Reading cases is the core skill of a law student, but it can be overwhelming.
The Two-Pass Method
First pass (5 minutes): Read the headnote, identify the parties, the area of law, and the outcome. This gives you a framework.
Second pass (20-30 minutes): Read the full judgment, focusing on the ratio decidendi. Take notes using the template below.
Case Brief Template
| Element | What to Record |
|---|---|
| Case Name & Citation | Donoghue v Stevenson [1932] AC 562 |
| Facts | 2-3 sentences summarising the key facts |
| Issue | The legal question the court had to decide |
| Holding | The court's decision (who won) |
| Ratio Decidendi | The legal principle established |
| Key Reasoning | The court's main arguments |
| Significance | Why this case matters for the topic |
Tips
- Focus on the leading judgment. Read dissents only if they are relevant to your essay.
- Do not try to memorise every detail — understand the principle.
- Use Westlaw or LexisNexis case analysis tools for complex cases.