read like a law school exam or a brief.

Know your thesis: Say it in a single sentence.

One of the most difficult tasks facing a student writer is finding a topic and narrowing the thesis. The student Note is rather short—and because you need to provide background information for your generalist readers, there is little room for sweeping analysis. As such, you should target a very discrete issue. Yet, in my experience, articulating, not finding, the topic is the most difficult task facing a student writer.

You should be able to state your thesis in one or two sentences at most. Anything longer suggests that the topic too unwieldy for a student note or, more probably, that the writer still has not fully understood the nature of the project. Pith not protraction should be your goal. If you can state your thesis in a single sentence, that clarity and concision will guide you throughout the rest of the writing process, helping to avoid unfortunate meanderings or excess material that is not essential to the argument. Simply put, if you cannot summarize your note in one or two sentences, you don’t have a thesis.

Know your writing mode: Respect your rhythm.

Everyone has a writing mode—when you are most inclined to write and how you go about composing. Some of us are “whittlers.” We write and write and write. Later, we will edit and “whittle” away the excess. We refine our ideas in the process of writing, often repeating the same thoughts in multiple guises until we hit on just the right formulation. Others are “refiners” who write just a few sentences or a paragraph and then revise and polish it to perfection before moving on. Similarly, you may have a natural rhythm when it comes to the time of day when your writing seems to flow most easily. A friend of mine prefers to write in the mornings before she has any tea or coffee, using what I call the “carrot” method of motivation.

Respect your writing style; recognizing how you work is important to maximizing it. It may prove futile to try to write against your natural rhythm. If I try to refine as I write, or if I write in the middle of the afternoon, I find myself producing very little.

Everyone suffers from writer’s block: Switch gears or put it down and rest.

Even when you know your writing mode, writing can be a difficult process; your energy comes in fits and spurts, your love for your topic waxes and wanes. When you hit a road block, change it up. Sometimes very simple changes can give you a boost. When I find myself struggling, I switch fonts, or change the spacing from single to double. Often the effect is just to defamiliarize the text, so you see it differently. If writer’s block still persists and the words elude you, take a break. Sometimes a day or two can make a difference in how the argument reads to you—the logical leaps, grammatical errors or infelicitous word choices will leap off the page.

There is a danger, though, in always caving at the first resistance to writing. Writing is hard work. It requires endurance and persistence. Force yourself to try to write for at least 10-15 minutes. A mentor was fond of saying, “Screw your a-- to the chair and don’t get up.” Like exercise, sometimes the thought of writing is more painful than the actual practice, and once you start, you find it comes more easily than anticipated.

Never fall in love with your own writing: Edit with a vengeance.

This piece of advice is owed to a former mentor who repeated it as a mantra. Whether you are a whittler, a refiner, or somewhere in between, we often fall in love with our own prose, unable to let go of a snappy sentence or an ingenious turn of phrase. Editing is the key to good writing, however, and you cannot be afraid to leave material on the cutting room floor.

Place yourself in the reader’s position and ask yourself if the sentence/paragraph/section is really essential. Because we often think we know what our words mean, we fail to realize that our readers may not find our thoughts to be so crystalline. Defamiliarize your own writing by putting the text away or it may be helpful to print out and proofread in hard copy; words will look different on the page than on the computer screen. Finally, avoid the fetish of the footnote as the last refuge for material that should be cut. It is cliché but true that less is often more.

Additional Resources

• Writing Workshop Video : A September 2008 presentation by Vice Dean Barry Friedman, Professor Florencia Marotta-Wurgler, Patrick Garlinger, ’09, and Ilana Harmati, ’10, on student legal writing.
• Eugene Volokh, Academic Legal Writing: Law Review Articles, Student Notes, and Seminar Papers (2003)
• The Bluebook : the guide to legal citation to use in writing and editing legal scholarship.

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Check out 'Being Critical' if you need support integrating secondary sources, developing your arguments and/or introducing ideas.

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How to Write a Law Essay: 8 Steps

December 28, 2023

1. Choosing an Essay Topic

When it comes to writing a law essay, choosing an appropriate topic is crucial. A well-chosen topic will make your research and writing process smoother and more enjoyable, while a poorly chosen topic can lead to frustration and a lackluster essay.

