how to write a property law essay

How to Write a First-Class Law Essay: Mastering the FIRAC Model

Law essays can be challenging, but they contribute significantly to the mastery of legal principles and enhancing a student’s legal research skills. A first-class law essay does not only demonstrate a thorough understanding of legal principles, but is also clearly structured and incredibly well-written. In this article, we will guide you on how to write a first-class law essay, delve into the FIRAC model of legal writing, and address frequently asked questions on law essay writing.

Below is an outline of the points that will be discussed in detail throughout the article:

Understanding the Essay Question and Planning

Comprehensive legal research, writing techniques for a first-class law essay, common faqs on law essay writing.

Table of Contents

The first step in writing a top-notch law essay is to understand the essay question and planning your response. You should take care to read and analyze the question provided, identifying the main issues, required legal areas, and the keywords that will guide your research. Create a rough essay plan, outlining the main arguments and research resources necessary to address the topic.

Thorough researched is necessary in order to write a first-class law essay.This involves examining relevant cases, statutes, academic articles, and other authoritative sources. It is crucial to:

• Build a strong foundation of understanding for the specific legal topics involved
• Identify any contrary viewpoints and conflicting interpretations of the law
• Familiarize yourself with critical legal developments that may affect your essay’s arguments

It is essential to keep track of your sources and their essential details, as you will need to reference them accurately in your essay.

Structuring a Law Essay: The FIRAC Model

The FIRAC model is a universally recognized method of organizing and presenting legal arguments in writing. It consists of:

Start by providing a concise and relevant summary of the facts and background of the issue beingaddressed. Be objective and neutral in your presentation, ensuring that your readers have a clear understanding of the context.

Clearly identify the specific legal issues that arise from the facts. This may involve direct questions or problems that need to be resolved by referring to legal authorities, such as legislation, case law, or academic commentary.

Set out the relevant legal rules, principles, and precedents that apply to the issues in question. Present a clear and comprehensive explanation of the legal authorities and how they apply to the facts.

d. Analysis:

In this section, critically analyze and weigh the various arguments and approaches concerning the legal issues at hand. Provide a detailed evaluation of the relevant legal authorities,discussing their strengths and weaknesses, and highlighting any ambiguities, disagreements, or gaps in the law that are relevant to the issues being addressed.

e. Conclusion:

Wrap up your essay by summarizing the main points, integrating your key findings and the implications of your analysis. Be sure to address the initial essay question and provide a clear answer or position based on your research and discussion. Finally, offer any recommendations or propose potential legal reforms if appropriate.

To ensure that your law essay stands out as first-class, it is essential to embrace effective writing techniques, such as:

• Clarity and precision: Use clear, concise language and avoid unnecessary jargon or verbosity. 2.Coherent organization: Organize your essay logically, ensuring that each section flows smoothly into the next.
• Strong argumentation: Build well-reasoned arguments supported by solid evidence, authoritative sources, and persuasive analysis.
• Critical thinking: Question assumptions, explore alternative viewpoints, and engage in thoughtful reflection and analysis.
• Proper citation and referencing: Adhere to a consistent citation style and accurately credit all sources used in your essay.
• Proofreading and editing: Always proofread and edit your essay meticulously, eliminating grammatical errors, spelling mistakes, and awkward phrasing.

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about law essay writing:

How long should my law essay be?

The length of your law essay may vary, depending on the specific requirements and guidelines given by your instructor or institution. Typically, law essays range from 1,500 to 3,000 words, but it is crucial to adhere to the specified word count in your assignment.

How do I choose a citation style for my law essay?

Consult your assignment guidelines or ask your instructor for the preferred citation style used in legal writing at your institution, such as the Bluebook, Oxford Standard, or AGLC. Always use one citation style consistently throughout your essay.

Is it acceptable to use non-legal references in my essay?

While law essays primarily rely on legal authorities, it may be appropriate toinclude non-legal references, such as scholarly articles, reports, or empirical studies, to support your arguments or provide additional context. Always check with your instructor or assignment guidelines if you are unsure about using specific non-legal sources.

Can I use headings and subheadings in my law essay?

Headings and subheadings help organize your essay and guide your readers through your arguments. They are generally acceptable in law essays unless prohibited by your institution’s guidelines or your instructor’s preferences. Be sure to use a consistent formatting style for all headings and subheadings.

How can I avoid plagiarism in my law essay?

To avoid plagiarism, always accurately cite and reference any sources you use in your essay,whether they are direct quotes, paraphrased ideas, or summarized information. Also, ensure that your essay is primarily composed of your own original analysis and ideas, rather than relying too heavily on other sources. Make use of plagiarism-checking tools to identify potential areas of concern and correct them prior to submission.

By adhering to these guidelines and employing effective writing techniques, you can enhance the quality of your law essay and increase the likelihood of earning a first-class grade. Always remain diligent, focused, and committed to delivering thorough and engaging legal analysis throughout your academic writing endeavors.

Common Mistakes to Avoid in Law Essays

In addition to following the guidelines and writing techniques, it’s important to avoid common mistakes when writing your law essay:

• Irrelevant or excessive detail : Stay focused on the essay question and avoid providing unnecessary or excessive details that don’t contribute to your central argument.
• Lack of structure: Ensure that your essay is logically organized, with clearly defined sections and a coherent flow from one section to another.
• Misunderstanding the question: Read the essay prompt carefully, and make sure you clearly understand what is being asked before drafting your response. Seek clarification if needed.
• Unsupported claims or arguments: Back up your claims with solid evidence and credible sources. Avoid makingassertions without sufficient justification or analysis.
• Overly complex language or jargon: Write in a clear and concise manner, using language that is accessible to your readers. Be mindful of using overly technical terms or legal jargon without explanation.
• Plagiarism: Always provide proper citation and referencing for all sources used. Take the necessary steps to ensure your work is original and does not plagiarize from other sources.
• Inadequate proofreading: Thoroughly proofread and edit your essay to correct grammatical errors, spelling mistakes, and clumsy phrasing. Additionally, make sure your citations and references are accurate and formatted correctly.

By avoiding these common mistakes and adhering to the aforementioned guidelines andwriting techniques, you will significantly improve the quality of your law essay and increase your chances of achieving a high grade. Remember that practice makes perfect, and continually refining your skills in legal writing and analysis will contribute to your overall success in your academic and professional pursuits. So, stay committed, diligent, and focused on producing well-reasoned and coherent essays that demonstrate your understanding and mastery of legal principles and concepts. 

Happy writing!

