Foundational Lawyering Skills

An argument supports a particular position by setting forth a reason why something is true or untrue, right or wrong, or better or worse.

A legal argument is specifically an application of fact to law that supports a particular position; a bare assertion or a rule statement without applying facts is not a legal argument.

A fact that affects the outcome of a matter because of its relationship to a legal test or rule; change the fact and the result under the rule changes.

Explain means to expound, to interpret, or to give reasons; the answer must go beyond a conclusion and supply the reasoning (the 'because').

A factor is either (1) a component of a factor test, or (2) a fact, inference, or legal conclusion that contributes to a particular result.

An inference or a potential consequence drawn from a set of facts, circumstances, legal standards, or a combination of them.