Deck 9: Introduction to Legal Writing

Question 1

Words or phrases that point the reader in the right direction and provide a framework for understanding the document are

A) in plain English
B) signposts
C) topic sentences
D) tabulation

Answer 1

B

Question 2

The following is true about legal writing:

A) Legal writing is not very important to attorneys because most of their job involves negotiating and arguing in court
B) The success of attorneys, judges, and paralegals depends, in great part, on how well they write
C) Poor legal writing may lead to reversal on appeal, legal malpractice, or job loss
D) b and c
E) a, b, and c

Answer 2

D

Question 3

The following is true about legal writing:

A) Quotations should come from a headnote or case syllabus
B) There is no need to give a citation if you are not quoting material, but only referring to material from a case
C) You must quote accurately and show any alteration in quoted material
D) Using different words to refer to the same thing lends interest to legal writing and is recommended
E) all of the above

Answer 3

C

Question 4

A law office memo is designed to:

A) inform the reader of the results of legal research
B) persuade the judge to reach a particular decision
C) be a party's formal statement submitted to an appellate court
D) be a party's formal statement setting forth a claim or defense

Question 5

Prewriting

A) involves performing any necessary research
B) involves organizing the facts and research results
C) involves outlining
D) is unnecessary
E) a, b, and c