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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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How to Write a Law Essay: A Comprehensive Guide with Examples

Since 2006, oxbridge essays has been the uk’s leading paid essay-writing and dissertation service.

We have helped 10,000s of undergraduate, Masters and PhD students to maximise their grades in essays, dissertations, model-exam answers, applications and other materials. If you would like a free chat about your project with one of our UK staff, then please just reach out on one of the methods below.

Let's put it this way: if you are studying law, you will agree that writing a law essay is no easy feat. Whether you’re dealing with case law, statutes, or legal principles, structuring your essay correctly and presenting your arguments effectively are key to achieving a high grade. This guide will walk you through the essentials of writing a law essay, including structure, introduction examples, and practical tips to help you produce a first-class essay.

A Law Essay Structure

What is the basic structure of a law essay? A well-structured essay not only presents your arguments clearly but also demonstrates your grasp of legal concepts. Here’s a typical structure for a law essay:

Introduction

Overview : Briefly introduce the topic and outline the key issues. Thesis Statement : Clearly state your main argument or position. Purpose : Indicate how the essay will address the issues and what the reader can expect.

Issue Identification : Clearly identify and explain the legal issues or questions. Legal Analysis : Discuss relevant case law, statutes, and legal principles. Argument Development : Develop your arguments logically, providing evidence and analysis to support your points. Counterarguments : Consider and address potential counterarguments or alternative viewpoints.

Summary : Recap the main points and arguments. Reinforcement : Restate your thesis in light of the evidence presented. Final Thoughts : Offer any final reflections or implications of your analysis.

Crafting an Effective Introduction

The introduction of a law essay sets the tone for the rest of your work. A strong introduction should provide a clear overview of the topic and establish the context for your argument. Here’s how you can structure it:

• Hook : Start with an engaging statement or question related to the topic. This could be a relevant quote, a brief anecdote, or a provocative question.
• Context : Provide background information to help the reader understand the relevance of the topic.
• Thesis Statement : Clearly outline your main argument or position. This should guide the direction of your essay.
• Roadmap : Briefly outline how you will address the issues and structure your argument.

Example of a Law Essay Introduction:

“The principle of judicial review is a cornerstone of the British legal system, ensuring that all public authorities act within their legal boundaries. This essay explores the scope and limits of judicial review, focusing on recent judicial decisions that have reshaped its application. By analysing key case law and statutory developments, this essay will argue that while judicial review remains a vital check on executive power, recent trends indicate a shift towards more restrained judicial intervention. The discussion will be organised into three main sections: an examination of the historical development of judicial review, an analysis of contemporary judicial approaches, and an evaluation of the implications for future judicial oversight.”

Writing the Body of the Essay

The body of your law essay is where you provide detailed analysis and develop your arguments. Follow these steps to ensure clarity and depth in your writing:

• Identify the Issues : Clearly define the legal issues or questions at hand. This section should set the foundation for your analysis.
• Provide Legal Analysis : Discuss relevant case law, statutes, and legal principles. Be sure to provide brief summaries of relevant cases, discuss any statutes or legislative provisions relevant to the topic and explain any key legal principles or doctrines that apply to the issues.
• Develop Your Arguments : Present your arguments logically, using evidence and analysis to support your points. Ensure that each paragraph transitions smoothly to the next, maintaining a clear and coherent flow.
• Address Counterarguments : Consider potential counterarguments or alternative viewpoints. Address these within your essay to demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the topic.

Example of Argument Development

“In the landmark case of R (on the application of Miller) v. Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union (2017), the UK Supreme Court reaffirmed the principle that significant constitutional changes require parliamentary approval. The court’s decision highlighted the importance of maintaining parliamentary sovereignty in the face of executive decisions. However, recent judicial trends suggest a cautious approach towards intervening in political matters, reflecting a broader shift towards judicial restraint. This shift raises questions about the future scope of judicial review and its role in holding the executive accountable.”

Crafting a Strong Conclusion

Your conclusion should summarise the key points discussed and reinforce your thesis. Avoid introducing new information; instead, focus on synthesising your arguments and providing a final perspective. Keep in mind the following:

• Summarise Main Points : Briefly recap the key issues and arguments presented in the body.
• Restate Thesis : Reaffirm your thesis statement, demonstrating how it has been supported by your analysis.
• Final Thoughts : Offer any concluding reflections or implications. This could include suggestions for further research or practical implications of your findings.

Example of a Law Essay Conclusion:

“In conclusion, while the principle of judicial review continues to serve as a crucial mechanism for ensuring accountability, recent developments indicate a more nuanced approach by the judiciary. The balance between maintaining judicial oversight and respecting the limits of judicial intervention is delicate. As demonstrated through recent case law and statutory changes, the evolving nature of judicial review reflects broader shifts in constitutional theory and practice. Future developments will likely continue to shape the scope and application of judicial review, underscoring the need for ongoing scholarly and judicial attention.”

Final Tips for Writing a Law Essay

• Use clear and precise language to convey your arguments. Avoid jargon and overly complex sentences.
• Ensure all claims and arguments are well-supported by legal evidence and analysis.
• Always edit and proofread your essay for clarity, coherence, and correctness. Ensure that your writing adheres to legal academic standards.

Read some complete law essay examples here.

Final Remarks

Writing a law essay involves understanding the structure, crafting an effective introduction, developing your arguments, and presenting a clear conclusion. By following the guidelines and examples provided, you can create a well-organised and compelling essay. Remember, the quality of your analysis and the clarity of your arguments are key to achieving a first-class result.

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Public Law for Everyone

by Professor Mark Elliott

Writing a Law essay? Remember to argue!

Providing advice in the abstract about how to write Law essays is difficult because so much depends on the nature of the question you are answering. It’s also important to take into account whatever are the expectations for your particular course, degree programme or university. Nevertheless, a useful rule of thumb, I think, is that a good Law essay will normally set out and advance a clear thesis or argument . (Note that I’m referring here to essays as distinct from problem questions: the latter call for a different approach.)

The need for an argument

Some answers explicitly call for this. Take, for example, the following essay title:

‘Do you agree that parliamentary sovereignty is the most important principle in the UK constitution?’

Here, the question itself in effect advances an argument — that parliamentary sovereignty is the most important principle in the constitution — and invites you to say whether you agree with it or not. And in saying whether you agree, you need to advance your own argument: ‘I agree with this because…’. Or: ‘I disagree because…’. Or even (because if the question advances a position that you think implies a misconception, oversimplification or false premise, you can say so): ‘I will argue that the question oversimplifies matters by assuming that a particular constitutional principle can be singled out as uniquely important…’

Other questions may indicate in a less direct way the need for you to put forward your own argument. For example:

‘“Parliamentary sovereignty is the most important principle in the UK constitution.” Discuss.’

