Logic & Opinion Writing (JS 621)

Why should I take this course?

Who should attend?

This course invites judges to more carefully and thoroughly examine the underlying principles of logical reasoning as applied to their decision-making and opinion-writing. Judicial writing is often as important as the determinations. Opinions should serve as a reasoned statement that justifies the outcome judges have reached.

This course is designed for any judge, judicial officer, law clerk, or court-affiliated staffperson who must appraise the soundness of arguments presented to them and want to improve their legal writing skills.

Who are the members of the faculty?

The faculty consists of a philosophy professor who is also an attorney and a nationally recognized judicial writing instructor with experience in crafting judicial opinions.

How is this course taught?

The class is conducted through presentations, extensive class discussion and writing exercises. You will be asked to submit an opinion for review and analysis. Pre-course materials will be available via email for you to complete approximately six weeks prior to the course start date. Please plan to set aside approximately two to four hours of time to review and complete materials prior to the course.

What should I tell my presiding judge or funding agency so that my attendance will be approved?

A judge must evaluate legal argumentation in its many forms because it lies at the heart of the judging craft. The validity of arguments in briefs, memoranda, and oral presentations often depend upon the logical components. Even a rudimentary understanding of logic will enable a judge to perform more effectively and save time in legal analysis. Further, judges must frequently write opinions. This course will assist judges in analyzing and solving troublesome difficulties that they may encounter in preparing and writing an opinion.

Whom should I contact for more information?

.For more information, please contact the Registrar’s Office at (800) 255-8343 or registrar@judges.org.