University of Galway

Course Module Information

Course Modules

Semester 2 | Credits: 10

To provide students with a detailed understanding and applicative knowledge of the basic techniques of argument analysis and construction, persuasion and rhetoric, and legal policy formation.
(Language of instruction: English)

Learning Outcomes
  1. Understand the atoms (concepts) and molecules (propositions) of legal argument
  2. Know and be able to construct and evaluate the 4-5 main types of legal argument (text-based, precedent-based, tradition-based and policy-based)
  3. Be able to map and evaluate the arguments proferred by different lawyers on different sides of a legal case
  4. Be able to construct a complex legal argument on a particular case
  5. Understand and apply basic principles and techniques of rhetoric
  6. Understand and apply basic techniques of persuasion, including use of visual supports (etc)
  7. Make a persuasive oral/written presentation
  8. Understand some of the ethical/moral/political principles and policies underlying the law
  9. Understand and apply basic theories for criticizing and reforming the nature and content of the law
Assessments
  • Continuous Assessment (100%)
Teachers
Reading List
  1. "- Wilson Huhn The Five Types of Legal Argument (Durham, NC: Carolina Academic Press 2014)" by n/a
  2. "- Frederick Schauer Thinking Like a Lawyer (Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press 2009)" by n/a
The above information outlines module LW3121: "Critical Thinking for Lawyers" and is valid from 2019 onwards.
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.