Legal research papers are research-based papers written by law students and legal professionals to explore, analyze, and argue a particular legal issue or topic. A legal research paper must follow a specific format and structure to be coherent, persuasive and meet academic standards. The key elements of a proper legal research paper format include:
Title Page (Not Included in Word Count)
The title page should contain the title of the paper, your name, the class or course name, the instructor or professor’s name, and the submission date. Center this information in the middle of the page.
Table of Contents (Not Included in Word Count)
The table of contents lists the main headings and subheadings of your paper along with their corresponding page numbers. This allows the reader to quickly navigate to specific sections. Automatic page numbering makes generating the table of contents effortless.
Introduction
The introduction is your opportunity to introduce the topic and provide context. It should hook the reader’s interest, establish the importance of your topic, set the scope and parameters of your discussion, and present your central thesis statement. State clearly and concisely the focus or argument of your paper and how you will develop it.
Body Paragraphs
The body paragraphs contain the bulk of your argument, analysis and discussion supported by research and legal citations. Each new topic or subtopic should start a new paragraph. logically organize your points and arguments to clearly address the thesis statement presented in the introduction.
Conclusion
Summarize the main points covered in the body without merely restating them. Emphasize the significance of your findings and arguments. Consider broader applications and implications. Restate your thesis in new words and close with a memorable ending.
Footnotes/Endnotes
Legal research papers use footnotes or endnotes to cite sources in-text and provide full bibliographic information for each source. Follow Bluebook citation style guidelines consistently. Footnotes appear at the bottom of each page while endnotes are grouped together at the end of the paper.
Works Cited/References
This final section lists all sources cited in the paper alphabetically by author’s last name. Include full bibliographic information for each like author, title, publisher, date according to Bluebook rules.
Appendices (Optional)
Appendices contain supplementary materials, charts, tables or contents too detailed for inclusion in the main body. Label with letters (Appendix A, Appendix B) and include in the table of contents.
The font should be 12-point Times New Roman or similar classic font that is highly readable. Double or 1.5 space the lines of text and use uniform and proper formatting and layout throughout as per Bluebook rules. Include page numbers in the upper right or center formatted consistently. Strive for a purely professional and academic style of writing without contractions, slang or overly casual language.
Organize the flow of ideas logically and cohesively using transition words and phrases to indicate how each point relates to the next. Develop arguments methodically and support assertions and conclusions with credible evidence culled from empirical research and reputable legal sources. Analyze opposing viewpoints fairly by acknowledging counterarguments. Maintain an objective, unbiased and scholarly tone suitable for an academic paper.
Proceed section by section in a linear fashion building upon previous discussions. Paragraphs should generally contain between 5-7 sentences each. Stay focused on thoroughly addressing the research question or thesis without digressing onto unrelated tangents. Ensure seamless integration of quotations and avoid excessive long quotes. Paraphrase concepts and carefully attribute ideas. Proofread for typos, grammatical errors or formatting inconsistencies before final submission. Doing comprehensive research and strictly adhering to proper legal paper format will result in a convincing and professionally written work.