How to Write Better Law Essays:Tools and Techniques for Success in Exams and Assignments

“Any university law student, whether a first year about to start or a finalist about to take their exams, could benefit from reading this book.”
James Lee, Birmingham University Law School
 
“The book is clear, to the point and very accessible. Students can use this book to aid their essay writing and exam preparation at any stage of their degree.”
Dr Tom Frost, Newcastle University Law School
 
How to Write Better Law Essays: Tools and Techniques for Success in Exams and Assignments is your indispensible guide to succeeding in written law assessments, from coursework assignments, through problem questions and examinations. Using many and varied examples throughout, the author clearly shows you how to research, write and present your assignments with the precision and clarity required to achieve the best grades at degree level.
 
This third edition provides:

• Coverage of all main types of undergraduate law assessment;  
  
• Annotated sample writing with commentary to help you understand what makes a strong piece of written work;  
  
• Extracts from weaker answers that draw attention to common pitfalls which can bring down grades, and to ensure that you avoid them;  
  
• Example boxes which show you how to apply the principles discussed to your own writing;  
  
• Useful tips on wider study skills such as research, referencing and citation, and examination preparation.  
  

This book is an invaluable companion to those studying law as part of an LLB programme, a GDL course, a joint-honours degree or a professional qualification such as ILEX.
 
Steve Foster is Principal Lecturer in Law at Coventry Law School, where he has taught legal skills for over 30 years and where he runs courses on legal writing and research. He is the author of Human Rights and Civil Liberties, also published by Pearson.
 
Online support is available at www.mylawchamber.co.uk/fosterlawessays and offers writing practice and advice, including ‘You be the marker’ short essay exercises, grammar and punctuation exercises, and many more tips to hone your writing skills.
 

List of contents

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

About the author

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.

Summary

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.

Product details

• Authors: Steve Foster
• Publisher: Pearson Academic
• Languages: English
• Product format: Paperback / Softback
• Released: 01.01.2012
• EAN: 9781447905141
• ISBN: 978-1-4479-0514-1
• No. of pages: 272
• Weight: 420 g
• Series: Longman; Longman