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
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: Suggested Citation