This second edition of the original 1990 version of Opinion Writing seeks to advise judges on how to improve their writing skills in justifying their decisions. We follow the common law tradition in stating written reasons for our decisions. The common-law tradition demands no more than a clear statement of reasons. The judicial process expects no more. The brief reader and the opinion readers deserve no less. The ability to write clearly and memorably may or may not sometimes be a gift granted at birth. Without question, ...
Read More
This second edition of the original 1990 version of Opinion Writing seeks to advise judges on how to improve their writing skills in justifying their decisions. We follow the common law tradition in stating written reasons for our decisions. The common-law tradition demands no more than a clear statement of reasons. The judicial process expects no more. The brief reader and the opinion readers deserve no less. The ability to write clearly and memorably may or may not sometimes be a gift granted at birth. Without question, it can be perfected by studious attention and constant application, much like a muscle that is strengthened by proper and continuing exercise. To do this -- the writing and editing and rewriting required for polished text -- takes time. Time, unfortunately, is severely rationed these days. Even with the word processors, the high-speed laser printer and the computer-contained dictionary and thesaurus, the modem era of the law does not permit the leisurely pace that our forebears apparently enjoyed. As this book develops in detail, every opinion should ideally begin with a clear statement of the flash point of the controversy between the litigants. Judges must identify precisely where the litigants differ and tell the reader whether their clash concerns the choice of the controlling legal precept or the interpretation of an agreed-upon precept or, if there is no dispute over either, a statement that the controversy concerns the application of settled law to settled facts. Having identified these contours, we should then proceed to resolve the difficulty and explain why one choice, or one interpretation or given application, is preferred to another. This discussion explaining the reasons for the decision, the ratio decidendi, must offer more clarity. There must be more exposition of analysis and more selective use of precedent. Lawyers and judges both have an obligation to evaluate the effect of previous cases and to decide which citations they will authenticate and which they will consider simple duplicates, which of them are necessary to the argument and which of them only validate obvious statements of reason In sum, this how-to book guides judges to recognize what critics say about our work, and teaches how judicial opinions can be improved.
Read Less
Add this copy of Opinion Writing to cart. $19.00, very good condition, Sold by Friends of the TorranceLibrary rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Torrance, CA, UNITED STATES, published 2012 by Carolina Academic Press.
Choose your shipping method in Checkout. Costs may vary based on destination.
Seller's Description:
Very good. No dust jacket. Bookstore stickers on back cover. Trade paperback (US). Glued binding. Cloth over boards. 362 p. Contains: Illustrations. Audience: General/trade. Thank you for supporting the Friends of the Torrance Library. Your purchase helps us to provide adult and children's programs and new library services.
Add this copy of Opinion Writing to cart. $23.00, very good condition, Sold by Readventuremedia rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Winter Garden, FL, UNITED STATES, published 2012 by Carolina Academic Press.
Choose your shipping method in Checkout. Costs may vary based on destination.
Seller's Description:
Very Good. Size: 6x1x8; Listing is for the book only. Book is in Very Good Condition. Covers and pages are clean with minimal wear. No markings or highlights within. Supplemental materials and access codes are not included.
Add this copy of Opinion Writing to cart. $34.22, fair condition, Sold by ThriftBooks-Dallas rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Dallas, TX, UNITED STATES, published 2012 by Carolina Academic Press.
Add this copy of Opinion Writing to cart. $88.27, good condition, Sold by Bonita rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Santa Clarita, CA, UNITED STATES, published 2012 by Carolina Academic Press.
Add this copy of Opinion Writing to cart. $88.83, good condition, Sold by TEXTSHUB rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Franklin Lakes, NJ, UNITED STATES, published 2012 by Carolina Academic Press.
Add this copy of Opinion Writing to cart. $129.69, new condition, Sold by Just one more Chapter rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Miramar, FL, UNITED STATES, published 2012 by Carolina Academic Press.
Add this copy of Opinion Writing to cart. $8.19, like new condition, Sold by ThriftBooks-Atlanta rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Austell, GA, UNITED STATES, published 2009 by Authorhouse.
Add this copy of Opinion Writing to cart. $12.19, good condition, Sold by BuenaWave rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Oklahoma City, OK, UNITED STATES, published 2009 by Authorhouse.
Choose your shipping method in Checkout. Costs may vary based on destination.
Seller's Description:
Good. This is a pre-loved book that shows moderate signs of wear from previous reading. You may notice creases edge wear or a cracked spine but it remains in solid readable condition. Please note: -May include library or rental stickers stamps or markings. -Supplemental materials e.g. CDs access codes inserts are not guaranteed. -Box sets may not come with the original outer box. If it does the box will not be in perfect condition. -Sourced from donation centers; authenticity not verified with publisher. Your satisfaction is our top priority! If you have any questions or concerns about your order please don't hesitate to reach out. Thank you for shopping with us and supporting small business-happy reading!