Firstly, consider what has piqued your interest in your law studies so far. Perhaps there was a case or topic that you found particularly intriguing, or an aspect of law that you feel needs further exploration. Alternatively, you could focus on a current legal issue that you feel strongly about and want to delve deeper into.

It’s also important to make sure your topic isn’t too broad or too narrow. Too broad of a topic can result in a lack of focus, while a topic that is too narrow won’t give you enough research material to work with.

Ultimately, choosing a law essay topic is about finding a balance between your personal interests and the practical aspects of your assignment. Take the time to carefully consider your options, and don’t be afraid to ask for input or guidance from your professor or classmates.

Possible Law Essay Topics

• The impact of social media on defamation laws.
• Analyzing the constitutionality of mandatory minimum sentencing.
• The effectiveness of restorative justice in reducing recidivism rates.
• Legal implications of artificial intelligence in the workplace.
• Exploring the rights of privacy versus national security in the digital age.
• Examining the legal and ethical issues surrounding euthanasia.
• Assessing the role of international law in combating climate change.
• Analyzing the legal framework for cyberbullying and online harassment.
• The legalization and regulation of recreational marijuana: a critical analysis.
• Exploring the intersection of intellectual property rights and emerging technologies.

Remember to choose a topic that aligns with your interests and research availability, while ensuring that it is adequately focused for a detailed analysis within the scope of your essay.

2. Researching the Topic

Before diving into writing a law essay, it’s essential to conduct thorough research on the chosen topic. This step is critical to ensure that the essay is factually correct, well-supported, and logically structured. Here are some tips on how to research effectively for a law essay:

• Begin by gathering basic information. Use specialized textbooks, journals, and databases to gain a foundational understanding of the topic.
• Use secondary sources to gain a broader perspective on the topic. Utilize reputable news sources, government publications, and online legal databases to broaden your search.
• Access case law. To support your arguments, cite legal cases that illustrate your argument. Access online case law databases that have accessible search functions.
• Use primary sources. Primary sources include statutes, regulation, and the constitution. It’s important to have a good grasp of the primary sources since they are the basis of much of legal research.
• Take notes. Keep track of all relevant information, including sources and citations. Use an organized format that will make outlining and writing the essay a simpler process.
• Evaluate and analyze. Through the research process, it’s important to analyze the information found. Determine what is and is not relevant, and how it factors into your argument.

By conducting thorough research, you will be able to support your argument with a well-evidenced and structured essay. Remember to keep track of all sources and citations as they will be necessary in the writing process.

3. Developing Strong Thesis Statement

Developing a strong thesis statement is essential when writing a law essay. This powerful statement sets the tone for the entire article and guides the reader’s understanding of your argument. To create an effective thesis statement, you must first fully understand the topic and question at hand. Take your time to research and gather relevant information to support your viewpoint. As you delve deeper into the subject, analyze different perspectives and identify the key arguments surrounding the topic. Once you have a clear understanding of the various viewpoints, narrow down your focus and craft a concise and persuasive thesis statement that clearly states your position. Remember, a strong thesis statement should be debatable, specific, and assertive. Spend time honing your thesis to ensure it effectively conveys your argument and engages the reader’s interest.

Example thesis statement:

“The death penalty should be abolished in the United States because it violates the Eighth Amendment, fails to act as an effective deterrent, and disproportionately affects marginalized communities.”

4. Structuring the Law Essay

Structuring your law essay is crucial to ensure clarity, coherence, and a logical flow of ideas. Here’s a breakdown of how to structure your law essay:

Introduction:

• Provide a brief overview of the topic and its significance.
• Present the thesis statement, clearly stating your argument.

Background and Context:

• Provide necessary background information to help the reader understand the topic.
• Explain relevant legal concepts, principles, or statutes related to your argument.
• Start each paragraph with a topic sentence that relates to your thesis statement.
• Present your arguments and support them with evidence, case law, or legal authorities.
• Use clear and concise language to explain your points and provide analysis.

Counter-Argument:

• Acknowledge and present the counter-argument(s) objectively and logically.
• Refute the counter-argument(s) with reasoned explanations and supportive evidence.

Conclusion:

• Summarize your main arguments and their supporting evidence.
• Restate your thesis statement and highlight its significance.
• Offer some final thoughts or suggestions for further research or action.

Remember to use appropriate headings and subheadings to structure your essay effectively. Use transition words and phrases to ensure a smooth flow between paragraphs. Additionally, ensure proper citations and referencing throughout the essay to maintain academic integrity.