Here, we don’t have a ‘do you agree?’ prompt; instead, we have the apparently less directive ‘discuss’ prompt. If we read the question literally, it may seem that there is no need for you to put forward your own argument here. After all, it’s possible to ‘discuss’ something without advancing your own argument about it: you could make various points, explain various matters, and leave the reader to make up their own mind. But while this may be formally true, it’s unwise to read the question in this way, because it creates the risk that you will end up writing something very general and descriptive on the topic without going any further.

To summarise, then, there are at least three reasons for making an argument part of your essay. First, the question will often call for this, whether explicitly or implicitly, such that you wouldn’t be answering the question if you didn’t set out and develop an argument. Second, if you don’t impose on yourself the discipline of articulating and defending an argument, you risk underselling yourself by writing something that is descriptive and meandering rather than purposefully constructed . Third, setting out and developing an argument involves taking ownership of the material. By that, I mean using the material in a way that serves the purposes of your argument, showing that you are in command of it and that it is not in command of you. This, in turn, provides an opportunity to demonstrate a level of understanding that it would be hard to show in a descriptive essay that simply wandered from point to point.

Setting our your thesis

If putting forward an argument is (often) important or necessary, how should it be done? There are no great secrets here: the formula is straightforward. You should begin your essay by stating your thesis — that is, by setting out what it is that you are going to argue. This should be done in your introductory paragraph — by the time the reader reaches the end of that paragraph, they should be in no doubt about what you are going to argue. Imagine, for instance, that you are presented with the following essay title:

‘“The courts have expanded their powers of judicial review beyond all acceptable constitutional limits in recent decades; it is time to clip the judges’ wings.” Discuss.’  

In response to such a question, it might be tempting to say in your introduction that (for example) you are going to ‘show’ how the courts’ powers of judicial review have grown, ‘consider’ why this has happened and ‘examine’ the criticisms of judicial over-reach that have resulted. These are all perfectly sensible things to do when writing an essay on this topic, but if that is all you say in your introduction, you will leave the reader wondering what you think — and what you are going to argue . In contrast, an introductory paragraph that lays the foundation for essay that properly advances a thesis will set out what that thesis is. You might, for instance, take each of the propositions set out in the question and stake out your position:

‘In this essay, I will argue that (a) while the courts’ powers of judicial review have grown in recent decades, (b) it is misguided to suggest that this has breached “all acceptable constitutional limits” and (c) that those who now advocate “clip[ping] the judges’ wings” misunderstand the role of the judiciary in a rule of law-based constitution. In other words, the courts’ judicial review powers are entirely appropriate and those who seek to limit them risk undermining the rule of law.’  

An introduction of this nature would achieve two things. First, it would make clear to the reader the position you proposed to take. Second, it would immediately lend the essay a structure.

Developing your thesis

Once you have set out your thesis in the introduction, you need to develop or defend it. This will involve making a series of connected points in successive paragraphs, each of which relates to your overarching thesis. One way of thinking about this is that the individual points you make in the main body of the essay should all relate or point back in some way — and in a clear way — to the position that you staked out in the introduction.

In the example introduction above, the overarching thesis is set out in the second sentence; the individual and connecting parts of the argument are set out in propositions (a), (b) and (c) in the first sentence. One approach, therefore, would be to divide the answer, once the introduction has been written, into three parts, dealing in turn with points (a), (b) and (c). Naturally, as you work through the various parts of your argument, you will need to cite relevant evidence (cases, legislation, literature and so on) in support of your argument. You will also need to deal with matters that appear, at least at first glance, to sit in opposition to your argument (on which see further below) or which, once properly considered, require your argument to be refined.  

A key point, however you proceed, is that the reader should also be clear about how each successive point relates not only to the previous point but also to the overarching argument. The reader should never be left wondering ‘Where does this fit in?’ or ‘Why am I being told this?’ A simple way of avoiding these problems is to signpost , by saying at the beginning of each section how it relates to the overall argument. The flipside of this coin is that you should avoid saying things like ‘Another point is that…’ since this gives the impression, rightly or wrongly, that the various points in your essay have been thrown together in a random order, with little thought as to how they fit together or relate to your overall argument. Even if that’s not the case, you don’t want to risk giving the reader that impression.

A one-sided approach?

The advice set about above might seem to imply that I’m suggesting you write one-sided essays — in which you set out points that support your argument while ignoring those that don’t. However, that’s not at all what I’m suggesting. In order to set out your argument in a persuasive manner, you need to deal both with relevant points that support your argument and with relevant points that appear to challenge your argument — and, in dealing with the latter points, you need to show why they do not in fact fatally undermine your argument. In other words, the approach I’m suggesting here doesn’t mean that you should adopt a blinkered approach, paying no attention to counterarguments: rather, you need to deal with them in a way that shows that, having thought about and weighed them in the balance, you are in a position to show why your argument stands in spite of them (or why your argument can be adapted in a way that accommodates such points).  

All of this points towards a further matter: namely, that advancing an argument in your essay does not mean that you need to (or should) be argumentative in the sense of adopting a strident tone that brooks no debate or compromise. Rather, advancing an argument in the way I’ve suggested here means being thoughtful and persuasive : taking the reader with you on a journey that demonstrates that you have looked at the relevant material, carefully thought through the issues raised by the question, and arrived at a view that you are able to justify and defend through well-reasoned and suitably evidenced argument.

So what about your conclusion? If you’ve followed my advice above, it should more or less write itself. People often agonise over conclusions, perhaps thinking that there has to be some ‘big reveal’ at the end of their essay. But there doesn’t need to be — and indeed there shouldn’t be — any big reveal. There should be no surprises at the end precisely because you’ve set out your argument at the beginning and spent the rest of the essay carefully constructing the different strands of your argument. The conclusion is an opportunity to draw those stands together, but no-one should have to wait with bated breath for the conclusion before finally realising: ‘Ah, so that’s what they think!’ If that’s the impact of the conclusion on your reader, it means there’s something wrong with the introduction!

This post was first published on The Law Prof blog . It is re-published here with permission and thanks.

