In applying the law, what is a recommended starting move?

In applying the law, what is a recommended starting move?

• A. Begin the application with the conclusion you want the court to reach
• B. Begin with a quotation from a case
• C. Start with a factual background
• D. State the governing statute first

Answer: (A)

The main idea is to lead with the result you want the court to adopt. Starting with the conclusion up front sets a clear target for the reader and provides a roadmap for the rest of the argument. When you open with the desired outcome, you give the judge a precise frame: this is what you want to achieve, and you can then show how the governing law and the facts support that result. This helps keep the analysis focused and prevents the argument from wandering before the reader knows where you’re headed. After stating the conclusion, you typically present the controlling rule or statute and then demonstrate how the facts fit that rule, backed by authorities. Starting with a quote or with a factual background can distract from the desired outcome because the reader sees the pieces without immediately understanding the end goal. Stating the governing statute first can be helpful, but without an explicit tie to the requested result, the law may seem abstract rather than directed. Opening with the conclusion keeps the argument tightly anchored to the outcome you seek, making the ensuing legal reasoning more persuasive and easier to follow.

The main idea is to lead with the result you want the court to adopt. Starting with the conclusion up front sets a clear target for the reader and provides a roadmap for the rest of the argument.

When you open with the desired outcome, you give the judge a precise frame: this is what you want to achieve, and you can then show how the governing law and the facts support that result. This helps keep the analysis focused and prevents the argument from wandering before the reader knows where you’re headed. After stating the conclusion, you typically present the controlling rule or statute and then demonstrate how the facts fit that rule, backed by authorities.

Starting with a quote or with a factual background can distract from the desired outcome because the reader sees the pieces without immediately understanding the end goal. Stating the governing statute first can be helpful, but without an explicit tie to the requested result, the law may seem abstract rather than directed. Opening with the conclusion keeps the argument tightly anchored to the outcome you seek, making the ensuing legal reasoning more persuasive and easier to follow.