5. Writing the Introduction

Writing the introduction is your opportunity to grab the reader’s attention and set the tone for your entire law essay. Here’s how you can effectively structure your introduction:

Start with a hook:

• Use a compelling statement, anecdote, or a relevant quote to engage the reader and create interest in your topic.

Provide background information:

• Give a brief overview of the legal issue or topic you will be discussing.
• Explain the significance and relevance of the topic to the field of law or society at large.

State the purpose and scope of your essay:

• Clearly state your thesis statement, which should encapsulate your main argument.
• Mention the key points you will address and the legal principles, cases, or statutes you will analyze.

Outline the essay structure:

• Provide a brief outline of how your essay will be structured.
• Mention the main sections or arguments you will present.

Establish the context:

• Explain any necessary legal concepts, terms, or background information that the reader needs to understand.

Remember to keep your introduction concise and focused. It should provide enough information to orient the reader and generate interest in your essay. However, save the detailed arguments and evidence for the main body of your essay. Aim to make your introduction clear, engaging, and persuasive, setting the stage for the rest of your law essay.

6. Developing the Body Paragraphs

Developing the body paragraphs is the core of your law essay, where you present and support your arguments with evidence and analysis. Here’s how to effectively structure and develop your body paragraphs:

Start with a topic sentence:

• Each body paragraph should begin with a clear topic sentence that relates to your thesis statement.
• The topic sentence sets the tone and direction for the paragraph.

Present your argument:

• Clearly state your argument or point of view in the opening sentences of each paragraph.
• Provide supporting evidence, such as case law, statutory provisions, or legal principles, to back up your argument.

Analyze and interpret the evidence:

• Explain the significance of the evidence in relation to your argument.
• Analyze how the evidence supports and strengthens your position.

Use legal authorities and sources:

• Cite relevant cases, statutes, or legal commentary to support your arguments.
• Refer to authoritative legal sources, such as court decisions or academic articles, to provide credibility.

Use clear and concise language:

• Clearly articulate your ideas using logical transitions and precise language.
• Avoid unnecessary jargon or overly complex language that may confuse the reader.

Remember to properly structure your paragraphs, provide sufficient evidence and analysis, and link your arguments back to your main thesis statement. Each paragraph should contribute to the overall coherence and flow of your essay, ensuring a convincing and well-supported argument.

7. Present the Counter-argument

Presenting the counter-argument is an essential component of writing a persuasive law essay. Failing to acknowledge opposing viewpoints weakens your argument and makes it appear biased. Therefore, it is crucial to identify different perspectives surrounding the topic and analyze these perspectives objectively. Once you have identified the counter-argument, you can present it in your essay, offering evidence and explanations to support it. Addressing counter-arguments in your essay strengthens your credibility as a writer and demonstrates your ability to look at a topic from multiple perspectives. Additionally, this approach makes your essay more convincing by acknowledging and addressing potential criticism of your argument. Keep in mind that effectively presenting the counter-argument requires thorough research, logical reasoning, and evidence-based arguments. Therefore, take your time to critically analyze opposing views to ensure your argument is backed up by relevant and reliable supporting evidence. By doing so, you can construct a well-reasoned and thoughtful essay that can withstand any counter-argument.

8. Crafting the Conclusion

Crafting a strong conclusion is essential to leave a lasting impression on the reader and effectively summarize your arguments in a law essay. Here are some key steps to consider when writing your conclusion:

Summarize your main points:

• Recapitulate the main arguments you presented in the body paragraphs.
• Provide a brief overview of the evidence you presented to support each argument.

Reinforce your thesis statement:

• Restate your thesis statement in a concise manner to remind the reader of your main argument.
• Emphasize the significance and relevance of your thesis in the context of the larger legal issue.

Offer a broader perspective:

• Connect your arguments to the wider legal or societal implications of the topic.
• Discuss the potential consequences or impact of your findings on the field of law or legal practice.

Suggest areas for further research:

• Highlight any unanswered questions or areas of debate that may require future exploration.
• Propose avenues for future research or policy development related to your topic.

Conclude with a compelling closing statement:

• Leave the reader with a thought-provoking final remark that leaves a lasting impression.
• Use a concise and powerful statement to tie together your essay and reinforce your main message.

