When developing the case in law essays, you also articulate your ability to make cogent arguments (a pertinent skill in law). In this guide, we look at essay writing skills every student need to draw on which include demonstrating your reasoning, supporting your assertions, and dealing with counter arguments.
How to support your claims
There are several ways you can support the claims you make although they don’t’ carry equal weight all the time. Thus, you need to carefully evaluate which evidences or reasons would carry most weight in your law essays.
Example:
An essay on “active voluntary euthanasia” states that the act is being permitted because active euthanasia has gained acceptance of the general public. Now, look at both statements:
- Current law prohibiting active euthanasia is unacceptable because the majority of the population accept active euthanasia, (Waller, L. and Williams, C.R., Criminal Law: Texts and Cases 1997) and law that does not reflect community values will lose the respect of the community.
- Current law prohibiting active euthanasia is unacceptable because it contradicts a basic principle upon which Criminal Law is based, that criminal culpability should serve community interests and values (Waller, L. and Williams, C.R., Criminal Law: Texts and Cases 1997) and community values in this case support active euthanasia.
How to demonstrate your reasoning
One effective form of arguments in law essays is derived from showing that one principle of law applies to another. However, be careful not to over-generalize, that is, do not assume that same principles that apply to one situation would also be applicable in a similar case. You need to explain why they do and why they don’t. The reasoning you followed must be shown in order to establish whether they apply or not.
How to deal with counter arguments
As a law student, it’s important for you to learn to deal with both sides of an argument in your law essays. You can do this by simply exposing weaknesses of two sides, and anticipate weaknesses of your own arguments. Acknowledging the weaknesses makes you more credible to your readers and strengthens your arguments.