case note

Rossibaby

hi im writing a case note for college as we speak,i was given the headings introduction,factual background,legal issues,courts decision,analysis,conclusion to work under.im on analysis now but im wondering for critical commententary of the case should i use words like ''i think'' and ''my opinion'' or is that totally wrong to use words like those,acknowledging yourself in it...thk you:D

NoQuarter

i think acknowledging yourself in such things comes across as quite childish sounding to be honest:

I HAVE A CAT IT SAT ON MY MAT I LIKE CATS!!!!!

i would steer clear of that type of terminoligy, hows about trying "ye olde english" and using "one could say" etc etc....

Rossibaby

thanks stew,yes that would be more appropriate,but i would also like to know if you should use language liek that at all,you know opinionated language.or just stay to bareface facts

NoQuarter

yeah it is a tough one i know what ya mean, id say different lecturers have different feelings on it so ask each one!

have a little look here: http://www.teachingexpertise.com/articles/legal-case-notes-parental-responsibility-988

the author gets his opinion across in a way that suits legal writing much better so id try stay along those lines!

Rossibaby

thx alot:-)

Rossibaby

and 1 more thing,what should i write in my conclusion,it must be quite short??

johnnyskeleton

While in a polemic or opinion piece it is assumed that everything you say is opinon, in a case note you are supposed to stick to the facts and the law as much as possible.

If you are answering a problem question and there is a matter of opinion - i.e. whether someone could raise a good defence etc, it's perfectly fine to say "In my opinion", "in my view" etc, but only where there is scope for opinion.

In a case note on an already decided case you should stick to what's in the case as much as possible. However, if you do have to express an opinion i.e. whether the case could be applicable in similar future cases etc, make sure that it is clear that you are expressing an opinion rather than stating a fact.

Tom Young

Strong has a book out published by Oxford University Press, see link: http://www.oup.com/us/catalog/general/subject/Law/LegalWritingSkillsMethods/?view=usa&ci=9780199287550

This is available from Hoggis Figgis and other stores for about 20 Euro and is a worthwhile read if you are starting out.

Tom