⚖️ The Law of Preparation: Do’s & Don’ts Before Your Viva

📅 Today is 11/11 — and exactly 11 days from now, on 22/11, we face the viva test.
Think of it as a courtroom moment — where your preparation is your argument and your confidence is your evidence.

This is not the time for panic. It’s the time for precision.

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🧭 1. The Do’s — Sharpen, Don’t Scatter

✅ Do Plan, Not Panic.
Map your subjects — Contract, Torts, Labour Law, Legal Language — and revise concepts, not pages.
One law a day, one principle a night — keep your rhythm tight.

✅ Do Revise Through Application.
Don’t memorize sections like a machine; explain them as if you’re teaching a junior.
If you can simplify it, you’ve mastered it.

✅ Do Recall Case Laws Naturally.
Remember what it established, not just who v. whom.
e.g., Carlill v Carbolic Smoke Ball Co. = valid offer, not just Victorian trivia.

✅ Do Mock Viva Practice.
Get a friend or mirror — speak out your answers.
Confidence is built in the voice, not in silence.

✅ Do Rest Strategically.
Brain fatigue reduces recall by 40%.
Use the Pomodoro Law: 25 minutes study, 5 minutes recharge.

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🚫 2. The Don’ts — Avoid the Classic Traps

❌ Don’t Chase Notes, Chase Clarity.
At this stage, avoid new PDFs, groups, or lecture hunts.
Depth now beats breadth. Revise what you’ve already owned.

❌ Don’t Start Comparing.
Everyone studies differently. Your preparation is your case; others’ progress is irrelevant.

❌ Don’t Over-Speak in the Viva.
Answer to the point — precision is power.
A short, structured answer impresses more than a long confused one.

❌ Don’t Ignore Presentation.
When speaking, structure it as: Concept → Section → Example → Case Law.
That’s your courtroom flow.

❌ Don’t Neglect Self-Care.
Eat clean, sleep well, breathe deep. A dull mind can’t argue even the strongest case.

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🕊️ Conclusion: Your Closing Argument

A viva is not about testing your memory; it’s about testing your mindset.
You are not there to recite the law — you’re there to interpret it.
So, when 22/11 arrives, walk in not as a student under pressure —
but as a lawyer in training, ready to argue your case with calm conviction.

🎓 “The more you prepare in silence, the louder your confidence speaks in the viva.”

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⚖️ The Art of Legal Expression: How to Sharpen Your Legal Language and Think Like a Lawyer

Law doesn’t merely live in statutes and judgments — it lives in language.
Every argument drafted, clause interpreted, or judgment delivered is shaped by words that carry precision, persuasion, and power. Legal language, therefore, isn’t just a communication tool — it’s the lawyer’s primary instrument of reasoning and advocacy.

So, how can students and young professionals strengthen this skill? Here’s a structured path to mastering the language of law.

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🧠 1. Read Like a Lawyer — Not Like a Reader

Reading case law or statutes isn’t about finishing pages — it’s about decoding structure and tone.
Pay attention to phrasing, transitions, and connectors like “whereas,” “therefore,” “hereby,” and “notwithstanding.” These aren’t filler words; they’re the gears that move legal logic.

🔹 Tip: Read at least one judgment daily (start with landmark cases). Highlight connectors, definitions, and how the judge justifies reasoning.

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🖋️ 2. Write to Clarify, Not Complicate

The biggest myth: “Legal writing must sound complex.”
In truth, the best legal drafts are clear, structured, and unambiguous. Use short sentences. Avoid redundant words like “null and void” or “cease and desist” unless contextually required.

🔹 Tip: After writing a paragraph, ask — “Can this be misunderstood?” If yes, rewrite it. Precision beats decoration every time.

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📚 3. Learn the Language of the Law — Legal Maxims and Phrases

Latin maxims are not relics; they’re shortcuts to reasoning. Knowing terms like “audi alteram partem” or “res ipsa loquitur” instantly strengthens your argument and interpretation.

