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How To Write A Law Thesis

Writing a law thesis is a challenge. But get it right, and you could be laying the foundations for recognition as an expert in your field.

So you’ll want to be certain you’ve delivered your best effort. This guide contains all the information you need to produce an outstanding law thesis and impress your examiners.

Preliminary Stages

You’ll have outlined your proposal already. Now it’s time to rationalise the elements of the paper.

Detail the:

• Title – be specific. Choose something arresting to excite the reader’s interest. You can come back to this at the end.
• Strong statement of purpose – what you intend to achieve.
• Background – put the work in context.
• Significance – why it’s needed.
• Description of your research – sources of information.
• Literature review – showing your knowledge of the key texts and articles debating the issues.
• Methodology – to support your findings.
• Arrangement of chapters – a logical sequence to your argument.
• Conclusion – what you’ve proved and the remaining questions. Come back to this at the end.

The Exposition

A law thesis requires a straightforward examination of the facts with reference to the legal framework in which they sit. A logical, convincing legal argument should be developed to underpin your conclusion. You will achieve this by:

• Analysing relevant legislation.
• Comparing case law, drawing out similarities and differences.
• Referring to other legal authorities, e.g. treaties, Regulations, obiter etc.
• Discussing legal commentary and applying it to the issues.
• Recognising and evaluating the counter arguments.
• Ensuring quotes, citations and references evidence your work.

Final Stages

You’ve worked hard researching your area, organising your material and transferring your ideas onto paper. But to be taken seriously, it must read well. Poor sentence construction, an incoherent argument and carelessness all detract from the quality of your work. These finishing touches can be critical in improving the readability, and acceptance, of your law thesis.

• Proofreading – check for consistency in layout, style, tenses etc.
• Editing – ruthlessly cut unnecessary words. Use plain English.
• Spelling – use spell-check.
• Grammar – consult a grammar guide if in doubt.
• Punctuation – read aloud and it becomes more obvious where this is needed.
• Footnotes, references and citations – are they complete, in the correct style, in the right place?