Law Review Articles

Definition

Law review articles are scholarly pieces of writing published in legal journals that provide in-depth analysis and commentary on various legal issues, cases, and theories. These articles are typically written by legal scholars, practitioners, and students, contributing to the broader discourse in the legal community. They serve as a valuable resource for understanding complex legal matters, analyzing the implications of case law, and exploring new legal theories.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Law review articles often include extensive citations to primary sources such as statutes, case law, and other scholarly works, making them reliable for legal research.
2. They are typically organized into sections that include an introduction, background information, analysis of relevant laws or cases, and a conclusion.
3. Many law schools have their own student-edited law reviews, which allow students to gain experience in legal writing and editing while contributing to scholarly discussions.
4. Law review articles can influence judicial decisions by providing comprehensive analyses that judges may reference when formulating their opinions.
5. These articles are essential for law students preparing for exams and legal practitioners seeking to stay updated on emerging legal trends and theories.

Review Questions

• How do law review articles contribute to the understanding of complex legal issues?
  • Law review articles play a critical role in enhancing the understanding of complex legal issues by providing detailed analysis and commentary on various topics. They often break down intricate legal theories and case law into more digestible formats while incorporating diverse perspectives from scholars and practitioners. This thorough examination not only informs legal professionals but also helps shape public policy and discourse on important legal matters.
• Discuss the significance of peer review in the context of law review articles and their authority as secondary sources.
  • Peer review is significant for law review articles as it ensures that the content published is of high quality and credibility. This process involves experts evaluating the article's arguments, research methods, and conclusions before publication. As a result, law review articles are often regarded as authoritative secondary sources because they undergo rigorous scrutiny, making them reliable references for legal practitioners and scholars alike.
• Evaluate how law review articles can impact judicial decision-making and the development of legal doctrine.
  • Law review articles can significantly impact judicial decision-making by providing comprehensive analyses that judges may consider when crafting their opinions. These articles often highlight nuances in case law or propose new interpretations of statutes that can shape the trajectory of legal doctrine. Moreover, by influencing how judges understand complex issues, law review articles can lead to changes in how laws are applied and interpreted in future cases, reflecting their importance in the broader legal landscape.

Related terms

Legal Journals: Periodicals that publish law review articles, case notes, and essays, often focusing on specific areas of law or issues relevant to the legal profession.

Case Law: Law established by the outcome of former court cases, which law review articles often analyze to discuss their significance and implications for future cases.

Peer Review: The process by which law review articles are evaluated by experts in the field before publication to ensure quality and credibility.