The Craft of Judicial Opinion Writing

2 Credit Hours

This course is for those students who plan to serve as a judicial clerk after law school, for those who plan to be litigators and wish to know how judges approach the task of analyzing cases and crafting judicial opinions, and also those who would like simply to engage deeply in legal writing. The course will begin with an in-depth study of different opinion styles, focusing primarily on judges and justices who have made their mark during the past few decades. What makes an opinion persuasive, or the most enjoyable to read? What style of opinion provide the best guidance to lower courts and lawyers? Are good reads compatible with clear guidance? Is what makes a good trial court opinion different from what makes a good appeals court or Supreme Court opinion? The course will proceed with a series of exercises in which students will draft opinions in yet-to-be-decided cases for presentation to the class. Course will be taught by Hon. Gary Feinerman is a United States District Judge, Northern District of Illinois.