Guides: Legal Writing: Judicial Opinion Writing

Note The library cannot tell you what the law means for your situation.

Books

Available when you visit the library in person.

Judicial opinion writing handbook [print book]
Acknowledging that there is "no single right way to write judicial decisions/opinions," the author seeks to "expose the writing judge to an assortment of methods, styles and techniques" that can improve his opinion writing.
Manual on appellate court opinions [print book]
In addition to offering guidance on writing, this publication discusses how to delegate work to judicial staff to improve the efficient disposition of cases.
Point taken : how to write like the world's best judges [print book]
In this title, the author uses real-world examples taken from opinions and dissents written by notable judges and justices to provide tips and strategies in legal writing.

Ethical Judicial Opinion Writing
This 2008 article was written by Gerald Lebovits, Alifya V. Curtin and Lisa Solomon and is available on the SSRN website. It provides the current comment and extensive references to texts related to judicial opinion writing.
Judicial writing manual: a pocket guide for judges, second edition
"It is through judicial opinions that courts communicate with litigants, lawyers, other courts, and the community." This brief manual is written to enhance that communication.
Use of Internet Materials in Opinions
In 2009, the Judicial Conference of the United States approved certain guidelines for judges and their staffs to follow regarding the use and preservation of cited Internet data.

Articles in bar journals, section newsletters, and blogs can keep you up to date, provide practical application, and are usually brief.

Texas residents can access articles in HeinOnline with a free library account.

Writing Appellate Decisions: Observations of a Rookie Appellate Judge
Written by Judge Samuel A. Thumma, this article appears in 53 Judges Journal 32 (Winter 2014)

Note The library cannot tell you what the law means for your situation.