A persuasive presentation of the law and facts of a case or particular issue within a case to the judge or jury.
Argument (noun): 1. A verbal or written exchange of ideas or opinions between two or more individuals, often involving a disagreement or differing viewpoints. 2. A logical and structured presentation of evidence, facts, or reasoning to support a particular claim or position. 3. A formalized debate or discussion aimed at persuading others to accept a specific viewpoint or conclusion. 4. A dispute or conflict arising from opposing perspectives or conflicting interests. 5. In logic, a series of statements or propositions, known as premises, presented to support or prove a conclusion. 6. A skill or ability to present and defend one’s ideas or opinions effectively, often involving critical thinking and logical reasoning.
An argument is a statement or set of statements that are put forward as reasons for or against something. In a legal context, an argument is a presentation of evidence and reasoning in support of a particular position or interpretation of the law. Legal arguments are typically made in court or in legal briefs and are used to persuade a judge or jury to adopt a particular legal interpretation or to reach a particular decision. Legal arguments are based on legal principles, statutes, case law, and other relevant legal authorities.
An argument is a reasoned and logical presentation of a point of view or opinion, supported by evidence and reasoning.
The key components of an argument include a claim or thesis, evidence to support the claim, reasoning to explain how the evidence supports the claim, and a counterargument to address opposing viewpoints.
To construct a strong argument, you should thoroughly research your topic, clearly state your claim, provide credible evidence to support your claim, use logical reasoning to connect the evidence to your claim, and address potential counterarguments.
A strong argument is well-researched, logically structured, and supported by credible evidence, while a weak argument lacks sufficient evidence, contains logical fallacies, or fails to address opposing viewpoints.
To effectively refute counterarguments, you should acknowledge and address opposing viewpoints, provide evidence and reasoning to discredit the counterarguments, and demonstrate why your claim is more valid.
Common logical fallacies to avoid in an argument include ad hominem attacks, straw man arguments, false dichotomies, and appeals to emotion or authority.
To improve your argumentative writing skills, you should practice constructing and analysing arguments, seek feedback from peers or instructors, and study examples of strong arguments.
To engage in a productive argumentative discussion, you should actively listen to others’ viewpoints, ask clarifying questions, provide evidence to support your claims, and remain open to considering alternative perspectives.
This site contains general legal information but does not constitute professional legal advice for your particular situation. Persuing this glossary does not create an attorney-client or legal adviser relationship. If you have specific questions, please consult a qualified attorney licensed in your jurisdiction.
This glossary post was last updated: 15th April, 2024.
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