ILR W2 L2

Plan of attack, PART A, ELS

Step 1 Observe (non-analytical)
5W1H
Step 2 contextualised
observations (ditto)
Add court/community centre
context to observations. E.g. who =
defendant / plaintif
Step 3 analyse applied
observations
Add how and why related to
question chosen
Step 4 research to support
analysis
Step 5 draw balanced
conclusions (i.e. efects of observed
legal processes, why these matter)

1. What efect there might have on

the people on the courtroom
and outcome?
2. Photocopy is not an acceptable
piece of evidence!
3. How do processes of family law
difer from those in traditional
courtroom?
Applying critical thinking skills
checklist:
1. A strong succinct thesis
statement
2. Logically organised paragraphs
3. Clear and concise topic
sentences
4. Coherent argument including
rebuttal
5. Accurate use of language
6. Argument points supported by
evidence (and cited)
This needs applied critical
thinking skills
1. Looking for negatives? Weak
arguments; loose structure;
subjectivity; poor style

2. Looking for positives? strong

arguments; tight structure;
objectivity; good style
3. How to strengthen arguments?
(a) Logical sequencing and
depth of discussion
(dialectic)
(b) Signalling of key ideas
(c) Cohesion and clarity of
points
(d) Solid proof of statements
made (at least 4 -7
references e.g. judges
handbook, courts
handbooks, law society
handbooks, find out the
statute that it is based on)