A Practical Guide to Appellate Advocacy

by Mary Beth Beazley

In explaining why this guide to writing legal briefs for appellate courts is "practical," Beazley (law, Ohio State U.) emphasizes the need to recommend the time and other resources of both the writer and the reader/user (judges and their clerks). She also emphasizes the importance of following an effective writing process (e.g. deciding on authorities and arguments before worrying about grammar and the like). This process provides the structure for her text, which provides chapters on appellate jurisdiction and standards of review; pre- writing considerations; facing the blank page; drafting the argument; using case authority effectively; revision; following format rules; issue statements, statement of the case, summary of the argument, and point headings; making the document reader-friendly; exploiting opportunities for persuasion; polishing; oral argument; and moot court competitions. Annotation ©2006 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

Genres: Law, Textbooks, Nonfiction

369 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2002

Reviews

[Danielle Bodunrin]

Honestly this book was my crutch and for that reason I will give it 4 stars. The author tries to add some fun on a topic that’s obviously so dry, but cheers to that anyways.

[Meredith Holley]

One class left, and then I'm done with law school!

[Courtney]

There was a lot of overlap between this textbook and Beazley's other Writing textbook, but overall it was fine. The samples were the best part.

[Sarah]

Clear and engaging. Wish I'd had it first semester!