🔹 Tip: Maintain a personal glossary of legal terms and phrases with meaning, context, and usage examples. Update it regularly.

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🗣️ 4. Think Aloud — Speak Legally

Legal thinking sharpens when expressed aloud. Practice explaining legal principles as if you’re teaching a non-lawyer friend. When you can explain a complex concept simply, you’ve truly understood it.

🔹 Tip: Discuss one concept daily with classmates — e.g., “Consideration,” “Vicarious Liability,” or “Doctrine of Frustration.” Treat it as mini-moot training.

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💬 5. Observe, Absorb, Apply

Listen to advocates in court, professors in class, and judges in judgments. Legal language has rhythm — formal yet persuasive.
Notice the choice of verbs, the transition of arguments, and how conclusions are built logically rather than emotionally.

🔹 Tip: Watch Supreme Court or High Court live streams when available; note tone, articulation, and respect in phrasing.

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✍️ 6. Practice Drafting — the Real Classroom of Law

Whether it’s a simple notice, a petition, or a research paragraph — writing refines thought.
Every word you draft is a reflection of clarity, structure, and foresight — the traits of every good lawyer.

🔹 Tip: Pick a random case or section and draft a one-page summary in your own words. Then, re-read it a day later — improvement is your best teacher.

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🌟 Final Verdict

Legal language is not about sounding smart — it’s about thinking clearly and expressing precisely.
It demands patience, practice, and persistence — but once mastered, it becomes your most valuable professional asset.
In a world where arguments win over volume, and reasoning triumphs over rhetoric, fluency in legal language isn’t optional — it’s your license to persuade. ⚖️

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📘 Compiled by JK Jiwani, FCCA
“Learn. Lead. Live.” — because clarity is the first step to confidence.

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 How to Prepare a Law Viva Presentation – A Detailed Guide for Students

For Labour Law, Constitutional Law, Contract, Torts, Criminal Law, and more

 1: Introduction – Why Viva Preparation is Essential

Viva voce (oral examination or presentation) is a critical component of legal education. It assesses not only subject knowledge but also communication skills, analytical ability, and legal reasoning. In law, the ability to articulate legal concepts clearly and logically is as important as knowing the theory. Viva is where theory meets expression.

Across various legal subjects — whether Labour Law, Torts, Indian Penal Code, Constitutional Law, or Contract — students are expected to explain legal doctrines, landmark cases, and recent developments in a clear, concise, and persuasive manner. Unlike written exams, viva presentations require presence of mind, verbal clarity, and structured delivery.

Preparation for a law viva also builds foundational skills for future lawyers, including:

• Arguing before a judge or tribunal

• Presenting cases to clients or senior advocates

• Attending interviews and panel discussions

Hence, mastering viva presentation is not merely academic — it’s professional training in disguise.

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 2: Understanding the Standard Structure

Most law faculties and universities issue standardised formats for assignments and viva preparation. These formats help ensure that work is organised, complete, and assessable. A recommended structure includes the following elements:

1. Cover Page:

• Student Name, Roll Number, Class & Division

• Subject and Topic

• Faculty Name

• Institution and Submission Date

2. Table of Contents / Index:

• List all sections with corresponding page numbers

• Ensure logical sequencing

3. Introduction:

• Provide background and context

• Explain the relevance of the topic

• Mention key issues that will be addressed

4. Main Body / Content:

• Detailed explanation of the legal concept

• Applicable statutory provisions (sections, articles, codes)

• Relevant case laws with brief facts and rulings

• Doctrinal, analytical, or critical perspectives

• Practical implications

5. Critical Analysis:

• Compare interpretations

• Evaluate effectiveness of the law

• Discuss criticisms or ambiguities

6. Conclusion:

• Summarise key findings

• Offer final reflections or suggestions

7. Bibliography / References:

• Books, Acts, Articles, Websites, and Case Law Citations

8. Viva/Presentation Script:

• Write a script for oral delivery (5–7 minutes)

• Use a confident, formal, and clear tone

Following this structure ensures that the assignment and viva are both academically strong and presentation-ready.

