Contract Law - How to write a law essay

What this page is about: How to write a law essay by Susan Hutchings

Law Essays require a certain style and format if they are to be written effectively.

Be Clear

As with most essays, it's critical to read and understand the question and be clear what you have been asked. This may sound obvious but all too often essays are given low marks because the question is not actually answered.

Identify Subject Matter

The first thing is to clarify the subject matter so that you identify the area of law that is being addressed. Sometimes this will be obvious as when the question asks about the differences between an offer and an invitation to treat which will direct you towards the law of Contract.

However, sometimes the question is more obscure and this requires more effort in determining what the subject matter is and might involve looking at more than one area of the law. If a question asks about the terror laws, then this may well span human rights and constitutional law too.

Identify the Approach

This is absolutely vital when answering a question. Often the essay will ask you to evaluate something; reflect on something; write a critique; discuss a particular statement; reflect on a judge's particular statement in a case, or discuss the impact of a case on an area of law. If a question asks you to compare more than one thing, then you must identify the similarities and differences between them, and ideally reach a conclusion regarding which one you think is preferable. If a question asks you to discuss something then you must study and comment on it from all viewpoints, and reach your own conclusion.

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