LAJ 410 - Legal Writing

This guide is a compilation of resources that might be helpful for legal writing. However, if you're not finding what you're looking for, don't forget you can always drop by the library to meet with a librarian, set up an appointment, use chat reference, or email us. 

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These definitions from Black's Law Dictionary may be helpful in getting started with your project.

Objective, adj.

1. Of, relating to, or based on externally verifiable phenomena, as opposed to an individual’s perceptions, feelings, or intentions
2. Without bias or prejudice; disinterested
3. Existing outside the mind as something real, not only as an idea

Memorandum.

1. An informal written note or record outlining the terms of a transaction or contract. To satisfy the statues of frauds, a memorandum can be written in any form, but it must (1) identify the parties to the contract, (2) indicate the contract’s subject matter, (3) contain the contract’s essential terms, and (4) contain the signature of the party against whom enforcement is sought.
2. A party’s written statement of its legal arguments presented to the court, usu. in the form of a brief.

References:

"Objective." Black’s Law Dictionary. 10^th ed. 2014. Print.

"Memorandum." Black’s Law Dictionary. 10^th ed. 2014. Print.

Additional Resources:

UW-Madison's "A Guide to Writing a Legal Memorandum"

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