Description:
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including tips on citing to web pages and citing to unpublished opinions
