Legal Writing for the Undergraduate

Book excerpt: Legal Writing for the Undergraduate by Antonio C. Elefano Is the perfect introduction to American law and legal writing Legal Writing for the Undergraduate by Antonio Elefano offers a practical introduction to legal analysis and legal writing, designed to give even the most novice student a command of the basics of legal writing. With careful guidance and scaffolding, the author effectively teaches students how to read and analyze cases and how to formulate persuasive legal arguments. The book begins with a comprehensive overview of the U.S. Legal System, including how to analyze a law and apply it to varying situations. The text continues with the fundamentals of legal writing, offering in-depth, step-by-step instruction on writing different types of Legal Memoranda and Appellate Briefs. Through effective assignments and engaging discussion, students will learn how to craft thoughtful and polished arguments. Professors and students will benefit from: A streamlined and accessible introduction to legal reasoning Class-tested assignments utilizing several closed universes of cases, allowing focus on the application of law Instruction on how to read and brief a case Separate chapters on the fundamentals of legal writing, basic legal research, and appellate briefs Thoughtful guidance on the structure and strategy of appellate-style oral argumentation Helpful chapter on how to workshop legal writing Practical advice on how to get into law school Engaging presentation that demystifies legal analysis