Overview
Recognized by instructors nationwide as the book that shows students how to get from a blank page to a finished product, A PRACTICAL GUIDE TO APPELLATE ADVOCACY has been revised, refined, and updated for its Second Edition.
This accessible paperback earned its success in the classroom by:
- providing a complete introduction to the techniques and process of writing appellate briefs
- presenting class-tested materials and ample illustrations that are both accessible and teachable
- emphasizing the process approach to writing, beginning with large-scale issues like content and organization, moving to smaller-scale issues like signals to the reader, and ending on the smallest-scale concerns of format and polishing methods
- using numerous annotated examples — both good and bad — of legal writing from briefs, with commentary on the point each example is illustrating
- including in the appendices four sample briefs with annotations that identify strengths of the brief and/or why the writer chose a particular technique
- teaching students how abstract formulas (IRAC, CREXAC, etc.) can be effective in legal writing by having them identify whether certain elements have been included in a document and giving concrete advice on how to use formulas
- encouraging students to critique their own work and improve their final draft by using the self-graded draft
The Second Edition is strengthened by:
- including format and function information about dispositive motion memos (such as motions to dismiss or for summary judgment), along with a sample motion memo
- refining the discussion of the use of authority to help students better understand what a citation means
- improving the discussion of CREXAC to facilitate easier comprehension of how to use formulas to write effectively
- adding the concept of 'user' to complement the concept of 'reader' and explaining the needs of both groups
- supplying more information on identifying a theme for the argument
- including tips on citing to web pages and citing to unpublished opinions
Synopsis
• Introduction
• Appellate Jurisdiction and Standards of Review
• Before You Write
• Facing the Blank Page
• One Piece at a Time: Drafting the Argument
• Practice Pointers: Using Authority Effectively
• Seeing What You Have Written
• Following Format Rules
• Special Teams: Questions Presented, Statement of the Case, Summary of the Argument, Point Headings
• Six Degrees of Legal Writing: Making Your Document Reader-Friendly
• Exploiting Opportunities for Persuasion
• Polishing
• Oral Argument
• Moot Court Competitions
Appendix A.For Reference: Citation Form and Punctuation Information
Appendix B.United States Supreme Court Rules
Appendix C.Sample Briefs