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Home » Blogs, News, Advice » Practical Guide to Writing Law School Essay

Practical Guide to Writing Law School Essay

• Aug 22, 2017

Writing a law school essay requires a fundamental understanding of the structure, context and the art of conveying your argument in an easily digestible body of work. While law essay writing does follow similar mechanics to regular essay writing, there are a few elements that demand more attention.

The following will guide you through what you need to know and understand about writing law school essays.

The title of your work is incredibly talented. There are some different ways to approach this. Some people like to state the ‘idea’ they wish to convey only.

• For Example. Jeremy Douglas: “Modern Understanding Standards in Property Law” (2012) NY Law Review

As you can see, this title is straightforward and addresses what the essay will be touching on. This approach works for those who wish to focus more on the ‘facts’ as opposed to adding ‘flare’ to the content.

• For Example. Robert Delaney: “Implementing Law in the Eye of the Storm”: Crisis Law (2014)

As you can see, the difference in approach relies mainly on your audience and the effect you wish to achieve for your first impression. It’s important to note that either one of these methods can work and is indeed up to the paper writer to choose the methodology that best suits your preferences.

Introduction

The introduction of your essay is similarly essential. A Good presentation will provide the premise of the article and address some of the points you’ll be covering. It’s good to mention and possibly italicize the talking points, especially if you’re going to be using them as subtitles.

Furthermore, an excellent introduction will set the tone of the essay. The sound is outstanding as it will inform the reader whether you are arguing for a point or against it. It will help them establish the correct mindset to continue to digest the information you are divulging.

Irrespective, you should always be stating the question or your ‘main premise’ and make it clear to the reader. It applies even if you are reviewing the work of another person. Establish what the reader should expect when reading your work.

Additionally, you’ll also want to include the ‘purpose’ of the essay. It is not enough to simply state your question, but also introduce the “why” you’re asking it. The purpose provides more context which will allow your reader to connect quickly to the content.

Since you established the talking points in the introduction, the body will be used to expand on those issues. Use each talking point as a subheading and explain each position in detail. It will allow your readers to quickly identify core arguments in favor or opposition of your location. It provides a sense of structure and should flow effortlessly from one idea to another.

To make this happen, you have to create “tie-over” sentences or concepts. What this means is that at the end of the previous paragraph, you’ll set up the idea of the following. You can either relate the two concepts or provide the contrast depending on the points that you are covering.

• For Example. Despite the damning statistics presented within the current argument (referencing the idea you are currently discussing), we can also look at the behavioral patterns (bringing in the notion of the next topic) of the market as a whole and how that influenced the egregious results within the concept as a whole.

It allows the reader to make a connection between the arguments while effortlessly introducing the next talking point. It will enable the essay to flow much more comfortable and retain the attention of the reader.

In the final part, you’ll re-introduce your premise and summarize the talking points (especially the ends) to reiterate the facts and refresh the reader’s memory. It is usually the shortest part of the essay as well as you won’t need to convince anyone anymore. You’re merely re-stating the facts and pointing in the direction of the conclusion you wish to achieve.

It is the last possible way you can remind your reader what you set out to do. However, do not worry about the conclusion as much, as this part usually writes itself as you’ll be re-focusing on the previous ideas.

It is a practical approach to writing law school essays, and I hope this helped you structure yourself to be able to write these in the future. If you’re still having trouble in writing your essay, then you could always find a law essay writing service i.e. CustomWritings.com that can pair you up with an expert in the field. Nonetheless, this should have given you enough structure and understanding on how to do this by yourself.

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2 Responses

The introduction of your article is likewise crucial. A fantastic demonstration will offer the assumption of this guide and handle a few of the points most of points are also described in https://www.professionalghostwriter.com/ you’re going to be covering. It is fantastic to mention and maybe italicize the speaking points, particularly if you’re likely to be utilizing these as subtitles.

What’s more, a superb introduction will set the tone of this essay. The audio is outstanding since it will inform the reader if you’re arguing for a stage or contrary to it. It helps them establish the appropriate mindset to keep to digest the info you’re divulging.

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Property Study Guide: Sample Exam Questions

• Study Aids and Tutorials
• Sample Exam Questions

Introduction

The Law Library carries a number of resources that test your knowledge of property law. This guide provides a listing of resources of practice essay exams as well as multiple choice questions. There are also links to online multiple choice questions as well as resources to help with law school exams.  The multiple choice questions in property law can be a great way to track your progress. Review the description of each resource for more details.   

Essay Samples

Resources for Excelling in Law Exams

Multiple Choice Practice Questions

Real Property Online Multiple Choice Questions

• Real Property
• << Previous: Study Aids and Tutorials
• Last Updated: Jan 25, 2024 5:32 PM
• URL: https://libguides.regent.edu/propertylaw

Online Resources

Research guides, study aids for law students.

• Aspen Learning Library - Formerly the Wolters Kluwer Online Study Aids Library
• AudioCaseFiles
• LexisNexis Digital Library
• Themis Law School Essentials
• Bar Exam Sample Essays
• Sample Exams
• Black Letter Outlines
• Emanuel CrunchTime
• Emanuel Law Outlines
• Examples and Explanations
• Gilbert Law Summaries
• Glannon Guides

Many state bar associations post former bar exam essay questions and sample answers on their websites. These model answers are useful for studying for the bar and final exams.

Search online for state bar exam questions and answers, or use the list provided at the bottom of this page. Access is free.

• Try writing a response to a practice question, then comparing your response to the model answer.
• Some bar exam questions require the application of state law (e.g., California civil procedure), and may not be helpful if you are studying federal law. Read the question carefully. 
• Subject coverage will vary by exam and by state.

1L Subjects:

• Civil Procedure (federal and state questions)
• Constitutional Law
• Contract Law
• Criminal Law

2L/3L Subjects:

• Business Organizations
• Conflict of Laws
• Criminal Procedure
• Family Law/Community Property
• Professional Responsibility/Ethics
• Secured Transactions (Uniform Commercial Code 2)
• Wills & Trusts

Sample Exam Questions & Answers By State

• Mississippi
• Pennsylvania
• UBE  (Many of the states on this list administer the UBE, but the states offer more recent model essay answers than the UBE)
• << Previous: Themis Law School Essentials
• Next: Sample Exams >>
• Last Updated: Jan 27, 2022 9:12 AM
• URL: https://guides.law.byu.edu/studyaids

Effective Tips How to Write a Law Essay

If you are a law student, you have probably already faced the question of how to write a law essay. This is not an easy task as essay requirements often vary. In addition, you need to clearly state your position and support it with arguments.

