SQE2 Written Skills

Question 1

Legal Research:

Which authorities should be quoted - primary or secondary?

Answer 1

Primary

Question 2

Legal Research:

What are secondary sources useful for?

Answer 2

Finding the answer as part of a commentary, then working back from there.

Question 3

Legal Research:

What is the most useful way of structuring that examiners love?

Answer 3

Sub headings

Question 4

Legal Research:

Can you cite a textbook?

Answer 4

Only if referring to a primary source

Eg: Robinson-Pierre [2013] EWCA Crim 2396 [2014] 1 WLR 2368 as cited in Blackstone’s Criminal Practice (B20.9).

Question 5

Legal Research:

How should LR be structured?

Answer 5

IRAC

Issue - brief facts
Relevant Law
Apply the law
Conclusions drawn as a result

Question 6

Legal Research:

If using IRAC, which section should set out the detailed analysis?

Answer 6

A - Applying the law

Question 7

Drafting:

How should frequently used terms be addressed in drafting?

Answer 7

Define them at the start.