What is the proper format for a legal opinion?

[Jesse_J]

I'm an undergrad in my first constitutional law class.  The instructor is VERY vague and heavy on the "figure it out for yourself" philosophy.

I have to write a legal opinion on a particular case (Pearson v. Callahan) and I don't know how to format the opinion.

It's supposed to be 8-12 pages, does that seem a little excessive for an opinion?

Any help is appreciated.

Thanks!

[formula1]

Legal opinions can be lengthy, although I suspect 8-12 pages is more of a homework requirement than a legal one.

As far as the format, look a few up on the interent, and format yours in a similar manner.

[coco]

Go visit law librarian and ask where books of precedents are kept. Ask whether certain opinions may require certain type of format. Probably not but Illinois is a somewhat unique jurisdiction.

What you're looking for here is which arguments were rejected outright, putting paid to a certain line reasoning on those circs, and which may still be open to litigants in certain circs. Basically, you have to examine the limits to assess which of these arguments flies and if so, whether in some circs you'll have to work harder to find more/more persuasive evidence of a certain kind.