The essay writing process requires students to:

• the ability to select and analyze information;
• highlight cause-and-effect relationships and arguments;
• support each thesis with relevant examples;
• formulate reasonable conclusions.

Students should use legal terminology for a clear and competent statement of their position. It is also necessary to master the scientific style of the language and correctly design the work. In addition, in the process of creating an essay, students get a unique chance to show their creative abilities, apply existing theoretical knowledge in practice, and express critical comments about what they have read. The essay is a degree of preparation for independent research work.

To write such an essay, a complete understanding of the phenomenon under study is important. If you do not have time for independent writing, the way out is to order an essay, for example here – mycustomessay.com/custom-law-essays.html . Writing services will gladly help students in writing diplomas, term papers, and essays to order.

The Structure of Law Essay

Like any other work, a legal essay should consist of at least 3 parts: an introduction, the main part, and conclusions.

• Introduction

Define the problem and formulate the topic of the essay. Be concise. A well-written introduction encourages the reader to be interested and read the entire work. The introduction can contain a statement of the problem and its essence, a rhetorical question, a quote, etc. In the introduction, it is very important to formulate a special emotional mood and bring the reader to the problem under consideration.

In the main part, it is expedient to present different points of view on a certain problem, to turn to the history of its research. The main body most often consists of several subsections, each of which contains three components: thesis (judgment that is proved), justification (arguments used to prove the thesis), and sub-conclusions (partial answer to the main question).

The argument can be built in the following sequence:

• explanation;
• final judgment;
• conclusions

Arguments are judgments that are expressed so that the reader is convinced of the truth of a certain point of view. In particular, arguments can be various life situations, opinions of scientists, certain facts, statistical estimates, evidence, etc.

The conclusions combine all the conclusions that were made on each thesis presented in the main part. The reader must reach a logical conclusion based on the arguments presented in the work. Quite often, conclusions restate the problem and conclude.

The purpose of the introductory part of the essay is to interest the reader. The purpose of the conclusions is to add integrity to the overall picture, leave the essay in the reader’s memory and make him think. To build a logical essay text, you need:

• record theses;
• select several arguments for each thesis;
• build theses in a logical sequence: one thought should flow from another.

Thanks to such actions, the author will have a detailed plan. It remains to write the text – and the essay will be almost ready.

You can try to write an essay yourself, following the recommendations. However, not everyone can express their thoughts about what they read in writing. And the biggest difficulty is to analyze and argue the chosen topic of the essay. So order legal essays from professional writers.

Main Advantages of Custom Coursework Writers

If you want to order a law essay, let’s consider the advantages of such a choice.

You can choose a company with highly skilled writers with fresh ideas. They will help to write high-quality essays on various topics, complying with all the requirements of teachers. If you have your ideas, you can consult with the author, and he will try to use them correctly. Therefore, the essay will be written in compliance with all the rules, without grammatical and punctuation errors.

Main advantages of custom coursework writer :

• Cooperation with experienced authors who have knowledge and experience in various fields. This guarantees high-quality essay writing, compliance with academic standards and competent presentation of the material.
• Such companies have an individual approach to each student. You can specify all the requirements, structure and features of the essay to get a job that fully meets your expectations and requirements.
• The author understands the importance of meeting deadlines and strives to deliver finished essays on time. This allows students to submit assignments on time and avoid delays.
• Writing services provide professional customer support, ready to answer questions and help with problems.
• Your personal data and order data are confidential information that is not disclosed.
• Each text is checked for plagiarism. Therefore, the originality and uniqueness of the essay is guaranteed to you.

Those writers are always ready to help you with  various essays and other types of tasks. Ordering a ready-to-go essay can be especially helpful for students who are working.

Writing service makes it possible to concentrate on other tasks like preparing for exams or solving personal issues, and have ready-made work of high quality on time, so it is a win-win situation.

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How To Write a First-Class Law School Essay Exam Answer

Every student wants to write a first-class law school essay exam answer.  To excel at law school essay exam writing, you must know and understand the law, spot all the pertinent issues in the exam hypothetical, thoroughly analyze those issues by persuasively applying the law to fact, and provide sound legal conclusions based on your analysis.  These skills are fundamental to writing an outstanding law exam essay answer, and they require extensive law school exam preparation combined with law exam practice.  

Having Knowledge and Understanding of the Law

Knowing the legal rules is foundational to writing a top-notch law school essay exam answer. When working as a law school writing professor, I tested my first-year law students on strict liability involving animals that were the product of crossbreeding domestic and wild animals. When I read all the exam answers submitted, one stood out from the rest because it demonstrated with precision all the essential skills required to produce a superior essay answer. 

The answer demonstrated the student’s ability to state the relevant rules.  The student achieved this knowledge from briefing his cases because briefing assists with not only learning the legal rules but also with the legal reasoning required to apply the rules.  He also attended all his classes, which is important because the class discussions assist with the ability to apply the law.  

This same student utilized the Fleming’s Torts Substantive Law Outline , another important resource in his law school preparation arsenal.  This outline distilled the law and provided him with crisp rule definitions that made their way into his impressive answer.  

By following the law school process and utilizing proper legal resource materials, it was clear this student knew the law and understood which standards to use for what was being tested. As a reader, I did not have to guess at the legal standards when scoring the answer – the content in the exam answer spoke for itself.

It’s Essential to Spot all the Issues In Law School Essay Exams

The next aspect of this student’s first-class law school essay writing was that he spotted all the major and minor issues.  Achieving that put him a cut above the majority of other student examinees who did not.

Many students can spot several of the major issues. However, many miss the minor issues.  Using as an example this strict liability exam, there was a subtle fact that created an intervening factor that arguably could sever liability.  For students who did not spot this issue, their conclusions were flawed.  For the few students who spotted the intervening factor, they set themselves apart from the rest of the class because they recognized the issue, cited the applicable law, analyzed the law to the specific facts, and came to the proper conclusion based on their reasoned analysis. They also received the high score for their effort.

Writing a superior law school essay exam answer is not just about knowing the substantive law – it is about applying the law to facts that raise issues. Thus, a student can know all the law in the world, but if he or she cannot spot issues on a law school exam, there is no chance to demonstrate application, which is the cornerstone to becoming a lawyer. 

Thus, as part of law school exam preparation, I recommend students review practice exams and model answers for issue spotting to increase this necessary issue spotting skill. Integrating law school exam practice into the study process will always lead to higher grades.

Writing Precise and Persuasive Law School Essay Exam Analysis

Knowing the rules and spotting the issues will afford a certain number of points, but in law school essay writing, you can knock it out of the park with precise and persuasive analysis/application of the facts.  

