Keith Mack
An abstract is a short summary of a research paper, usually about a paragraph long, and is often the first thing a reader will see. It is a crucial part of a paper as it helps readers understand the key points and decide whether to read the full article. When writing an abstract, you are marketing your work, acting as your own PR agent. It should be written concisely, without the use of jargon, and should include the context of the research, the problem it aims to address, the arguments used to support its claim, and the intellectual contribution it makes.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Length | 150-500 words, 1-3 paragraphs, c. 6-7 sentences |
| Purpose | To market your work, act as your own PR agent |
| Content | Background information, context, the problem, proposed solution, references to caselaw, main arguments, observations, findings, results, implications, research methods |
| Style | Concise, clear, smooth flow, no jargon, acronyms or abbreviations |
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What You'll Learn
Summarise the case concisely
An abstract is a concise summary of a legal case or research paper, providing readers with a clear understanding of the topic, arguments, and findings. It is often the first section of a paper, but it should be written at the end, summarising the contents of the entire case or research.
When summarising a case concisely in an abstract, it is crucial to cover the background information and context of the case, including any relevant historical details or previous case law that informs the current case. This helps readers understand the landscape in which the case is situated.
The next crucial step is to state the problem or issue at hand. Explain what is wrong with the current situation and why it needs to be addressed. Paint a picture of potential consequences if the problem is not solved. This is an important part of the abstract as it justifies the relevance and importance of the case.
In addition to stating the problem, it is also essential to briefly describe the arguments or positions put forward in the case. Summarise the main points that support the claim, including any empirical findings, normative arguments, or legal precedents that are referenced in the case. This gives readers a glimpse into the observations and justifications presented in the case.
Finally, provide a clear statement of the conclusion or resolution reached in the case. Discuss the results and their implications, tying them back to the original problem statement. This helps readers understand how the case contributes to the field and how it might influence future research or scholarship.
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State the problem and its context
An abstract for a law case should be a concise summary of your research paper, usually about a paragraph long (around 6-7 sentences or 150-250 words). It should be written at the end, after you have completed your full paper, so that you can summarise its contents effectively.
When stating the problem and its context, you should begin by describing the current state of things. This should be a short, sharp sentence that sets the scene. Next, you should identify what is wrong with that landscape and what the potential consequences are. This is where you can paint a more detailed, negative picture of the situation and its implications.
For example, if your paper is about the influence of human rights in society, you might begin by stating the current situation regarding human rights in a given country. You could then explain how these rights are being infringed upon and the potential impact this could have on individuals and society as a whole.
The problem should be clearly defined and explained in a way that is easy for readers to understand. It is important to provide background information and context so that readers can quickly grasp the key issues and decide whether to read the full paper. This is also an opportunity to showcase the value of your paper and why it is worth reading.
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Outline your unique approach
An abstract is a summary of your research paper, article, or case review. It is often the first thing that editors and readers will see, so it is important to get it right. The abstract should be written last, after you have completed your paper, as it summarises the contents of your work. It should be concise, clear, and written in a style that will impress editors and interest readers.
Firstly, consider your abstract as a marketing tool. You are selling your work, so it is important to convey its value and importance. You are acting as your own PR agent, so be creative and make your abstract stand out.
Secondly, be mindful of the tone and style. While you want to be creative, you should also be professional and intelligent. Avoid jargon, acronyms, abbreviations, and incomplete sentences. Your abstract should be written in plain language that is easy for the reader to understand. It should be accessible, but not simplistic.
Thirdly, the abstract should be written in your own voice. Use the first person and be confident in stating your unique approach or theoretical lens. For example, "I apply a new theoretical lens to the existing research on X, focusing on Y". This will make your abstract more engaging and help it stand out from other, more generic abstracts.
Finally, consider the structure of your abstract. It should be written in a clear and logical sequence, with connecting points and words to create a smooth flow. Begin with a short, active sentence that states the current state of things, followed by a sentence that identifies the problem with this landscape. Then, in one sentence, describe what needs to be done to address the problem. This is the most important sentence in your abstract, as it should encapsulate your entire paper.
In conclusion, a well-written abstract is an essential tool for marketing your research and engaging readers. By outlining your unique approach in a clear, creative, and logical way, you can make your abstract stand out and encourage readers to engage with your work.
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Explain the methodology
Explaining the methodology is a crucial aspect of writing an abstract for a law case. This section enables readers to understand the research methodology employed and provides insights into the specific methods utilised in conducting the study. Here are four to six paragraphs to explain the methodology section:
Paragraph 1: Understanding Methodology
The methodology section of an abstract for a law case provides a concise overview of the research methods and processes employed in the study. It offers transparency into how data was collected, analysed, and interpreted, ensuring that readers can assess the robustness and validity of the findings presented.
Paragraph 2: Data Collection Methods
Start by describing the data collection methods used in your research. Did you rely on primary sources such as interviews, surveys, or observations, or did you primarily analyse secondary sources such as legal documents, case studies, or existing literature? Be sure to mention any innovative or unique approaches you employed to gather data relevant to your law case.
Paragraph 3: Analytical Framework
Explain the analytical framework you applied to make sense of the collected data. Did you utilise qualitative or quantitative methods, or a combination of both? Discuss any theoretical frameworks, legal doctrines, or precedents that guided your analysis. This demonstrates the intellectual rigour and strategic approach underlying your research.
Paragraph 4: Research Design
Provide insights into the overall research design and procedural details. How did you structure your research process? Did you employ a case study methodology, comparative analysis, or a mixed-methods approach? Elaborate on the steps you took to ensure the integrity and validity of your research process, such as peer review, data triangulation, or ethical considerations.
Paragraph 5: Ethical Considerations (if applicable)
If your research involved human participants or sensitive legal matters, it is essential to address ethical considerations. Explain the measures taken to obtain informed consent, protect participant confidentiality, and ensure data anonymity. This demonstrates your adherence to ethical research standards and enhances the credibility of your study.
Paragraph 6: Limitations and Future Research (if applicable)
While not strictly part of the methodology, acknowledging the limitations of your research methodology can provide valuable context for readers. Discuss any challenges or constraints you faced during data collection or analysis and propose potential avenues for future research to address these limitations. This demonstrates your critical reflection and encourages further scholarly engagement.
Remember, the methodology section should be concise and focused, providing a strategic overview of your research process. By explaining your methods effectively, you enable readers to assess the robustness of your findings and understand the broader implications of your law case research.
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Conclude with key takeaways
Concluding Key Takeaways
An abstract is a standalone summary of your research paper, usually about a paragraph long. It is the first thing that editors and readers will see, so it is your chance to market your work and act as your own PR agent. It should be written in a concise, clear, and simple style, without the use of jargon or technical terms that may confuse the reader.
The abstract should be written last, after you have completed your full paper, so that you know what you are summarising. It should include the following:
- Background information and context of your research.
- The problem statement and why it is important.
- A summary of your entire paper in one sentence, describing what needs to be done to address the problem.
- A summary of the main arguments and contributions of your paper.
- A discussion of the results, findings, and their implications.
- The research methods and data analysis techniques used.
Remember, the abstract is an advertisement for your paper, so it should clearly and succinctly convey the value and original observations that your work offers.
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