1. Clear, solid structure – the structure of the essay should be stated in the introduction and ‘sign posts’, in the body of the essay, corresponding to the stated structure. (Legal scholars are notorious for an affinity for 3s and 4s)
2. Consideration of the major possible arguments – both for and against
3. Exceptions to the general rule
4. Actually argue – frame the essay in such a way that if someone was actually arguing against you in court they would have a very difficult time overcoming your premises.
5. Be succinct – the majority of the time, background info about a case is not necessary, all that needs to be extrapolated is the legal principle (ratio decidendi).
6. Be realistic – what reasonable and what is probable? Both must be addressed.
7. Keep the essay simple and clear
8. Ask yourself: is your essay looking more like an academic or a practitioner
9. Define, define, define – what does ____________ mean?
10. Understand what the question is wanting you to answer