Referring again to the student mentioned above, his outstanding answer utilized all the facts in the exam.  He stated what the facts actually said, and then interpreted the facts within the context of the law. He finished with a reasoned conclusion based on his analysis. 

As a law school professor, I have graded thousands of law school exams. I am always frustrated when I read law exam answers wherein the law student paraphrases the facts because paraphrasing can change the nature of the facts.  It is never a good idea to frustrate the person who is grading the exam answer. Law students must understand that the facts are given as they are for a reason. The facts must be used specifically and in the same language given in the exam hypothetical so they can then be properly interpreted and analyzed when applying the law. 

Another reason why the student referred to above wrote a first-class law school essay exam was because he analyzed the law and facts persuasively.  A problem for most students is writing analysis that is conclusory.  It is conclusory because they are not answering the “why” for each issue.  

To correct conclusory analysis, law students must provide analysis for each element of the rule using the facts in support e.g., “The large goats owned by Mr. Farmer wandered onto Mr. Field’s neighboring property after the lock pulled out from the connector on their pen. The gate then swung open, and the animals entered the neighboring land without that landowner’s knowledge.  Thus, the goats were trespassing livestock.” Here in this example, the student answered why the large goats were trespassing and how it happened.  If you are not writing this way, you must practice by tying the element of the rule and the facts together to answer the “why.” 

When writing a superb law school essay exam, you must analyze the law and facts for each party because the intent of law school essay exams is to train you to think like a lawyer.  As a civil litigation attorney, I not only research the facts and law for my client, but I must do the same for the opposing party because I must be able to anticipate and refute their arguments.  

In the student’s essay exam referred to above, he skillfully argued on behalf of both the plaintiff and defendant. When I read his exam answer, his arguments flowed flawlessly from one issue to the next, addressing the arguments for each party.

Legal reasoning is the method of thought and argument used when applying the rules to the facts. In the crossbred animal case, the neighbor used an electric cattle prod on the animals to try to move them off his property.  The student provided a brief, yet exceptional analysis on behalf of the plaintiff, explaining why an electric cattle prod could incite domestic animals, not only the crossbred animals, to be aggressive.  He had the skill to apply a reasonable argument that extended from the fact pattern in support of the plaintiff’s defense.

Legally Sound Conclusions 

Outstanding law school essay writing requires correct and concise conclusions.  As a grader, I would assign “0” points to a conclusion that began with, “If the court finds . . . ”  or conclusions that did not comport with the reasoning in the analysis.  You are being trained to think like a lawyer, so ultimately you must pick a position and assert it in your conclusion.  Always write conclusions where it’s relevant, as well as an overall conclusion for each call of the question.

Do Not be Afraid to Seek Help Learning to Write Law School Essay Exams

It can be exceedingly difficult for law students to assess their own strengths and weaknesses when developing their essay writing.  Students can also hit roadblocks.  If this is happening to you, I recommend that you discuss your essay exams with your professors because their feedback can be truly enlightening.  They also tend to be very dedicated and enjoy assisting law students, so be courageous and ask for help.  

If you are still having difficulty with exam test-taking after consulting with your professors, private tutors, like those available through Fleming’s Fundamental of Law, are a tremendous resource because they can address and provide direction regarding your specific strengths and weaknesses. 

Work Hard to Master Law School Essay Writing

You must master each aspect of law school essay writing to achieve a first-class exam.  It

takes dedication to learning and applying the facts to the law in a persuasive manner.  It also takes a tremendous amount of practice because you must keep working on developing the skill until you achieve your goal.  Once you do, you will be well on the road to thinking and writing like a lawyer. 

Law School vs. Bar Exam Essay Writing

The law school essay exam principles discussed above are the same for bar exam essays. Bar examiners are looking for the same ingredients in essay exam answers that law professors are looking for in law school exam answers. Thus, when you prepare to take law school essay exams, you are also preparing to take bar exam answers. 

Embrace the law school process because every practice exam you take and every mid-term and final exam you take brings you closer to your goal to pass the Bar Exam and begin your legal career as a lawyer.

Anonymous - September 14, 2022 I need help writing law school exams.

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How To Use The IRAC Method To Excel In Your Law Essays

Find out how to tackle problem questions in your law exams using the IRAC method.

When it comes to writing essays for Law as a university student, you’ve probably read a lot about the typical ‘intro-main-body-conclusion’ essays. However, when it comes to black letter law subjects , these require a different type of approach. Here is how to approach problem questions using the IRAC (Issue, Rule, Application, Conclusion) method.

What Is Black Letter Law?

Black letter law refers to areas of Law that consist mainly of technical rules, as opposed to areas of law that are defined more by a conceptual basis. Black letter law subjects include modules like tort law , criminal law , property law, etc. When it comes to examinations for these subjects they typically consist of problem questions and statement questions.

What Are Problem Questions?

In a problem question, you would probably be given a legal scenario and be tasked with explaining what the legal outcome would/should be. For example, there might be only one issue you are addressing or a series of legal issues in one given scenario.

In a statement question, you may be asked to analyse and/or give your opinions on judgments and legal concepts. For example, ‘Would you agree that xyz statute has incrementally progressed over the years?’ .

In an exam, you may have the choice to answer a number of questions picking how many you want to answer from the two types of questions. In this blog, I will be explaining how to approach problem questions.

What Is The IRAC Method?

The best way to approach problem statements as a beginner law student is the IRAC method: Issue, Rule, Application and Conclusion. This will allow you to give analytical answers that are clear and structured.

With an IRAC essay and problem questions in general, you do not have to write an introduction. You can go straight into answering the question – this is a key difference to statement questions.

For each of your points, you will start by stating the  legal issues  that arise in this scenario. 

When writing an issue statement, you can say something like, ‘The issue that first arises is if/whether…’. Then, you would complete the sentence by identifying and stating the legal conclusion that needs to be reached. For example, ‘The issue is whether the defendant is criminally liable for xyz’. 

After this, you would connect the issue statement to the relevant facts in the scenario. For example, ‘The defendant did xyz knowingly, therefore doing xyz to the claimant’. 

After writing your issue statement, you should identify and explain the rules that apply in this scenario and will ultimately define the/your legal conclusion. The  rule describes  which law or test applies to this issue.

So, this is where you would draw on your primary and secondary sources knowledge to support your analysis. It should be stated as a general principle for the scenario and not as a conclusion to the scenario being analysed – at least not just yet.

