Practical Guide To Appellate Advocacy (2ND 06 - Old 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 product 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 bothgroups

- supplying more information on identifying a theme for the argument

- including tips on citing to web pages and citing to unpublished opinions

In explaining why this guide to writing legal briefs for appellate courts is "practical," Beazley (law, Ohio State U.) emphasizes the need to recommend the time and other resources of both the writer and the reader/user (judges and their clerks). She also emphasizes the importance of following an effective writing process (e.g. deciding on authorities and arguments before worrying about grammar and the like). This process provides the structure for her text, which provides chapters on appellate jurisdiction and standards of review; pre- writing considerations; facing the blank page; drafting the argument; using case authority effectively; revision; following format rules; issue statements, statement of the case, summary of the argument, and point headings; making the document reader-friendly; exploiting opportunities for persuasion; polishing; oral argument; and moot court competitions.
Annotation ©2006 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

In explaining why this guide to writing legal briefs for appellate courts is "practical," Beazley (law, Ohio State U.) emphasizes the need to recommend the time and other resources of both the writer and the reader/user (judges and their clerks). She also emphasizes the importance of following an effective writing process (e.g. deciding on authorities and arguments before worrying about grammar and the like). This process provides the structure for her text, which provides chapters on appellate jurisdiction and standards of review; pre- writing considerations; facing the blank page; drafting the argument; using case authority effectively; revision; following format rules; issue statements, statement of the case, summary of the argument, and point headings; making the document reader-friendly; exploiting opportunities for persuasion; polishing; oral argument; and moot court competitions. Annotation ©2006 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)