Law essays demand a particular kind of rigour: precise use of authority, clear legal reasoning, and the ability to apply the law to facts rather than just describing it. UK law students are marked on analysis and application, not memorised content. This complete guide explains the difference between essay and problem questions, the IRAC method, how to use cases and statutes as authority, and how to reference correctly in OSCOLA.
Essay Questions vs Problem Questions
Law assessments come in two forms. Essay questions ask you to analyse or critique an area of law. Problem questions give a fictional scenario and ask you to advise on the legal position. Each needs a different approach, and confusing them is a common error.
The IRAC Method
For problem questions, use IRAC:
✓ Issue — identify the legal question.
✓ Rule — state the relevant law (cases, statutes).
✓ Application — apply the law to the facts.
✓ Conclusion — state the likely legal outcome.
Application is where most marks are won or lost.
Using Authority Correctly
Every legal proposition must be supported by authority — a case, statute or regulation. Cite the specific case and explain the principle it establishes, then show how it applies. Vague references to “the law” without authority score poorly.
Structuring a Law Essay Question
For essay questions, use a clear introduction stating your argument, body paragraphs that analyse and critique the law with authority, engagement with academic commentary and counter-views, and a reasoned conclusion. Analysis and evaluation matter far more than description.
Referencing in OSCOLA
UK law typically uses OSCOLA (the Oxford Standard for Citation of Legal Authorities), which uses footnotes rather than in-text citations. Cite cases, legislation and secondary sources in the precise OSCOLA format and check your faculty's requirements.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
✓ Describing the law instead of applying it.
✓ Propositions with no authority.
✓ Treating a problem question like an essay.
✓ Ignoring counter-arguments and academic debate.
✓ Incorrect OSCOLA referencing.
Tips for a Higher Grade
Identify the right question type, use IRAC for problems, support every point with authority, apply the law to the facts in detail, engage with academic commentary, and reference precisely in OSCOLA.
How Projectsdeal Helps
Assignment help, essay writing service and dissertation writing service.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a law essay?
An academic piece that analyses or critiques an area of law, or applies the law to a scenario in a problem question.
What is IRAC?
A method for legal problem questions: Issue, Rule, Application, Conclusion.
What is the difference between an essay and a problem question?
An essay analyses an area of law; a problem question asks you to advise on a fictional scenario.
What is legal authority?
A case, statute or regulation that supports a legal proposition.
What is OSCOLA?
The Oxford Standard for Citation of Legal Authorities, the footnote-based referencing style used in UK law.
How do I cite a case?
Give the case name and citation, then explain the principle it establishes; format it in OSCOLA.
How do I apply the law to facts?
Take each legal rule and explain precisely how it operates on the specific facts given.
Should I include academic commentary?
Yes — engaging with scholarly debate strengthens an essay question answer.
How long is a law essay?
As the brief requires; depth of analysis and application matters more than length.
What is the most important skill in a law essay?
Applying the law to facts and arguments rather than merely describing it.
Related Study Guides
How to Write an Essay • How to Write a Critical Essay • How to Write a Case Study • How to Write an Argumentative Essay
Need Expert Academic Help?
ProjectsDeal provides trusted dissertation, thesis, and essay writing support for UK university students. Get matched with a specialist in your subject area.