Legal Method and Writing, Fifth Edition » (5th Edition)

Part I. Law School—Getting Started

• Introduction to Writing Style: Policy, Purpose, and Audience

• Overview of the Case Method of Study

Part II. Introduction to the Legal System

• Common Law

• Legislation

Part III. Legal Method and Analysis

• The Role of Precedent: The Court System and Stare Decisis

• Deductive Reasoning and IRAC—Introduction to Legal Analysis

Part IV. Stepping Stones to Legal Memoranda—Case Briefs, Outlines, and Essay Exams

• Case Briefs

• Reorganization, Summary, and Inductive Reasoning in Outline Form

• Essay Examinations

Part V. Neutral Analysis—The Office Memorandum of Law

• Introduction to the Law Library

• Content of the Office Memorandum of Law

• Organization of Office Memoranda and Briefs

• Legal Writing Style in the Office Memorandum

• Presenting, Quoting, and Citing to Authority

Part VI. Introduction to Advocacy

• Advocacy: Overview and Ethics

• Developing Your Legal Arguments

• Expressing Your Advocacy: Persuasive Writing Style and Oral Argument

Part VII. Appellate Briefs

• Standards of Appellate Review

• The Brief—Effective Appellate Advocacy

Part VIII. Pretrial Advocacy—Pleadings and Motions

• Pleadings

• Motion for Summary Judgment

• Motion to Exclude Evidence Before Trial

Part IX. Writing to Parties: Contracts and Correspondence

• Contracts

• Advice Letters

• Demand Letters