EXPERT OPINION ON EFFECTIVELY READING AND SUMMARISING CASE LAWS

With access to abundant information available online, it becomes very significant how one is able to utilize one’s time effectively and invest it in dealing with information that will generate valuable outcome. Especially when we belong to legal fraternity, it becomes even more crucial to keep oneself abreast with latest information  and at the same time be able to make constructive use of all available information by wisely discerning what will be beneficial. In the legal field, lawyers often need to go through many legal cases in a very short span of time for preparing their briefs and cases which might sometimes become a cumbersome task. Adopting an effective strategy for winning a case and saying right thing at the right time are few skills that can help lawyers either win or lose stakes. Going through many legal cases indeed is a time consuming task but the same can add a lot of quality to the kind of arguments and approach one presents in court. The statute coupled with case law together make up for the essence of legal issues in question. Knowledgentia Consultants which is the best law firm in India, offers clear and succinct solutions to the art of effectively reading and summarizing case laws.

Effectively reading a case law includes within its ambit not just going through and simply reading the case but also understanding and applying the relevant legal principles to the case at hand.  Following points can help us understand effective way to read a lengthy case law and create full value out of it in one’s favour:-

1.      UNDERSTAND WHAT CONSTITUTES JUDGEMENT

Any case law broadly comprises of segments such as name of court, name of parties, citation, facts, issues of law and fact, findings of court, arguments culminating finally into reasoned judgment of the court followed by name of judges which helps us in understanding the basic ideology embedded in the order.

2.      START WITH FACTS

The basic point is to firstly start with reading and understanding the facts of any case. If one has understood the facts, then the context of the case and practical application becomes very apparent. Reading facts and noting down key points is the most crucial strategy.

3.      UNDERSTAND ISSUES IN RELATION TO FACTS OF CASE

This part is crucial and at the same time needs to be very wisely handled and understood for the very simple reason that application of legal principles and arguments are completely centered around issues of fact and law. So, by and large all issues must be understood clearly and understood in the context of facts. Arguments of counsels are formulated based on questions of law and fact that are involved.

4.      UNDERSTANDING RATIO DECIDENDI

Ratio Decidendi is the operative part of any case law where the court summarizes all observations and apply legal principles in the given set of facts. It contains the crux of the entire judgement and lays down the law in clear and succinct terms. It also incorporates all other cases and laws which the present judges have based their conclusion and interpretation upon.

5.      KEEP A BARE ACT HANDY

Having a bare act handy and scanning the section while side by side reading the judgment is always useful to grasp and interpret the meaning in wholesome manner.

6.      CASE ANALYSIS

To be able to analyze the case effectively it is always advisable to read additional material. Reading a lot of material and having in depth knowledge of the subject can result in better quality of analysis and application.

7.      USE RESEARCH PORTALS FOR QUALITY RESEARCH

In today’s times, its not only important that the work is qualitative but its also crucial how great amount of work can be done at a breakneck speed at the same time. With the advancement of technology, we today have access to various legal research portals so using them effectively can also be a boon for effective reading and summarizing large amount of case law in lesser time.

8.      WORKING ON ONE’S VOCABULARY AND COMPREHENSION

For succeeding in legal field, its very crucial that one is able to polish their vocabulary and comprehension on a daily basis. This skill also supports in grasping facts quickly as well as having a clear and precise picture of the judgement.

9.      PREPARATION OF A CASE NOTE

Effectively bringing about the timeline along with facts, cause of action and legal issues can adda great value to the case note. Keeping it precise and adding statutory provisions along with judgements to be cited can be a win win situation not just for the lawyer presenting case summary but also the one who is on the other side.

Knowledgentia Consultants which provides best contract drafting services, is one-stop solution for all kind of legal matters. In case of any query regarding this matter you may email us at info@knowledgentia.com or visit our website -https://knowledgentia.com/.