Ensure that your conclusion is concise, focused, and aligned with your overall argument. It should serve as a strong ending to your law essay, leaving the reader with a clear understanding of your position and the importance of the topic discussed.

Use Legal Terms Accurately

In the realm of writing law essays, the accurate and precise use of legal terms is paramount. This subheading focuses on the importance of correctly employing legal terminology in order to craft an exceptional law essay.

Mastering legal terminology is essential for two reasons. Firstly, it demonstrates an understanding and grasp of the subject matter, showcasing your expertise to both professors and potential employers. Secondly, using legal terms accurately enhances the clarity and coherence of your arguments, making your essay more persuasive and compelling. However, it is crucial to strike a balance – overusing legal jargon may alienate readers who are not well-versed in the law.

To ensure accuracy, it is imperative to consult reliable legal sources such as authoritative textbooks, journals, or statutes. Moreover, reading and analyzing sample essays or exemplary legal writing can provide guidance on how to effectively incorporate legal terms into your own work. By diligently honing your legal language skills, you will significantly elevate the quality and impact of your law essays.

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Learn How to Perfectly Structure a Law Essay

A law essay needs an introduction, a body, and a conclusion. usually, each body paragraph contains one idea. the introduction features one paragraph that highlights the topic and concludes with a thesis statement. the conclusion is a summary of the introduction and the key points in the body paragraphs. .

Concision is a key issue that requires attention in a law essay. Every point you introduce requires to be supported by authorities. It can be a statute or a case law. Pay attention to the structure and type of law essay you are writing, such as compare and contrast, critical analysis, argumentative, and descriptive. 

Pay attention to the key features of a law essay

A law essay focuses on legal issues which can be both current and historical. You can compare and contrast the application of justice in the past and modern society. You could look at key amendments to the constitution. Sometimes, the lecturer could be specific on the topic to cover. It is beneficial to request help from  assignment services  if you have difficulties writing or lack time. 

The key features of an attractive law essay include the following:

● A strongly defended and clear thesis statement

● Use of correct references and quotations

● Writing concisely in the right style

● Following a well-defined structure and flow

● Expressing a high creativity level based on deeply researched arguments that respond to the essay question. 

● Being attentive to details while focusing on the essay question

● Staying within the legal frameworks and using the simplest language possible

Find an attractive topic

The professor will love your essay if he notices you are keen when selecting the topic. It must be aligned with the essay question and directly address the issue at hand. Every legal paper provides an analysis of the law, which requires you to study the law and research its application widely. The information you get will give you broader ideas on the topic to choose. Structure the topic in a way that makes it attractive in the eyes of the reader. 

Create your writing plan

The amount of information required in a law essay is huge. You will be required to gather it from multiple sources and consolidate it into the most appealing essay. This calls for proper planning from the starting point to the end. Since you require ample time, the first item should be the amount of time you need to complete a detailed law essay. Give yourself enough time and, if possible, the maximum time. 

If you have two weeks to the submission date, plan how you will do your research. Based on the type of essay you are writing, research to know the types of sources that will provide the right information. Plan how you will access each source, the amount of information to get from there, and how to get it. It is crucial to record each source for the sake of references. Create a writing plan based on the information available to you. This includes the points to use in each section and how to use them. 

Develop an outline

The outline helps to make sure you do not leave out any important point or section. If you fail to create a good outline, your essay law essay structure will be flawed. The outline draft includes every point that you will use in the three main parts of an essay. There will be one key point for the introduction, three or four points for the body, and another point for the conclusion. Write guided by the outline and then write the final draft based on the outline draft. Pay attention to these three parts. 

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Introduction

In this section, state clearly what the essay is about. Most creatively, inform the reader what your discussion is about. Hook the readers by making the introduction engaging and interesting. The paragraph concludes with a thesis statement that tells the reader how you will interpret the law and its importance in the topic. 

Mostly, the body of a law essay consists of three or four paragraphs. It is the main part of the essay and covers the key arguments. This is the section where you provide your evidence to the point stated in your thesis statement. Each body paragraph is a unique unit that covers one point plus its supporting evidence. 

A good body paragraph structure covers three main sections. It starts with the main sentence, which introduces the key argument. The middle part contains the supporting information to the point. You may include relevant minor points to provide greater weight to the main point. The final section is the concluding sentence which crowns the entire paragraph. It is also the transition sentence into the next paragraph and point. 