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 3: Research and Content Building (Applicable to All Subjects)

Effective legal presentations begin with strong research. Regardless of the subject, the following research process helps develop content that is informative, original, and relevant:

A. Understanding the Core Concept:

• Start with bare acts or the Indian Constitution

• Identify the definition or scope of the topic

• Understand the legislative intent or objective behind the law

B. Statutory Provisions:

• Refer to relevant sections and articles

• Note amendments, exceptions, or special clauses

• For example:

  • Section 2(j) of the IDA for "Industry"

  • Section 10 of the Contract Act for valid agreements

  • Article 21 of the Constitution for Right to Life

C. Landmark Judgments:

• Choose 2–3 landmark cases relevant to the topic

• Include:

  • Name of case

  • Court and year

  • Brief facts

  • Legal issue

  • Held (decision)

  • Ratio decidendi (reason for decision)

Example Cases by Subject:

• Labour Law: Bangalore Water Supply v. A. Rajappa

• Torts: Donoghue v. Stevenson (UK), Rajkot Municipal Corp v. Manjulben

• Contract Law: Carlill v. Carbolic Smoke Ball Co., Balfour v. Balfour

• Constitutional Law: Kesavananda Bharati v. State of Kerala, Maneka Gandhi v. Union of India

D. Recent Developments:

• Check recent amendments, judgments, or bills

• Use trusted legal sites (e.g., PRSIndia, IndiaCode, LiveLaw, Bar & Bench)

E. Real-Life Application:

• Relate the law to practical situations (e.g., workplace disputes, consumer complaints, medical negligence)

• Use hypothetical or actual examples to demonstrate understanding

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 4: Writing and Speaking the Viva Script

A good presentation script is not a written answer — it’s a verbal narrative designed to engage and inform. The goal is to explain the law in simple, structured terms, supported by examples and cases.

Structure of a Good Script:

1. Opening (30–45 seconds):

   • Begin with a quote, question, or story to set context

   • Example: “Operation successful, but the patient died” — a quote that shows why mechanical application of law without justice is a failure

2. Introduction (30 seconds):

   • Define the topic and state why it is important

3. Core Legal Explanation (2–3 minutes):

   • Explain statutory definition

   • Discuss 2–3 important cases

   • Link to social or industrial relevance

4. Critical Thinking (1 minute):

   • What are the strengths and weaknesses of the law?

   • How should it evolve?

5. Conclusion (30 seconds):

   • End with a reflective thought or one-liner

   • Example: “In the end, the law must serve not just the letter, but the spirit of justice.”

Tone and Delivery Tips:

• Speak clearly, at a moderate pace

• Avoid memorising — understand and explain

• Maintain eye contact if it’s a live viva

• Use hand notes or cue cards, not full scripts

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5: Final Preparation, Practice, and Presentation Day

Final Checklist:

• ✅ Assignment is neatly written, structured, and formatted

• ✅ Cover page and index are complete

• ✅ Script is written and rehearsed

• ✅ Cases and sections are fresh in memory

• ✅ One-page summary is printed (if permitted)

Practice Suggestions:

• Practice once in front of a peer or mirror

• Time the presentation (5–7 minutes)

• Prepare for possible follow-up questions

• Focus on concepts, not rote details

On the Day of the Viva:

• Dress neatly and formally (college norms)

• Stay calm and focused

• Listen carefully to faculty or panel feedback

• Answer questions confidently — if unsure, admit and offer to check

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Conclusion: Why Structured Viva Preparation Builds Legal Confidence

A well-prepared law viva helps students:

• Gain subject mastery

• Build communication and courtroom-ready skills

• Think critically about law in practice

Whether presenting on the definition of industry, the doctrine of frustration, negligence in tort, or fundamental rights, the goal remains the same: to understand, express, and apply the law with clarity and conviction.

