Revealing the Logic of Legal Writing

6 Va. B. Ass'n Opening Statement, July 2018

1 Pages Posted: 24 Oct 2017 Last revised: 5 Aug 2018

See all articles by Graham Bryant

Graham Bryant

Office of the Attorney General of Virginia

Date Written: October 23, 2017

Abstract

Although legal reasoning is the foundation of the legal profession, many lawyers lack a basic understanding of formal logic principles. Through analysis of a typical judicial opinion, this article pulls back the curtain to reveal the elements of deductive and inductive reasoning that underpin all legal writing. Lawyers can become more effective advocates by incorporating an awareness of these logical principles into their writing.

Keywords: Legal Writing, Logic, Syllogism, Law, Judicial Opinion, Opinion, Court, Writing, Deductive Reasoning, Inductive Reasoning, Analogy, Advocacy, Legal Reasoning

Suggested Citation

Bryant, Graham, Revealing the Logic of Legal Writing (October 23, 2017). 6 Va. B. Ass'n Opening Statement, July 2018, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=3057481 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.3057481

Graham Bryant (Contact Author)

Office of the Attorney General of Virginia ( email )

202 North 9th Street
Richmond, VA 23219
United States
4344702992 (Phone)

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