The conclusion is the last paragraph of your law essay. It reaffirms your points in the body and the thesis statement. Provide a summary of your main point in this section. You may provide a suggestion about what might need further research but avoid introducing a new point. 

Issues to pay attention to

A good essay structure should be simple and easy to follow. Stay within the academic writing guidelines and language. Make sure every source used is referenced based on the citation style of law essays. Use phrases such as it is possible that …, this question deals with…, and it can be argued that …

Writing a law essay is different from writing a case file. You are required to demonstrate your understanding of the law in your araguments. Each argument should be systematically and logically developed. Keep the structure neat, coherent, and effective. With the right information, it should not be difficult thing to write a law essay. What is required from you is a high level of creativity and thinking outside the box. 

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• Academic Paragraph Structure | Step-by-Step Guide & Examples

Academic Paragraph Structure | Step-by-Step Guide & Examples

Published on October 25, 2022 by Shona McCombes . Revised on March 27, 2023.

Every piece of academic writing is structured by paragraphs and headings . The number, length and order of your paragraphs will depend on what you’re writing—but each paragraph must be:

• Unified : all the sentences relate to one central point or idea.
• Coherent : the sentences are logically organized and clearly connected.
• Relevant : the paragraph supports the overall theme and purpose of the paper.

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Table of contents

Step 1: identify the paragraph’s purpose, step 2: show why the paragraph is relevant, step 3: give evidence, step 4: explain or interpret the evidence, step 5: conclude the paragraph, step 6: read through the whole paragraph, when to start a new paragraph.

First, you need to know the central idea that will organize this paragraph. If you have already made a plan or outline of your paper’s overall structure , you should already have a good idea of what each paragraph will aim to do.

You can start by drafting a sentence that sums up your main point and introduces the paragraph’s focus. This is often called a topic sentence . It should be specific enough to cover in a single paragraph, but general enough that you can develop it over several more sentences.

Although the Braille system gained immediate popularity with the blind students at the Institute in Paris, it had to gain acceptance among the sighted before its adoption throughout France.

This topic sentence:

• Transitions from the previous paragraph (which discussed the invention of Braille).
• Clearly identifies this paragraph’s focus (the acceptance of Braille by sighted people).
• Relates to the paper’s overall thesis.
• Leaves space for evidence and analysis.

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The topic sentence tells the reader what the paragraph is about—but why does this point matter for your overall argument? If this isn’t already clear from your first sentence, you can explain and expand on its meaning.

This support was necessary because sighted teachers and leaders had ultimate control over the propagation of Braille resources.

• This sentence expands on the topic and shows how it fits into the broader argument about the social acceptance of Braille.

Now you can support your point with evidence and examples. “Evidence” here doesn’t just mean empirical facts—the form it takes will depend on your discipline, topic and approach. Common types of evidence used in academic writing include:

• Quotations from literary texts , interviews , and other primary sources .
• Summaries , paraphrases , or quotations of secondary sources that provide information or interpretation in support of your point.
• Qualitative or quantitative data that you have gathered or found in existing research.
• Descriptive examples of artistic or musical works, events, or first-hand experiences.

Make sure to properly cite your sources .

Many of the teachers at the Royal Institute for Blind Youth resisted Braille’s system because they found the tactile method of reading difficult to learn (Bullock & Galst, 2009).

• This sentence cites specific evidence from a secondary source , demonstrating sighted people’s reluctance to accept Braille.

Now you have to show the reader how this evidence adds to your point. How you do so will depend on what type of evidence you have used.

• If you quoted a passage, give your interpretation of the quotation.
• If you cited a statistic, tell the reader what it implies for your argument.
• If you referred to information from a secondary source, show how it develops the idea of the paragraph.

This resistance was symptomatic of the prevalent attitude that the blind population had to adapt to the sighted world rather than develop their own tools and methods.

• This sentence adds detail and interpretation to the evidence, arguing that this specific fact reveals something more general about social attitudes at the time.

Steps 3 and 4 can be repeated several times until your point is fully developed. Use transition words and phrases to show the connections between different sentences in the paragraph.

Over time, however, with the increasing impetus to make social contribution possible for all, teachers began to appreciate the usefulness of Braille’s system (Bullock & Galst, 2009). Access to reading could help improve the productivity and integration of people with vision loss.

