How to Write Better Law Essays

This is your indispensible guide to success in written law assessments - from coursework assignments to problem questions and examinations. Using a large variety of examples throughout, this book clearly shows you how to research, write, and present your assignments with the precision and clarity needed to achieve the best grades at degree level.Preface Introduction: How to use this book Part 1 Preparing and writing law assignments 1 Writing law assessments on undergraduate courses Some common complaints Some basic points Note-taking and using notes with other sources What should I do when I get an assignment? Researching for assessments 2 Presentation of law assessments Word-processed work Adopting good practice in grammar, punctuation and spelling Clear and coherent writing style Avoiding plagiarism Providing authority Reading over your answer Answering the question Writing critically and gaining enhanced grades Summary of writing and presentational skills Part 2 Writing legal essays: Specific legal skills 3 Using legal materials Providing authority Using cases Using statutory materials Using law journals Using websites 4 Legal referencing and citation Learn how to cite cases Citing statutory materials Citing journals Citing books Citing websites Bibliographies References and Latin words and phrases Summary of using legal materials, referencing and citation 5 Good and bad essays Introduction Practice 1: Contract law essay Practice 2: Legal system and constitutional law essay Summary of good essay techniques Part 3 Answering problem and exam questions 6 Answering problem questions Understanding problem questions Tackling problem questions Practice 1: Contract problem Practice 2: Statutory interpretation/judicial review problem Summary of problem-solving skills 7 Preparing for and answering exam questions General exam skills The revision process The examination Examples of exam answers Practice 1: The contract problem Practice 2: The constitutional law essay Summary of examination skills Part 4 Tackling extended essays and projects 8 Researching and writing advanced essays Extended and advanced essays at undergraduate level Undertaking greater research Enhanced writing and referencing skills Undergraduate projects Summary of advanced essay and project skills Further reading Index