INTEGRATION OF MAIN TOPICS

JD 103: Legal Research and Writing

Danilo A. Balucos, St. Thomas More School of Law and Business
Danilo.balucos@stms.edu.ph Fb: Abogado Sa Baryo
What are the common elements when writing court decisions,
answering bar examination questions, digesting cases or writing case
briefs, and writing a trial memorandum?

The common elements include:

1. Statement of the Conclusion or Decision
2. Statement of Relevant Facts
3. Discussion of Legal Issues
4. Conclusion or Summary
Statement of the Conclusion or Decision

1. In court decisions and trial memoranda, the dispositive portion states the final decision
or resolution.

2. In answering bar examination questions, a categorical answer is provided at the

beginning.

3. In case digests or case briefs, the ruling of the court is stated.

Statement of Relevant Facts

1. Court decisions, case digests, and trial memoranda provide relevant facts that are
essential to the issue being addressed.

2. Bar examination answers may include a brief mention of relevant facts to

support the legal analysis.
Discussion of Legal Issues

1. Court decisions, bar examination answers, case digests, and trial memoranda
involve analyzing and discussing the legal issues raised.

2. Legal provisions, jurisprudence, and applicable rules are cited and explained in
relation to the facts.
Conclusion or Summary

1. Court decisions and trial memoranda often include a conclusion or summary, emphasizing the
decision reached or the main points discussed.

2. Bar examination answers may also have a concluding paragraph that restates the answer
provided in the beginning.

3. Case digests or case briefs may have a brief summary, including the case's doctrine or
principle.