Keith Mack
Law review articles are often dense and complex, but that doesn't mean they can't be fun. While the use of humour in these articles is uncommon and may even be considered inappropriate by some, there are instances where writers have successfully incorporated wit and humour into their work. This is particularly evident in the titles of some law review articles, which aim to capture the editor's interest and provide a glimpse into the article's essence. The body of the text may also contain subtle humorous elements that help to engage the reader and make the content more memorable. So, can you be funny in a law review article? It's certainly possible, but it's a fine line to tread, and the success of humour in this context may depend on the topic, the audience, and the skill of the writer in incorporating levity without detracting from the seriousness of the subject matter.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose of humour | To make the work more eye-catching and memorable, pique the reader's interest, and put the reader in a good mood |
| Examples of humorous titles | "One Hundred Years of Privacy", "A RFRA Runs Through It", "The Law of Gravity", "The Best Puffery Article Ever", "Taxing Polygamy: Married Filing Jointly (and Severally)?", "Darkness on the Edge of Town: The Contributions of John Hart Ely to Constitutional Theory", "Car Trouble", "Down The Drain: How North Carolina Municipalities Lost Immunity for Storm Drains in Jennings v. Fayetteville", "Public Forum Doctrine Crashes at Kennedy, Nine Killed", "The Internal Revenue Code as Sodomy Statute", "Presidential Administration", "Nondelegation Canons" |
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What You'll Learn
Humour in law review article titles
One approach to adding humour is through wordplay and puns. For example, Samuel Brunson's "Taxing Polygamy: Married Filing Jointly (and Severally?)"" uses clever wordplay to add a cheeky twist to an otherwise dry topic. Similarly, David Hoffman's "The Best Puffery Article Ever" is a playful take on the traditional review article title, adding a touch of humour and informality.
Another strategy is to use unexpected or quirky phrases that surprise the reader and create a lasting impression. For instance, Bill Prewitt's "The Crimination of Peeping Toms and Other Men of Vision" is a unique and imaginative take on a legal topic, adding a layer of humour and intrigue to the title.
Humour can also be found in the juxtaposition of serious legal topics with lighthearted or everyday references. This technique can create a sense of surprise and amusement for the reader. For example, Trent McCotter's "Down The Drain: How North Carolina Municipalities Lost Immunity for Storm Drains in Jennings v. Fayetteville" uses the metaphor of something going "down the drain" to add a playful twist to a complex legal topic.
It's important to note that while humour can be a powerful tool in capturing a reader's interest, it should be used judiciously and in a way that aligns with the tone and content of the article. The humour should not detract from the seriousness of the legal topic or confuse the reader. Additionally, the use of humour may depend on the specific publication and its style guidelines, as well as the intended audience.
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Using wit to capture the reader's interest
Using wit in a law review article can be a great way to capture a reader's interest. A well-placed joke or a clever pun in the title can make the article more eye-catching and memorable, and even put the reader in a good mood before they start reading. This can be a great strategy, especially when there are so many journal submissions for editors to consider.
However, it is important to note that humour in law review articles can be tricky to get right, and many attempts at wit can fall flat. It is a fine line to tread, and one wrong step can lead to an unsuccessful article. The key is to ensure that the humour or wit is not forced and that it complements the content of the article rather than detracts from it.
One way to achieve this is by using clever wordplay or puns that relate to the topic being discussed. For example, titles like "The Best Puffery Article Ever" by David Hoffman, or "Taxing Polygamy: Married Filing Jointly (and Severally?) " by Samuel Brunson, are playful and intriguing. These titles also provide a glimpse into the content of the article, giving the reader an idea of what to expect.
Another strategy is to use humour to allude to a well-known book or movie title, as seen in Ken Gormley's "One Hundred Years of Privacy", which references "One Hundred Years of Solitude". Similarly, Michael Stokes Paulsen's "A RFRA Runs Through It" is a witty play on the movie title "A River Runs Through It". These titles not only capture the reader's interest but also communicate the essence of the article, providing a clever twist that can leave a lasting impression.
When using wit in a law review article, it is important to consider the tone and the target audience. While humour can be a great engagement tool, it should not detract from the credibility of the article or the writer. Finding the right balance between wit and substance can be challenging but when done well, it can make for a memorable and enjoyable read.
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The role of humour in making complex concepts memorable
When used appropriately, humour can be an effective tool for communicating complex ideas and making them more memorable. It can surprise and delight your audience, breaking the monotony of dry or intricate information. By incorporating humour, you create a positive and receptive atmosphere that fosters engagement and active listening.
Humour has the unique ability to simplify complex concepts, making them more relatable and understandable. A well-placed joke or a witty comment can serve as a memorable anchor for your main point, increasing the likelihood that your message will resonate and leave a lasting impression. For instance, a clever metaphor can make challenging ideas more accessible and easier to grasp.
However, it is essential to tread carefully when injecting humour into your writing. What one person finds amusing might offend another. Thus, understanding the cultural and social contexts in which your writing will be received is crucial. The key to successful humour is ensuring it aligns seamlessly with your message and is appropriate for your audience.
Additionally, humour should flow naturally from the text. Forcing a joke or trying too hard can backfire and put off your readers. Instead, imagine having a conversation with a friend—would they find it funny? Is it relevant to the topic and your overall goal? By finding a balance between humour and substance, you can create a distinctive and memorable piece of writing that captures your audience's attention and enhances their understanding of complex concepts.