• The evidence tells us about the changing attitude to Braille among the sighted.
• The interpretation argues for why this change occurred as part of broader social shifts.

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Finally, wrap up the paragraph by returning to your main point and showing the overall consequences of the evidence you have explored.

This particular paragraph takes the form of a historical story—giving evidence and analysis of each step towards Braille’s widespread acceptance.

It took approximately 30 years, but the French government eventually approved the Braille system, and it was established throughout the country (Bullock & Galst, 2009).

•  The final sentence ends the story with the consequences of these events.

When you think you’ve fully developed your point, read through the final result to make sure each sentence follows smoothly and logically from the last and adds up to a coherent whole.

Although the Braille system gained immediate popularity with the blind students at the Institute in Paris, it had to gain acceptance among the sighted before its adoption throughout France. This support was necessary because sighted teachers and leaders had ultimate control over the propagation of Braille resources. Many of the teachers at the Royal Institute for Blind Youth resisted learning Braille’s system because they found the tactile method of reading difficult to learn (Bullock & Galst, 2009). This resistance was symptomatic of the prevalent attitude that the blind population had to adapt to the sighted world rather than develop their own tools and methods. Over time, however, with the increasing impetus to make social contribution possible for all, teachers began to appreciate the usefulness of Braille’s system (Bullock & Galst, 2009). Access to reading could help improve the productivity and integration of people with vision loss. It took approximately 30 years, but the French government eventually approved the Braille system, and it was established throughout the country (Bullock & Galst, 2009).

Not all paragraphs will look exactly like this. Depending on what your paper aims to do, you might:

• Bring together examples that seem very different from each other, but have one key point in common.
• Include just one key piece of evidence (such as a quotation or statistic) and analyze it in depth over several sentences.
• Break down a concept or category into various parts to help the reader understand it.

The introduction and conclusion paragraphs will also look different. The only universal rule is that your paragraphs must be unified , coherent and relevant . If you struggle with structuring your paragraphs, you could consider using a paper editing service for personal, in-depth feedback.

As soon as you address a new idea, argument or issue, you should start a new paragraph. To determine if your paragraph is complete, ask yourself:

• Do all your sentences relate to the topic sentence?
• Does each sentence make logical sense in relation to the one before it?
• Have you included enough evidence or examples to demonstrate your point?
• Is it clear what each piece of evidence means and why you have included it?
• Does all the evidence fit together and tell a coherent story?

Don’t think of paragraphs as isolated units—they are part of a larger argument that should flow organically from one point to the next. Before you start a new paragraph, consider how you will transition between ideas.

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Law Essay Examples

10+ Winning Law Essays Examples | Boost Your Grades Now

Published on: May 8, 2023

Last updated on: Jul 19, 2024

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Are you looking for inspiration to get started on your law essay? If so keep reading! 

As a law student, you're expected to have excellent writing skills. Your essays should be well-structured, articulate, and persuasive. However, it's not always easy to know where to start or how to approach your writing. 

That's where law essay examples come in - they provide a valuable resource that can help guide you through the process.

In this blog, we'll explore the law essay examples on different topics. Moreover, we will analyze the structure and format of a law essay. 

So, let's get started!

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What is a Law Essay? 

A law essay is a written assignment that requires the writer to analyze and evaluate legal issues, cases, or concepts. 

The purpose of a law essay is to demonstrate a student's understanding of the subject matter. It also shows the student's ability to present an argument in a concise manner. 

Want to gain more knowledge on how to write a high-quality law essay? Check out this video for insightful tips!

University Law Essay Examples

Let's take a closer look at some excellent university law essay examples that highlight the proper use of references.

Law Reflective Essay Example

Law Enforcement Essay Example

Law Reform Essay Example

Law Research Essay Example

Below, you will find some additional law essay samples that you may come across in your university assignments.

First Class Law Essay Example

Law School Transfer Essay Example

Law Essay Format and Structure

A well-structured and formatted law essay is essential for receiving high marks. Here are some key elements that should be included:

1. Introduction

• The introduction should introduce the main arguments of the essay.
• The first sentence should be attention-grabbing.
• The introduction should provide concise information about the broader significance of the topic.
• It should lead into the body of the essay.
• Each paragraph should have a clear topic sentence.
• The paragraph should include supporting evidence and analysis.
• The paragraphs should be logically connected.

