Subjects 2009
Effective Written Advocacy 730662
- Credited Courses: Graduate Diploma in Dispute Resolution 498; Graduate Diploma in Dispute Resolution 498; Graduate Diploma in Legal Studies L08; Master of Laws (LLM) 502; Master of Laws (LLM) 502
Objectives
This subject will focus on effective brief writing by examining the techniques for effective written advocacy that are used in appellate courts in the United States.
A student who has successfully completed this subject should:
- Understand the concepts and goals of effective written advocacy
- Understand the role and history of written briefs in appellate advocacy in US courts
- Appreciate the potential for use of effective written advocacy in Australian courts
- Be able to organise and craft a well-written and effective appellate brief
- Be able to critically assess written advocacy.
Syllabus
The principal focus of this subject will include:
- Introduction to the history and role of written briefs in US and Canadian appellate courts
- Critical assessment and comparison of briefs filed in the United States Supreme Court and the Australian High Court
- The different goals of oral and written advocacy
- The organisation of a well-written brief, with a focus upon the various parts of a brief such as the framing of issues, summary of argument and argument, and the various stages of effective brief writing
- Preparation of various parts of an effective legal brief
- Preparation of an effective legal brief in a pending High Court case.
