Law school essay writing: can I use the word "I?" Forum

[sighsigh]

Is it appropriate to use the word "I" when writing essays in law school? (I'm supposed to write an essay on the topic of legal ethics). I was a philosophy major and it was a common practice to use "I" in philosophical writing, e.g. to start an essay introduction with something like "In this essay I will object against X. I will do so by arguing Y and Z, and then conclude W."

I'm really used to this style and was wondering if this is appropriate in the legal writing context. Or should the writing style be less technical and more elegant (the way writing is in other humanities/social sciences subjects)?

I know asking the TA/Professor is best and I have emailed them, but I haven't received a response yet and wanted a second opinion anyways. Thanks, guys.

[rinkrat19]

Is the assignment to make an argument, or to present your opinion? Arguments are generally stronger when you don't write in the first person.

In terms of the intro you're describing, I mostly see legal papers speak as if the paper itself is doing the arguing. "This paper posits X, and thus Y, in direct contrast to the generally accepted theory Z." Or whatever.

[NotMyRealName09]

Former philosophy major here, and no you can't use I. Legal writing isn't about the author. It's about the subject. Your opinion doesn't matter.

Your writing should be MORE TECHNICAL, less elegant, believe it or not. You're not rewarded for flowery language. Philosophical writing may not be as clear and concise as legal writing needs to be because philosophy loves ambiguity - legal writing hates it. And you're going to have to learn to work on keeping your sentences SHORT.

Rinkrat has the right idea. Or even better, talk about a debate between two other authorities, like "This Note examines the case of X v. Y, and compares it to a line of cases going back to A v. B, concluding that X v. Y runs contrary to existing law." Or like "B. Smith argues that X, but this line of thinking has been criticized by Y. This Note will examine the debate and conclude that Y is full of shit." Or something.

On the plus side, I found my training in philosophy to be a major boost for all of my law school classes. But you're going to have to learn to write like a lawyer.

[TTRansfer]

Don't be a goober and use "I."

The only time it's acceptable is if you are making a joke on the exam or something (which I did quite often).