How politics students can use legal cases in their essays and courseworks

University courses Politics
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Legal cases are perhaps not the first type of source that comes to mind when you, as a politics/international relations/political economy/etc student, have to write a coursework. However, I would like to suggest why they could be useful. Legal cases provide concrete illustrations of how political principles are applied, challenged, and shaped in practice.

  • Use cases to explain complex theories - For example, a case involving campaign finance reform can be used to illustrate the concepts of political representation, interest groups, and the role of money in politics.

  • Provide concrete examples of abstract concepts - Legal cases can bring abstract political theories to life, making them more relatable and understandable.

  • Examine the impact of legal decisions - Analyse how court rulings have shaped policy outcomes, both intended and unintended. This is also useful when assessing how current policy is implemented, and any restrictions from existing regulation.

  • Evaluate the effectiveness of laws and regulations - Use legal cases to assess the effectiveness of existing policies and identify areas for reform.

  • Examine moral and ethical questions - Legal cases often present complex ethical dilemmas that politicians and policymakers are faced with. It is thus useful to analyse how these cases have shaped public discourse and influenced policy decisions.

  • Discuss the role of law in shaping society - Explore how legal decisions can reinforce or challenge societal norms and values.

  • Analyse how legal systems vary across countries - Compare and contrast how similar legal issues are addressed in different jurisdictions.

  • Question the assumptions underlying legal decisions - Challenge the underlying assumptions and arguments presented in legal cases.

  • Consider alternative perspectives - Explore how different legal interpretations or outcomes could have affected the political landscape.

Be advised - legal cases have specific referencing styles, please make sure to consult for correct referencing, as they do differ from the regular Harvard, Chicago, APA, etc referencing guidelines.

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This is really interesting! I’ve never thought about using legal cases in political analysis before, but it makes sense how they can provide real-world examples of how political theories play out. I’m curious—how would you go about choosing which legal cases to use for a coursework? There are probably tons of cases out there, so how do you narrow it down to the ones that best illustrate the political principles you want to focus on?

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Choosing the right legal cases for your coursework involves a careful selection process. First, consider the specific political theory or concept you want to illustrate. Then, look for cases that directly challenge or support this theory. Consider the historical significance of the case and its impact on subsequent legal and political developments. Finally, ensure the case is well-documented and accessible, with clear legal opinions and relevant scholarly commentary. By following these steps, you can select legal cases that will enrich your analysis and strengthen your arguments.

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how do you think we can balance using legal cases as examples without getting too bogged down in the legal jargon?

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This is a great tip and something which I hadn’t thought of before, legal cases are instrumental when writing essays on the powers of the judiciary but can also be used in other situations.