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The potential risks of dated humour
When used appropriately, humour can be a powerful tool in law review articles to attract attention, build rapport with the reader, and make complex concepts more accessible and memorable. However, the use of dated humour may lead to several potential risks.
One of the main risks of using dated humour is the possibility of alienating or confusing your audience. Humour is subjective and constantly evolving, and what was once considered funny may no longer resonate with modern readers. Using outdated jokes or references can make your writing seem out of touch and irrelevant. It may also indicate a lack of awareness or insensitivity to societal changes and advancements. For example, a joke relying on stereotypes or insensitive portrayals may have been deemed acceptable in a different era but could now be considered offensive and inappropriate.
Additionally, dated humour may fail to achieve its intended effect. Humour is often based on shared cultural understandings and references. Over time, these references may fade from public consciousness or become obscure, causing the humour to fall flat. Jokes that were once considered witty or clever may lose their impact if the underlying context is no longer understood or appreciated. This can detract from the effectiveness of your argument or analysis, leaving readers unimpressed or disengaged.
In some cases, dated humour may also inadvertently trivialise serious issues or undermine the credibility of your argument. Humour that relies on stereotypes, offensive language, or insensitive portrayals can detract from the seriousness of the topic at hand. It can give the impression that you are not taking the subject matter seriously or that you lack empathy for those affected by the issues being discussed. This can damage your reputation as a writer and scholar and erode trust with your audience.
Furthermore, the use of dated humour may limit the longevity of your work. Law review articles are often referenced and built upon by subsequent scholars. If your article contains humour that quickly becomes outdated or is tied to a specific cultural moment, it may not age well. This could reduce the likelihood of your work being cited in the future, impacting its potential influence and contribution to the field.
To mitigate these risks, it is essential to carefully consider your audience and their expectations, preferences, and sensitivities. Stay informed about current societal norms and values, and avoid humour that may be deemed inappropriate or offensive. Strive for humour that is timeless and based on universal themes or shared human experiences rather than fleeting trends or references. By doing so, you can enhance the effectiveness and impact of your law review article while avoiding the potential pitfalls of dated humour.
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Examples of successful humorous law review articles
While it is difficult to ascertain the specific humorous elements within the law review articles themselves without accessing the full texts, there are some examples of successful humorous law review articles and books on judicial humour. These include:
Thomas E. Baker, "A Compendium of Clever and Amusing Law Review Writings"
This article, published in the Drake L. Rev. in 2002, is described as a "compendium of clever and amusing law review writings."
Thomas E. Baker, "A Review of Corpus Juris Humorous"
Published in the Tex. Tech L. Rev. in 1993, this article provides a review of "Corpus Juris Humorous," a collection of humorous legal cases.
Judge John G. Browning, "Saying It with Style"
Featured in the Texas Bar Journal in February 2011, this article by Judge John G. Browning offers insights into judicial humour and style.
Laura Lucas K. Hori, "Bons Mots, Buffonery, and the Bench: The Role of Humor in Judicial Opinions"
This article, published in the UCLA L. Rev. Discourse in 2012, explores the role of humour in judicial opinions and its potential impact.
Adalberto Jordan, "Imagery, Humor, and the Judicial Opinion"
Adalberto Jordan's article in the U. Miami L. Rev. (1987) delves into the use of imagery and humour in judicial opinions and their potential effects.
Susan K. Rushing, "Is Judicial Humor Judicious?"
Susan K. Rushing's student essay published in Scribes J. Legal Writing in 1990, poses the question of whether judicial humour is appropriate and explores the implications.
Michael Saint-Onge, "Legal Levity"
Michael Saint-Onge's lighthearted piece in Law Libr. Lights (Jan./Feb. 1992) offers a humorous take on legal topics.
George Rose Smith, "A Critique of Judicial Humor"
This critical article by George Rose Smith in the Ark. L. Rev. (1990) examines the use of judicial humour and provides a balanced perspective.
Mary B. Trevor, "From Ostriches to Sci-Fi: A Social Science Analysis of the Impact of Humor in Judicial Opinions"
Mary B. Trevor's article in the U. Tol. L. Rev. (2014) provides a social science perspective on the impact of humour in judicial opinions, drawing from unique cases.
Fred Shackelford, "Judges Say the Darndest Things"
Fred Shackelford compiles a collection of humorous and unique excerpts from American legal cases, categorised into themes like "But I Digress" and "Hyperbole, Anyone?".
Anonymous, "Corpus Juris Humorous"
This book, available by mail order, is a collection of humorous legal cases, including the story of "Blackie the Talking Cat" and a man suing himself (LODI).
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Frequently asked questions
While there is no rule against it, writing a funny law review article can be challenging. The tone and content of the article should still be professional and follow the appropriate guidelines. However, adding a touch of humour or wit, especially in the title, can make the article more engaging and memorable for readers.
Adding humour to a law review article can be done through clever wordplay, puns, or allusions in the title. For example, David Hoffman's "The Best Puffery Article Ever" or Trent McCotter's "Down The Drain: How North Carolina Municipalities Lost Immunity for Storm Drains in Jennings v. Fayetteville" are titles that stand out and capture interest.
Yes, one risk of using humour, especially through allusions, is that they can become dated over time. Additionally, humour can be subjective, and what may be funny to some may fall flat or even offend others. It is important to strike a balance between adding a light-hearted touch and maintaining the integrity and professionalism of the article.