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Application

After stating the legal issues and relevant rules, now it is time to provide the main body of your analysis. In the application part of your answer, this is where you will explain how the legal principles you mentioned can be applied to your scenario, demonstrating your understanding of the law. 

In the application stage, you should constantly use key phrases from the legal principles mentioned. Do not worry about repeating your words – it is important to establish the connection.

You can also build the connection between the rules and your application by using connectives like ‘because’ and ‘since’. For example, ‘Here, the criminal can be considered independent of xyz because xyz…’ or ‘Since the defendant did xyz this breaks the causation chain of xyz’.

The key to application is not to simply regurgitate the rules but to successfully provide judgment based on the facts and rules.

When it comes to problem statements, there are two types of conclusions. The 1-2 sentences that conclude each issue explored and your final judgment.

In your brief  conclusion s, you can use one or two sentences to concisely state the outcome of the issue, based on the application of the rules to the facts of the case. For example, ‘Therefore, the defendant can be found criminally liable for xyz’.

In your final conclusion, you should first state your conclusion regarding each issue. Then, if applicable, you will provide your overall judgement. Like a normal essay, do not mention anything new that you have discussed (unless you perhaps forgot a point and are on a time crunch). Moreover, your conclusion should draw back to why you have come to this final judgment.

With answering these questions you should be assertive and plainly state your opinion. The journey to your judgment is the main part of your assessment, but it is your conclusion that brings your work together.

It is important to remember though that you will still get marks for your understanding and exploration of the law, so don’t feel discouraged if you don’t feel like you know the answer and answer to the best of your abilities. After all, the beauty of Law is subjectivity. 

In some cases, you may find that you can not come to a final judgement because the scenario needs more information. You may also find that your judgment is conditional on certain things. It is fine to state as so, and perhaps that is the answer. In general, however, if you can, you should come to a final decision.

Extra Points

After deciding that the IRAC method is the best to use and before even starting to write your response, you should spend time deeply analysing the problem. You should go through the statement and identify which parts will be relevant to each component of IRAC.

It is advisable to use something like different highlighters to identify each component. Make sure you can identify each part of IRAC in the statement before you actually start writing your response.

Key Takeaways

Before using the IRAC method you need to analyse if that is the most appropriate method for your exam/essay.

Find out more essay methods you can use here.

The goal is that as you start to become more experienced and knowledgeable as a Law student, you won’t answer your questions as rigidly and use a method that best works to your abilities. However, you can still get a great grade using the IRAC method to the letter and is advised by many legal academics.

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How to write a law essay?

At first glance, writing up your argument into a law essay might seem like a daunting prospect. Although the task is not as impossible as it initially appears. Getting it right takes time, but it will be worth the effort because a good law essay needs a sound reason, a depth of understanding of legal principles, and a structure to succeed. This guide will take you through the key stages of getting a law essay right. If you’re finding it challenging, a law essay writing service UK like Ukwritings can be a valuable resource. Ukwritings offers professional assistance to help students craft well-structured and thoroughly researched essays, making the writing process smoother and more effective.

1. Understand the Question

The most important thing, to start with, is to seek to understand exactly what the essay question is asking you to do. Having a misconception about the question, and so responding to the wrong one, is a major route to producing an unfocused essay. Here’s how to do it right.

• Look for signs: Some common signs are listed below.
• You might be asked to identify key terms: sometimes you’ll be provided with some substantive parts of the law, or a term or concept drawn from it, and be required to identify it.
• Here is where one would place the issue at hand: What is the problem before the law or posed to the law?
• So after working out what the question is asking for, then you just need to fill in the blanks: figure out what you need, and put together your essay.

2. Research Thoroughly

The most important thing you need to do for any law essay is to research your topic well. This will ensure you have something to say and show that you are drawing on well-known sources, such as case law, statute law, academic articles, and legal textbooks. For those needing extra support, exploring UK essay writing services can provide helpful insights and tools to enhance your research and writing process.

Use Credible Sources

Find recent cases or legislation that are relevant to your topic in legal databases such as Westlaw, LexisNexis, or JSTOR (which contain a vast collection of case law, legal journals, and scholarly articles) and find the newest cases and statutes. Laws move fast.

Keep your notes well organized. You might decide to group them, say, according to topic or issue. That way, as you are writing your essay, you can refer back to some of the key points. Some students like to keep track, in a table or chart, of how the various sources are used to support which arguments.

3. Develop a Clear Thesis Statement

OK, what is your thesis? What is your point, what are you trying to say? If you aren’t trying to say anything, you don’t have an essay. But that point has to be very small, it has to be very tight, it has to be very specific. It has to be related to the question. All of your essay has to come back to that.

Indeed, one recent study by the Writing Center at Georgetown University found that non-thesis essays received 40 percent fewer points than thesis-led essays.

For instance, if you were writing an essay asking whether some piece of legislation was effective, your essay may have the thesis ‘This essay will argue that the data protection law that is currently in place is not effective, as the law is outdated and not enforced.’

4. Create a Structured Outline

The main advantage of an outline is that it will put your ideas in logical order and prevent your essay from sounding like random thoughts:

• Introduction (attach a thesis statement here)
• Body Paragraph 1
• Body Paragraph 2

This is the basic essay structure you are expected to use.

1. Introduction

Briefly introduce the topic.

Provide background information if necessary.

State your thesis.

2. Body Paragraphs

Explanation: Explain the legal principles or rules that apply.

Evidence: Provide supporting evidence, such as case law or statutory references.

Analysis: Analyse how the evidence supports your thesis.

3.Conclusion

Summarise the main points.

Restate your thesis in light of the evidence presented.

Offer any final thoughts or implications of your argument.

5. Analyse, Don’t Just Describe

But the most disastrous thing you can do in an essay that is supposed to be about critical analysis of the law is to do nothing more than plain descriptive work. The good part comes only after you have begun to rise above that.

Compare and Contrast: Take a law or version of a case that you have discussed, if it seems appropriate, and show how it might look different through different lenses. Explain what the difference is and which, if either, is more persuasive to you, and why. This shows that you can be sensitive to the different ways in which law works.

Question Assumptions: Setting aside too-easy questions that assume your conclusion, ask honest questions – for example, areas of doubt, ambiguities in the law or even contradictions. This type of criticism is not only tolerated but positively encouraged in legal essays.

6. Reference Properly

Whenever you write a law essay, you must use referencing. If you have done your research on the topic of your essay, then the use of references is proof of that, and it will also make your argument look solid, and supported by your authorities. If you fail to include the necessary references, your work will be seen as a case of plagiarism, and you will most certainly fail in law, for which it is impossible to recover.

