In briefs, fight tough, not rough. By Chinua Asuzu
In Engineering Enterprises v Attorney General of Kaduna State 2 NWLR (Part 57) 381 (SC), 413D–H, Oputa JSC emphasized three points about the facts section of a brief: (1) it…
To launch or defend against an appeal, consider these strategies: Chinua Asuzu
Effective appeal-strategy development calls for judgment, discipline, and courage on your part: the good judgment to choose the strongest grounds; the discipline to direct the court’s attention to those grounds…
Chinua Asuzu: Who are you to order a judge to “see” or “see also” anything?
In written advocacy, hesitate to direct the judge to go see or see also a case or a litany of cases. When you must, offer an inducement for the literary…
Don’t be a headnote lawyer.
Don’t be a headnote lawyer. *By Chinua Asuzu* Don’t be a headnote lawyer—an attorney “who relies on the headnotes of judicial opinions rather than taking the time to read the…
Brief-Writing: What’s your theme?
A compelling legal brief rests not only on the strength of its facts and law but on the quiet power of its theme — the emotional and moral heartbeat of…
Brief-Writing: What’s the theory of your case?
A theory of the case is the optimistic or favorable legal interpretation an attorney places on the facts, good and bad.
Avoid Vague Writing: Abstracts Should Be Clear and Concrete
In legal and academic writing, abstracts should be clear, concrete, and reader-friendly—not vague, jargon-filled, or impersonal. Chinua Asuzu emphasizes the importance of writing that breathes and connects.
Humanize Your Briefs: Use Real Party Names, Not Legalese
Legal writing becomes more vivid, human, and persuasive when advocates refer to parties by name instead of sterile procedural labels like “Appellant” or “Respondent,” says Chinua Asuzu in this powerful…