Judicial Law Clerk how-to

How to Draft a Section of a Court Opinion

Opinions explain decisions.

Updated By the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team
Quick answer

Opinions explain decisions. In short: follow; state; apply, then complete the remaining steps below.

Step by step

  1. Follow the judge’s outline.

  2. State the standard of review.

  3. Apply the law to facts.

  4. Address counterarguments.

  5. Cite carefully.

  6. Revise for clarity.

Safety reminders for judicial law clerks

  • Keep case information confidential
  • Avoid conflicts of interest
  • Follow judicial ethics
  • Don’t discuss pending cases

Bench memo · Opinion · Chambers · Docket · Record · Oral argument: see the full judicial law clerk glossary.

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