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Extended Essays and Dissertations

Writing longer pieces is no more difficult than shorter pieces of writing providing that you
do not simply pad out your answers with descriptive material. Essays of longer word
counts test your ability to sustain legal argument skills over a longer period as well as
deeper, more careful research enhanced powers of analysis and critical reasoning,
good grammar and sound referencing to legal sources.
Examiners are less tolerant of lapses in:
- Citation and referencing skills
- writing style mirroring legalistic academic style
- ppropriate bibliographies
- !oor research
- ignoring new developments in law
- "ulky legal information
- !oor references to cases and authorities
- Weak academic opinion
Essential Sources
Lecturer handouts
#on$t ignore these basic resources
Relevant textbooks
!rovide you with references to further reading and useful for research not an alternative
of research
Advanced sources
"uild up your knowledge to arrive at specialist material and evaluation of this material
Extensive bibliographies
%o golden rule however remember this is not a !h# thesis but may possibly be a
chapter from one.
Legal developments
&eep up to date with legal developments as this reveals a lack of initiative
Check daily on law websites for references to new cases, proposals for reform
Check 'ournal issues and law reports
Consult monthly legal publications
(how wider reading by using a variety of texts and 'ournals
#o not cite those you have not read
cademic
)egal Writing *+,-
Writing Style and Methodology
Adopt a critical analytical approach
.he skill is to merge established academic opinion with your own understanding and
arguments. /n other words draw on academic opinion in this area as the basis of your
critical examination of the 0uestion to show that you understand those views.
Ensure that the topic and title have sufficient legal substance
(ome areas appear interesting yet do not raise sufficient current legal issues.
Ensure that the methodology reflects your legal abilities
"lack letter approach - sound legal analysis skills and knowledge of common law
Comparative approach - sound legal analysis of 1& and other 'urisdictions
(ocio-legal approach - sound knowledge of social sciences as well as law
he Structure
!ntroductions - essential background information and explanation of legal dilemmas
2istorical account and academic debate
Main body - split into sections not chapters using headings and subheadings
"onclusion - more developed than in shorter essays
#ibliography - follow the rules on referencing and ensure bibliography and footnotes
reflect a thorough research of the sub'ect, create subheadings i.e. texts, 'ournals,
websites etc.
$roofreading
Ensure the 0uality of your work including presentation and avoid:
.ypographical errors
(pelling mistakes
!oor grammar
3ague sentences
/nformal language
urnitin
.ake advantage before submission of checking your text for plagiarism via .urnitin on
4oodle
cademic
)egal Writing *+,-

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