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How To Write An Effective Law Essay In 4 Steps

How To Write An Effective Law Essay In 4 Steps

Mike Russel

Published on April 5, 2022

A law essay challenges you to unravel a legal controversy. This is how it differs from problem questions that require referring the law to fact patterns. It might seem an impenetrable and daunting task. Thus, remember that you can always ask for professional help. Experts in law and masters in writing academic papers will be able to complete your assignment at the high-end level.

However, in this article, we will explore the topics related to the principles of writing an effective law paper and will provide you with a step-by-step guide to follow. Therefore, as soon as you understand what is required of you that will make your task easier. Once you structure your thoughts on the subject and formulate your arguments, then you will find that perfect marks are in your grasp.

If you follow this practical guide, rest assured that the paper will prove your ability to convert the knowledge of the law into an upscale assignment.

What is a Legal Essay?

It should demonstrate comprehensive arguments and legal analysis. It must contain a thesis statement that summarizes the argument concisely and succinctly in a few sentences. You are expected to show the ability to prove your conclusions. Yet, at the same time, equally important is to show your capacity of disproving competing views, i.e. the counterarguments.

Below are the two checklists for you to ensure whether you follow what is right and avoid what is wrong.

Requirements to meet

All the below-mentioned points are connected to technique, style, or organization in some way or another. Of course, your knowledge of the law is paramount. However, to score a high mark for a paper, you are expected to use good technique and structure. Regardless of how good you are at the law, using a poor writing technique will result in a considerably lower grade than you might deserve.

Therefore, remember to include the following:

Attention to detail while considering the exact requirements of the question. A good paper avoids the subject’s general discussions yet seeks to appeal to the precise controversy raised in the question.
A comprehensive understanding and knowledge of the relevant legal frameworks and laws. It must be clearly defined and briefly described in simple language.
A distinct structure and a well-defended thesis statement.
Providing a wider context within which the law exists. It could be a historical development of the law and its genesis, or the academic disputes that exist concerning this particular area.
An exceptional critical approach in answering the question. It should also involve the evaluation and analysis. Proving your creativity in answers and engaging in lateral thinking will also serve you well.
Including less evident points of the analysis.
Proper use of sources, supporting ideas, and arguments. Do not forget about the correct usage of quotations, citation, and paraphrasing.
The deliberation of opposing sources and arguments.
The elimination of irrelevant arguments.
A superb style, succinct writing, as well as excellent grammar and language.

Pitfalls to avoid

Many students make some very common mistakes concerning writing style. Thus, do your best to avoid the following:

Writing in an informal, casual, or insufficiently academic style. Forget about using any slang, spoken abbreviations, or colloquialisms.
Writing in lists, bullet points, or incomplete sentences. Instead, use full sentences and write in paragraphs of proper lengths.
Incorrect citation of cases or legislation. Here, rules may differ for dissertations, exams, or shorter essays. They also might vary in various educational institutions. Thus, make sure you are aware of yours and stick to following them.
The number one rule both in legal arguments and in a legal essay is crediting your sources. No source means no argument.

How to write a Law Essay?

If you still doubt your writing skills or are looking for cheap law essay writers, it is highly recommended to address your request to experienced professionals. Let them do some of your work that will result in an assuredly high mark. Otherwise, please follow these steps.

Understand the question
The task is to identify what you are being asked to do and what level of insight and legal analysis is required to achieve the answer. Remember that the paper is not about your thesis as such. Instead, it is about the question it raises. You are to answer, from a legal standpoint, whether the quotation is legally truthful.

Having defined the factual question, the next phase is finding the answer and submitting it as a thesis statement. Afterward, you prove and support it with a strong and consistent structure and compelling legal arguments.

Do not just agree or disagree with the statement. Instead, demonstrate reliable arguments and counterarguments to show how you have arrived at the conclusion, backed by legal and credible evidence.
Choose sources for your legal arguments
You are expected to take the information from reliable, relevant, and up-to-date sources only. The opinion you provide in a paper must be backed up by the assessment of all the legal facets of the case and clear analysis. Reading through academic articles and real-life cases in the scope is a good beginning of determining your sources.

Binding and non-binding authorities are the two primary ones in law. The first comes from legislation or case law. The second emanates from Dissenting judgments, Public Policy, Reform Proposals, International Law, and Legal commentary. Your perfect paper should contain both of the authorities.
Structure your paper properly
As it is with all academic essays, start with an Introduction.

A good law essay introduction should, first of all, outline the research topic. You must state the main objectives your essay is meant to achieve. Do so by providing arguments and describing a context. Then, set out the parameters for the discussion and give a concise outline of the structure. By developing a road map for your reader, you inform them how the essay is going to approach the question.

A closing part of the introduction must be your thesis. A thesis statement should be authentic and state your opinion on the subject at hand. Do not be wishy-washy, take a clear stance, and do your best to avoid clichés.

Body paragraphs

Here, you should introduce your arguments and do so in a persuasive and clear manner. There are different types of legal essay structures and you should choose the most appropriate one for your analysis.

The body text is to be divided into separate paragraphs, each of which is meant to deal with a different point that you want to make.
The first option is to make a point for one side and deliver the counterargument right after it.
Another option is to provide all the points for one side before proceeding to the counterarguments.

The first scheme of body paragraphs might deliver a more focused and logical essay. However, it can also lead to a shortage of balance.

Remember that without evidence, you will not be able to confirm your point.

Conclusion

The purpose of this section is not to simply rephrase your argument. It should rather readdress your points in the context of the provided evidence. Thus, in the conclusion, briefly reassert your answer to the essay question.
Proofread and revise
Check if there are any vague sentences or ones that are hard to understand. Mind spelling or grammatical errors. If you were the one to have been working on your paper, then ask someone to look it through before you turn it in.

Final thoughts

To apply your legal knowledge to the question you are answering in the essay, be ready to use your intellectual flair and think laterally. Not only does the use of authority and legal argumentation stand a good essay out, but the originality and creativity of its thesis do. If you’re considering using a cheap law essay writing service, ensure they meet these criteria as well.

Law students can be confused by how to write a legal essay. Do not forget that you always may ask for help from experienced experts. With their assistance, you will receive high-quality essays and get excellent grades.