How to Write Better Law Essays

Steve Foster is Principal Lecturer in Law at Coventry Law School, Coventry University. He is the author of Human Rights and Civil Liberties, also published by Longman.

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