p. 72. Building the necessary foundation: reading, understanding and summarising legal materials
- S I StrongS I StrongManley O. Hudson Professor of Law Solicitor, Supreme Court of England and Wales; Solicitor, Ireland; Attorney, New York, Illinois and Missouri
Abstract
This chapter offers tips on how to read, understand, and summarise legal materials. It emphasises the importance of having the building blocks, that is, the understanding of the relevant legal authority, for better organisation and legal writing. This chapter also describes the three types of legal materials with which law students must become familiar in the course of their studies (statutes, cases and legal commentary, including textbooks, treatises and legal articles) and identifies the best way to use each category of authority. The discussion is replete with practical writing tips that will help students prioritise the necessary skills. Examples are also given.
