ALW: Introduction to Judicial Writing (696-1)

Instructors

Janet Siegel Brown
312/503-0397
Levy Mayer 292

Meeting Info

McCormick 375 - Smith Hall: Tues 2:35PM - 4:25PM

Overview of class

This course will introduce students to the writing process that judges and law clerks use to decide cases and communicate with the public through orders and opinions. Students will learn about the mechanics of judicial writing, including how it differs from advocacy, as well as the ethical rules and practical considerations that guide judges and law clerks. Students will develop and practice their judicial writing skills through graded and ungraded writing, editing, and critique assignments. This course is highly useful preparation for students who wish to serve as judicial externs or law clerks, or who wish to improve their advocacy by gaining insight into how courts reach decisions.

Registration Requirements

Prerequisites: Communication and Legal Reasoning I and II.

Learning Objectives

At the conclusion of the course, you will have a better understanding of the role and responsibilities of the judicial law clerk; the elements of judicial decision-making and writing; and various judging styles and approaches. You will have further developed your skills in the areas of issue-spotting and analysis; legal writing and editing; and oral presentation.

Class Attributes

Satisfies Experiential Learning degree req
Satisfies Prof Writing degree req

Enrollment Requirements

Enrollment Requirements: CLR I and II are a pre-requisite for this course.