Use a Standard Citation Style: Almost all law schools offline and online use OSCOLA (Oxford Standard for the Citation of Legal Authorities). However, check which rules apply to you as there are other variations. Take care to understand the rules for citing cases, statutes (the legislation that forms law), and other secondary sources.

Include a Bibliography: Finally, your essay will end with a catalog or list of sources or works known as a bibliography. The bibliography will come after the text and will be in alphabetical order by either author surname or – if no author – by title, with space above and below.

7. Proofread and Revise

Proofreading is the last stage in which you should check an essay you have written. Never submit your essay to your teacher without a proofread. Editing your essay could save you from utter failure.

Check for Clarity: Make sure that your sentence is readily understandable and moving in the direction of your point. You shouldn’t throw up a cloak of obscurity because you’ve been shown fancy words and bits of jargon

Correct Grammar and Spelling: Add a homely grammatical or spelling error and the effect of your argument will only be diluted: your essay will be all the harder to read. Allow yourself the time to correct it.

Seek Feedback: If you have a friend or a paid tutor, have them read it over for you. Always have an extra, independent pair of eyes looking at your work, as you can overlook mistakes incredibly easily.

Writing an essay that provides an answer to a legal question is not easy but, if you attempt to work through these steps, you should be able to assist yourself: break the question down; research the issue; structure the essay; make a point about the law; reference your work; proofread. If you overcome these hurdles, you should have a better legal essay at the end. Perhaps the most important point is this: you are not being asked simply to describe the law. You are being asked to talk about the law, critique the law, and make a point about the law that is based on reasoned argument and evidence.

Should you get a pet nup? How the law deals with your fur baby if you break up with your partner

Lecturer in Law, Lancaster University

Disclosure statement

Rachel Heah does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

Lancaster University provides funding as a founding partner of The Conversation UK.

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Never mind having kids, for young couples today adopting a pet together is an important relationship milestone. Pet ownership in the UK and elsewhere is largely driven by millennials and generation Z , according to one survey. But what happens to your “fur baby” if you break up?

One option some pet-owning couples are now considering is to draw up a “pet nup” (a play on prenup or prenuptial agreeement) to agree on what’s best for the animal should the relationship break down. But what does the law actually say about this situation?

A friend of mine adopted a dog, Milo, with their partner just before the pandemic. When they split a few years later, they decided to share custody of Milo. This included opening a joint bank account (after separating) so they could both contribute to Milo’s food, veterinary and other bills. They made arrangements to pass Milo between them every fortnight so that he could spend time equally with each of them.

My friend is lucky. If their ex-partner had not agreed to sharing custody, then a dispute over Milo’s ownership would have arisen. Under English law, dogs are classed as property, or “ chattel ”. A determination of who owns Milo would therefore be made under the rules of English property law.

According to a recent survey conducted by a pet insurance company, family pets are the biggest point of contention in a quarter of divorces in the UK.

At the end of a marriage or civil partnership, ownership of assets is determined in family courts. This is based on what the court thinks is fair and just, depending on each partner’s financial and non-financial contributions. In this sense, there is some scope for deviating from purely property-based rules in determining ownership of the animal.

No one’s 20s and 30s look the same. You might be saving for a mortgage or just struggling to pay rent. You could be swiping dating apps, or trying to understand childcare. No matter your current challenges, our Quarter Life series has articles to share in the group chat, or just to remind you that you’re not alone.

Read more from Quarter Life:

Friend breakups: why they can sometimes feel as bad as falling out of love

Understanding ‘underconsumption core’: How a new trend is challenging consumer culture

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For unmarried couples, determination of ownership of assets is often based on who has paid for the asset or who has the title to the asset. In relation to pets, this will often turn on questions such as: who paid for the animal (or paid an adoption fee), whose name appears on the microchip and registration papers, who has taken out the insurance policy and who has paid the vet fees.

Other contributions towards the animal’s care, and attachment to or bonds with the animal are not usually considered in determining ownership. The law provides little room to consider the welfare or best interests of the pet in deciding which party it should remain with.

However, a recent case shows how courts can be more flexible in determining pet ownership between an unmarried couple.

The case involved a man (DM) and a woman (SK), who adopted a dog together in 2020. SK was most responsible for the dog’s welfare, taking time off work to help the dog settle in, taking out pet insurance and paying vet bills. SK also owned another dog which was meant to be a companion to the adopted dog – a condition stipulated by the animal rescue.

Crucially, the adoption contract was sent by the animal rescue to DM’s e-mail address, and DM paid the adoption fee out of his account (SK paid more bills that month to cover her share of the adoption fee).

When the couple broke up, ownership of the dog was called into question. The court ruled that DM was the dog’s legal owner, because he signed the contract and paid the adoption fee.

However, the court noted that SK had looked after the dog very well, and that the dog had resided mainly with her after the breakup. The court also noted that the dog was bonded with SK’s other dog. On this basis, the court ordered that SK should pay DM a nominal sum for ownership of the adopted dog to be transferred to her.

This was a creative solution to satisfy the rules of property law, but which also enabled wider considerations around the welfare of the pet.

This was a county court decision in which the judge exercised his discretion, and is not binding on future cases. But we are starting to see promising legal changes in other jurisdictions when it comes to pet custody.

Changing the law

In 2022, Spain passed a law classifying pets as sentient beings instead of property. This allows courts to order shared custody of animals between partners, and to consider the welfare of the animal in determining custody orders, similar to custodial arrangements involving children.

Courts also have the power to order one party to pay towards the costs of maintaining the animal. Similar developments have been seen in other European countries like Portugal, France and Switzerland .

In light of new and proposed legislation in England and Wales that recognises animal sentience and renters’ rights to keep pets, there is hope for new policies on the pet custody dispute front as well.

In the meantime, couples who adopt pets jointly should discuss their options in the unfortunate event of a relationship breakdown. One option is to sign a “pet nup” at the start of the relationship, where the parties agree on ongoing pet care post breakup. Another option is to seek out a family mediator specialising in pet mediation to negotiate shared custody arrangements.

Above all, if you are planning to adopt a pet with a partner, be conscious of how you pay for the animal and whose names are registered on its microchip and other relevant documents. This remains the strongest evidence of ownership in the eyes of the law.

• Relationships
• Pet ownership
• Millennials
• Relationship breakups
• Quarter Life
• Keep me on trend

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