With discipline, structure, and a little strategy, law students can transform viva preparation from a task into a personal victory.

 

📘 Last Minute Revision Guide for FYLLB – Semester 1

A Power-Packed Booklet to Boost Your Exam Confidence-Compiled by J.K. Jiwani, FCCA

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As law students, we all know how overwhelming the final days before exams can be — juggling case laws, Latin maxims, writing styles, and subject essentials, all under time pressure.

That’s exactly why I created this Last Minute Revision (LMR) Booklet for FYLLB Semester 1 — a crisp, exam-smart, and high-yield compilation designed to bring clarity, structure, and confidence when you need it most.

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📚 What’s Inside the Booklet?

This isn’t just another dump of notes — it’s a carefully curated and student-tested resource built to sharpen your legal thinking and boost your writing precision.

✅ Covered Topics:

• Law of Contracts I (Essentials, doctrines, leading case laws, remedies)

• Labour Law & Industrial Relations (ID Act, Trade Unions, Case Laws)

• Legal Language & Writing (IRAC method, drafting tips, grammar essentials)

• Legal Maxims (Latin terms explained with meaning and usage)

• Landmark Case Laws (Indian & International – Contract + Torts)

• Witty Latin Sayings (For rhetorical power and deeper insight)

• Confidence & Exam Strategy Section (Affirmations, mindset boosters, night-before checklist)

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⚖️ Why This Booklet Matters

This guide is designed for:

• 📌 Quick revision — One-pagers, case summaries, and structured answers

• 📌 High retention — Mnemonics, legal phrases, visual cues

• 📌 Mental calm — Affirmations, pacing tips, exam mindset hacks

• 📌 Real utility — Use of Bare Act sections, IRAC examples, and precise templates

Whether you're revising alone or in a study group, this LMR kit works like a revision accelerator — no fluff, just what you need to write strong answers under pressure.

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🔗 Download the Full Booklet

👉 Click below to access the PDF – 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ygUhMPVScv6p3yv26LToZcfnVG9O9A9n/view?usp=sharing

⚠️ Disclaimer

This booklet is a compiled revision guide and does not replace prescribed textbooks, class materials, or academic instruction. It is designed purely for last-minute review and personal learning enhancement.

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🧠 Final Word

Law exams aren’t just about memory — they’re about structure, clarity, and confidence.
This booklet is here to help you bring all three to the exam hall.

You’ve studied hard. Now revise smart.

All the best!

— J.K. Jiwani, FCCA
Compiler | Legal Education Enthusiast

 

                                                        The Quiet Strength of Giving

Someone once asked me, “Why do you always share your notes, your time, your help — even when no one asks?”

I almost replied with a thesis (as any good student is tempted to do), but instead, I offered a quote that felt more fitting than any long explanation:

“We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.”
— Winston Churchill

And that, really, says it all.

Giving is not about grand gestures.

We often associate "giving" with donations, charities, or acts reserved for the ultra-generous. But true giving — the kind that shapes lives quietly — is often small, almost invisible:

• Sharing notes before an exam

• Offering your time to listen when someone’s having a rough day

• Explaining a concept without expecting anything in return

• Sending a message just to say, “I thought of you.”

None of these will make headlines. But they make something better: connections.

Giving isn’t loss — it’s investment.

People sometimes worry that giving too much will drain them. That they'll be left behind while others race ahead. But here’s a quiet truth I’ve learned:
What you give multiplies. Not always in obvious ways — but in trust, in goodwill, in silent respect.

And more than anything, in how you feel about yourself when the day ends.

Giving is underrated — because it's not loud.

We live in a world where doing things “for show” has become a sport. But giving? Real giving? It's not flashy. It doesn’t trend.
It just works — silently, sincerely, and over time.

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So why do I give?

Because it makes me feel connected.
Because someone once helped me, and I haven’t forgotten.
Because giving doesn’t diminish us — it defines us.

And because, at the end of the day, the most meaningful things we build are built with others — one shared moment, one shared effort at a time.