Writing Law Dissertations: An Introduction and Guide To The Conduct Of Legal Research, 1st edition
- Michael Salter |
- Julie Mason |
Title overview
Adopting a highly practical approach, this book shows the reader how to research and write a dissertation, covering the various stages – planning, identifying key issues, utilising the appropriate research methods, time management issues, and managing one's supervision.
This book covers legal dissertation level research, embracing both LL.B. (undergraduate) and the specific demands of LL.M. dissertations.
- Shows how to avoid common stylistic and substantive pitfalls
- Discusses the pros and cons of adopting law and policy methods
- Addresses the issues around conducting research, including approaches such as black letter, socio-legal, interpretive and experimental
- A running example throughout the text illustrates the various points made in each section and provides continuity
Table of contents
CONTENTS
Introduction
Chapter 1. How to Begin
- Introduction
- What is 'research'?
- What is a 'dissertation'?
- How to choose your dissertation topic
- Specific suggestions for getting you started
- Identifying the key issues and marginal issues in your dissertation
- Is the research viable in practice?
- Putting pen to paper
- Conclusion
Chapter 2. Getting Along With Your Supervisor
- Introduction
- Choosing your supervisor
- When to choose
- What can you expect from your supervisor?
- The role of the dissertation supervisor
- Devise your own 'learning contract'
- At the beginning of your supervision
- Writing the dissertation
- Meeting your supervisor
- Reviewing draft chapters
- How much supervision?
- Making the most of constructive criticism and formative feedback
- Common problems with supervision
- Conclusion
Chapter 3. Selecting Suitable Approaches to the Conduct of Dissertation Research
- Introduction
- Resistance to methodological discussion
- Positive reasons for engaging in methodological discussion
- Recognising the implications of the tension between different research methodologies
- Avoiding the pitfalls of selecting an inappropriate methodology
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