Session 5: Writing Legal

Opinions
Never write a
letter ---
When you are
angry
When you are tired
Three Writing Tasks

Read the hypothetical

narratives. Then write a legal
opinion to each client who goes
to you for legal representation
[letter to your client].
Legal Opinion 1

Ana (30) and Ben (26) were married in the

Philippines. Ben took his MBA in New York
University and met his former lover, Candy (28).
They decided to get married in New York. Ana
heard about this marriage and secured a copy of
the marriage contract in New York. Can Ana file
a case of bigamy in the Philippines? She goes to
you for legal representation.
Legal Opinion 2

Canisteo hated his classmate, Zeus, because the latter

was fervently courting Lucy, Canisteo’s girlfriend. Canisteo
went to Dr. Pietro, a veterinarian, and asked for DXT
poison on the pretext that it would be used to kill a very
sick old cat in his house. However, Canisteo intended to
use DXT on Zeus.

Dr. Pietro inadvertently gave Canisteo DXO, a non-toxic

powder, which when the latter mixed with Zeus’ drink did
not kill him. Did Canisteo commit any crime? He went to
you for representation in case Zeus will file a case against
him.
Legal Opinion 3

Joe and Jam have been married for ten years. One night, Joe
came home high on shabu. Finding no food on the kitchen
table, he started hitting Jam till she fainted with the pain. The
following day, Joe apologized and promised not to do it again.

This happened again and again. Finally, Jam left him and
returned to her mother. Joe pleaded for her return and three
weeks after, Jam decided to give him another change. Two
weeks later, Joe came home high on shabu and beat Jam
again. A day after the last beating, Joe was found dead in
their bedroom. What defense can Jam claim for a charge of
parricide? She want you to represent her.
 References

Each legal opinion letter must have a

separate REFERENCE page.

It will contain the laws and jurisprudence you

intend to use for a full-blown representation.
 DEADLINE: SEPTEMBER 11, 2018 [4.50pm]

1. Give your papers to the beadle.

2. Separate the legal letters by Writing Task.
3. ONE envelop for the class.
4. No late turning in of papers.
 Format

1. Use 8.5 x 11, substance 20

2. Font: New Times Roman; Size: 12; Line
height 1.2
3. Observe the mechanics of good letter
writing (margin, indention, space
between)
 WorkTime

Use September 4 and

September 10 to work
on your legal opinions.