Bachelor of Laws: Legal Writing & Drafting

A comprehensive guide to legal research created by the VU Law Library
Plain english is straightforward, concise language that is appropriate for the intended audience. This usually involves avoiding complex or verbose language, obscure terms, and jargon. It may also involve simplifying the structure and syntax of a document or communication to make it more accessible to its audience. Also known as 'plain language'. 
(Encyclopaedic Australian Legal Dictionary, 2016)

Ask a law librarian any questions that you have about legal research or AGLC4 referencing.

Zoom meetings are available Monday - Friday between 8am and 4pm, by appointment. Email the law librarians to book an appointment. Please state your preferred time/day.

murray.greenway@vu.edu.au

debra.hutchinson@vu.edu.au

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A law librarian will reply with a confirmation of your appointment and  a link to the Zoom meeting.

Legal Writing - Templates and Guides for Letters and Memorandums

Finding Precedents

Australian Encyclopaedia of Forms & Precedents

The Australian Encyclopaedia of Forms & Precedents is a comprehensive source of forms and precedents.  This reference work comprises over 6,000 non-litigious legal forms and precedent documents in over 60 legal subject areas, covering all Australian jurisdictions.

Lawyers Practice Manual - Victoria

The Lawyers Practice Manual Victoria is a narrative guide to the practice and procedure of law in Victoria. 
The manual includes step-by-step guidance with an overview of the law relevant to each distinct area of practice that is covered. The manual is narrative in style, and is designed so that each chapter covers a separate legal task. 

The manual contains practical hints, precedents, letters and standard forms.

Legal Writing & Drafting Resources

eBooks

Journals in Print and Online

AGIS (Attorney Generals Information Service) - is the leading legal journals database in Australia.  Use AGIS to search hundreds of journals for articles about Legal Writing & Drafting. 

If you wish to browse, then the journals below may be useful places to start.

Related Subjects in VU Catalogue