How to write a good law essay introduction: a first-class vs 2:1 example

Take this question:

"Is the distinction between acts and omissions significant in the regulation of medical involvement in end-of-life decisions? Should it be?"

A typical 2:1 introduction might look like:

'The distinction between acts and omissions has long played an important role in the regulation of medical involvement in end-of-life decisions. It has been central to how the law approaches questions about liability and ethical responsibility, particularly in cases involving the withdrawal of treatment or administration of life-ending measures. However, this distinction has also been the subject of significant academic criticism, with some arguing that it is difficult to apply in practice and may lead to morally questionable outcomes.

This essay will examine the role of the acts and omissions distinction in this context, considering both its significance in the current law and whether it should continue to be maintained.'

This is not bad: it shows knowledge, context, some awareness of debate.

But it still falls short of a First.

A First-class introduction, by contrast, looks like this:

'The distinction between acts and omissions, which is currently significant in the regulation of medical involvement in end of life decisions, should not be so. In Part I of this essay, I will set out the current law on medical involvement in end of life decisions as well as the reasons why the acts and omissions distinction is significant in its regulation. In Part II, I will present the arguments for constraining the distinction's significance and making more room for other important considerations. I will argue (i) that the distinction between acts and omissions is difficult to draw, and (ii) that it ignores relevant considerations and cannot bear the normative weight placed on it. In Part III I will outline an alternative means of regulating medical involvement in end of life decisions.

For the purposes of this essay, whether the acts and omissions distinction is significant will be assessed by reference to its doctrinal and practical influence, including its impact on legal reasoning, judicial decisions, and medical practice.'

The differences are decisive:

The 2:1 introduction:

• explains before it argues
• gestures at debate without committing
• never quite answers the question
• fails to give a clear structure for the rest of the essay

The First-class introduction:

• takes a clear position from the outset
• structures the essay around that position
• tells the examiner what sequence the answer is going to follow
• defines what key terms (like "significant") actually mean

The crucial point

Many 2:1 introductions don't lack knowledge of the law, they lack effective use of that knowledge.

Quick test

Could someone read your introduction and know exactly what your answer (and what the question) is?

If you'd like help getting there, take a look at my tutoring and essay marking services for law students.