Advanced Legal Writing: Theories and Strategies in Persuasive Writing

By Michael R. Smith

Book Overview

Advanced Legal Writing: Theories and Strategies in Persuasive Writing is exceptionally well suited for use in upper level Legal Writing courses that focus on strategy. the author's distinctive approach: emphasizes persuasive writing strategies and explores specific techniques for legal writers combines theory with practically by taking an interdisciplinary avoids a 'documents-based' approach going beyond the trial or appellate brief to identify effective strategies for a broad range of documents and settings follows a consistent format, offering for each writing strategy: explanation of its nature and characteristics an account of the theoretical principles which explain their effectiveness detailed, 'how-to' guidelines for students to use in their own writing numerous examples of proper use of the strategy and exercises consideration of ethical implications the book is divided into five main parts that cover: literacy allusion and its value in persuasive writing the three basic processes of persuasion: logic and rational argument, emotional argument, and establishing credibility rhetorical style persuasiave writing strategies based on psychology theory the moral implications of being an effective persuasive writer

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0735520143
• ISBN13: 9780735520141
• Release Date: January 2002
• Publisher: Aspen Law & Business
• Length: 360 Pages
• Weight: 1.55 lbs.
• Dimensions: 9.8" x 1.0" x 7.0"

Customer Reviews

Thoughtful and deep

This is the most thoughtful book on persuasive writing I've ever read. It approaches the subject with scholarly exuberance. It covers many fine points that are often missing from texts on persuasive legal writing: ethical persuasion, rhetoric, polish. But to the extent that it is scholarly and is a text for an advanced legal writing class in law school, it will probably seem a little too much for the practicing lawyer. Only the most dedicated appellate specialist will find it useful, I predict.