Legal Drafting and Advocacy
Legal Drafting and Advocacy
This domain tests pleadings, writ petitions, appeals, contracts, legal notices and opinions, plus oral advocacy. Good drafting states facts, law, jurisdiction and precise relief; good advocacy connects the record to the issues.
Core rules
- A pleading should identify parties, jurisdiction, material facts, cause of action, grounds and prayer.
- A writ petition should show the fundamental right, the state action, the legal error and the remedy sought.
- A contract should define parties, obligations, consideration, time, breach and dispute resolution.
- An appeal should identify the impugned order, grounds and the specific relief.
- Oral submissions should follow issue, fact, law and conclusion, using the record.
Worked example
In a writ petition against a licence cancellation, the prayer should not simply say grant justice. It should seek certiorari to quash the cancellation order and mandamus directing a fresh hearing. The body must plead the date of the order, the absence of notice and the breach of natural justice. The prayer must match the grounds and the court's jurisdiction.
Traps
Vague prayers, inconsistent pleadings and facts not in the record weaken the case. Do not omit verification, annexures or limitation explanations. Do not argue new facts at the hearing. Keep the prayer precise and within the court's power.