3. Conclusion:

• The conclusion should summarize the main arguments of the essay.
• It should not introduce new information.
• It should demonstrate the significance of the arguments.

Let's take a look at an example of a well-structured law essay:

Check out the following pdfs for a better understanding:

Law Essay Format pdf

Law Essay Introduction Example pdf

Specific Law Essay Topics

Let's take a look at some specific law essay topic examples that can provide a foundation for deeper analysis.

Criminal Law Essay Example

Case Law Essay Example

Law Case Analysis Essay Example

Contract Law Essay Example

Ilac Law Essay Example

Public Law Essay Example

Critical Analysis Law Essay Example

Contract Law Essay Example Offer Acceptance

Additional Law Essay Samples

Let's explore some of the most frequently assigned law essay topics for writing assignments.

Development of Welfare Legislation for Animal Testing

Legal Analysis of Donald Trump's Leadership Style

Torts of Negligence and Battery in Medical Law

The Frustration of Contract in the Coronation Cases

Effectiveness of Gun Control Laws in the United States

The Unjust Intersection of Police Brutality and Racism

Nike Faces Gender Discrimination Lawsuit

A Dream to Become a Lawyer

Hate Crime Laws

Law Essay Writing Tips and Best Practices

Writing a law essay can be a rewarding and fulfilling experience. Here are some tips and best practices to help you write a successful law essay:

• Understand the assignment: Before you start writing your essay, make sure you understand the assignment requirements. This includes the topic, formatting requirements, and any specific instructions from your professor.
• Research extensively: A good law essay requires thorough research on the topic. Make use of primary and secondary sources, such as case law, legal journals, and academic articles, to support your arguments.
• Plan your essay: Before you start writing, plan your essay structure. This includes an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. The body paragraphs should be organized logically, with each paragraph focusing on a specific point or argument.
• Use clear and concise language: The language used in a law essay should be clear, concise, and precise. Avoid using jargon or technical terms that may be unfamiliar to the reader. Use plain language that is easy to understand.
• Cite your sources: In a law essay, it is important to cite your sources properly. Use the appropriate citation style, such as APA or MLA.  Make sure to include a bibliography or reference list at the end of your essay.
• Use reputable sources: Ensure that your sources are reputable and reliable. Use academic databases, such as LexisNexis or Westlaw, to find legal cases and journal articles.
• Seek feedback: It can be helpful to seek feedback from your professor or a peer before submitting your essay. This can help you identify any areas that need improvement and ensure that your arguments are persuasive and well-supported

Common Mistakes To Avoid In Law Essay Writing

Here are some most common mistakes to avoid when writing a law essay:

• Failing to answer the question: Make sure that your essay clearly answers the question posed.
• Lack of clarity: Ensure that your essay is clear, concise, and well-organized.
• Plagiarism: Avoid plagiarism by properly citing all sources used in your essay.
• Inaccurate legal analysis: Ensure that your legal analysis is accurate and supported by legal authority.
• Poor syntax: Use proper grammar and syntax to ensure that your essay is well-written and easy to understand.

How To Edit And Proofread Your Law Essay 

Here are some great tips to perfect your law essay:

• Take a break: Take a break before editing and proofreading to ensure a fresh perspective.
• Review for clarity: Review your essay for clarity, ensuring that your arguments are well-supported and easy to understand.
• Check for accuracy: Check your essay for accuracy, including legal analysis and citations.
• Check for grammar and spelling: Check for proper grammar, spelling, and punctuation.
• Read aloud: Read your essay aloud to catch any errors or awkward phrasing.

To sum it up!

Writing a law essay requires careful planning, extensive research, and attention to detail. Throughout this blog, we have explored different law essay examples. We have also discussed the format and structure of a well-written law essay. 

By avoiding common mistakes and following best practices, you can write a successful essay. However, if you find yourself struggling with your law essay, do not hesitate to seek help from CollegeEssay.org .

We offer top-quality essay writing service to students at all academic levels. 

Get in touch with our law essay writing service now and say ' write my essay ' and let us help you achieve your academic goals!

Also, give our AI essay writing tools a try!

Nova A. (Literature, Marketing)

As a Digital Content Strategist, Nova Allison has eight years of experience in writing both technical and scientific content. With a focus on developing online content plans that engage audiences, Nova strives to write pieces that are not only informative but captivating as well.

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