Effective Written Advocacy

Subject 730-662 (2009)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2009. Search for this in the current handbook

Credit Points:
Level: Graduate/Postgraduate
Dates & Locations: For information about these dates, click here.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: 24 - 26 contact hours per subject.
Total Time Commitment: The time commitment for this subject depends on the candidates background and experience.
Prerequisites: N.A.
Corequisites: N.A.
Recommended Background Knowledge: None
Non Allowed Subjects: None
Core Participation Requirements: N.A.
Subject Overview:

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.
Assessment:
  • Writing various portions of a legal brief to be submitted during the subject (20%)
  • Preparation of a brief in a pending High Court case (80%) (28 January 2010)
Prescribed Texts: Core subject materials will be provided free of charge to all students. Some subjects require further texts to be purchased. Please visit the subject homepage on the Melbourne Law Masters website by following the link at the bottom of this subject entry.
Breadth Options:

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills: Please see the Subject Objectives for this information.
Links to further information: 730-662Effective Written AdvocacyMelbourne Law Masters, postgraduate law, post-graduate law, graduate law2009P

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.
  • Writing various portions of a legal brief to be submitted during the subject (20%)
  • Preparation of a brief in a pending High Court case (80%) (28 January 2010)
N.A. N.A.24 - 26 contact hours per subject.Core subject materials will be provided free of charge to all students. Some subjects require further texts to be purchased. Please visit the subject homepage on the Melbourne Law Masters website by following the link at the bottom of this subject entry.Please see the Subject Objectives for this information.The time commitment for this subject depends on the candidates background and experience.N.A.Please see the subject homepage on the Melbourne Law Masters website for up to date timetable information.LawLawYNNNParkvillePARKVILLEFor the latest information on this subject, please visit: http://www.masters.law.unimelb.edu.au/subject/730662730-6622

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