Sub-topic 6: The Conclusion - Your Final Impression
The conclusion is your last opportunity to persuade the court. It's not just a summary; it's a powerful restatement of your case's core arguments, a clear articulation of the relief you seek, and a final, memorable impression. A well-crafted conclusion leaves the judge with no doubt about why your position is the correct one.
Purpose and Function of a Legal Conclusion
The conclusion serves several critical functions:
- Summarization: Briefly reiterates the main points and arguments presented in the brief.
- Reinforcement: Underscores the strength and validity of your legal position.
- Call to Action: Clearly states the specific relief or outcome the court should grant.
- Persuasion: Leaves a lasting, positive impression on the reader, reinforcing the desired outcome.
Key Components of an Effective Conclusion
Component | Description | Importance |
---|---|---|
Restatement of Thesis/Core Argument | Briefly remind the court of your central legal theory or the main question before it. | Ensures the court remembers the overarching point of your brief. |
Summary of Key Supporting Points | Concise recap of the strongest arguments and evidence presented in the body of the brief. | Reinforces the logic and persuasiveness of your case. |
Statement of Relief Sought | Clearly and precisely state the specific action you want the court to take (e.g., grant motion, reverse judgment, award damages). | Leaves no ambiguity about your desired outcome. |
Concluding Thought/Call to Action | A final persuasive statement that emphasizes the justice or necessity of your requested outcome. | Leaves a strong, memorable final impression. |
Crafting Persuasive Language
The language used in your conclusion is paramount. It should be confident, direct, and devoid of hedging. Employ strong verbs and clear, unambiguous phrasing. Avoid introducing new legal jargon or complex sentence structures that might confuse the reader at this critical juncture. The goal is clarity and conviction.
Think of your conclusion as the final chord of a symphony. It should resonate with power and leave the audience satisfied and convinced of the music's beauty and message.
To clearly and precisely state the specific action the court should take.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
Several common mistakes can undermine even the strongest brief:
- Introducing New Arguments: The conclusion is for summarizing, not for introducing novel points.
- Being Too Vague: The relief sought must be specific and unambiguous.
- Overly Emotional Language: While persuasive, the tone should remain professional and grounded in law.
- Simply Repeating the Introduction: A conclusion should synthesize, not just regurgitate.
Because the conclusion is meant to summarize and reinforce existing arguments, not to present new information that the opposing side hasn't had a chance to address.
Example of a Strong Conclusion
For the foregoing reasons, Plaintiff respectfully requests that this Court grant its Motion for Summary Judgment. As demonstrated, there are no genuine disputes of material fact, and Plaintiff is entitled to judgment as a matter of law on all counts. The evidence unequivocally supports Plaintiff's claims, and justice demands that this matter be resolved without the need for a protracted trial. Therefore, Plaintiff urges this Court to enter judgment in its favor.
Learning Resources
Provides guidance on the purpose and structure of effective legal conclusions from a reputable law school writing center.
Offers practical advice and tips for crafting persuasive conclusions in legal briefs from a leading legal research provider.
Explains the strategic importance of the conclusion in legal advocacy and how to make it impactful, from Harvard Law.
A concise overview of the essential elements and best practices for writing legal conclusions.
Details the function and components of a strong conclusion, emphasizing persuasive advocacy.
Focuses on the persuasive aspect of the conclusion and how to effectively request relief from the court.
A chapter from an online course that breaks down the structure and purpose of legal conclusions.
Offers practical advice on crafting a compelling and effective conclusion for legal documents.
Discusses the key elements and strategies for writing a conclusion that leaves a positive and persuasive impact.
An academic paper exploring the strategic role of the conclusion in persuading judges and achieving favorable outcomes.