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Legal Research and Writing Study Aids

This Library Guide provides useful resources for students enrolled in Legal Research and Writing.

The Redbook

Redbook Mechanics

Mechanics: Part 1 of the Redbook consists of nine sections that introduces the reader to the basics of proper grammar and document design and format within legal writing. The nine sections contain information and examples of the following:

     1) Punctuation 

     2) Capitalization

     3) Italics, Boldface, & Underlining 

     4) Document Design

     5) Numbers

     6) Typographic Symbols

     7) Spelling 

     8) Citations

     9) Footnotes

Grammar, Usage, and EditingThis chapter offers a more advanced analysis of proper grammar within legal writing, including instructions on how to effectively use the parts of speech: nouns, pronouns, verbs, interjections, etc. The chapter also offers a chart with examples of simple, straightforward words contrasted with "stuffy," difficult words. Finally, the section has a list of "troublesome" words that might confuse newcomers to legal writing.

     1) Grammar

     2) Stuffy Words & Legalese

     3) Troublesome Words

     4) Editing & Proofreading 

Legal Documents: Part 3 contains numerous examples of various legal documents and lists several "how to" explanations on writing them. The chapter's thirteen sections offer assistance and examples of the following legal documents:

     1) Case Briefs

     2) Business Correspondence

     3) E-mail Messages

     4) Research Memos

     5) Opinion Letters

     6) Demand Letters

     7) Affidavits & Declarations

     8) Pleadings

     9) Motions

     10) Appellate Briefs

     11) Judicial Opinions

     12) Contracts

     13) Legislation, Rules & Regulations

Scholarly Writing: The final chapter contains advice on scholarly writing, such as research papers, law-review articles, and book reviews.

     1) Student Research Papers and Law-Review Notes

     2) Law-Review Articles

     3) Book Reviews

Additional Materials

Bryan Garner's Writing Lessons