Mastering Judgment Reading: Key Tips and Structure for New Law Students

Welcome to law school! One of the fundamental skills you’ll develop is learning how to read a judgment. This process can be challenging, especially with complex language and lengthy discussions in many legal decisions. However, once you understand the structure and logic behind each part, reading judgments can become a much simpler (and even interesting) task. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you break down judgments, making your studies more manageable and rewarding.

When you’re analysing a judgment, it’s helpful to know its common structure. Judgments usually include several specific sections, each serving a purpose. By familiarizing yourself with these sections, you’ll be able to approach any judgment more confidently.

1) Caption

The caption is simply the heading of the case and includes the name of the parties involved. For example, in the case “State of Maharashtra v. Suresh,” the name of the petitioner (State of Maharashtra) appears first, followed by the respondent’s name. The caption helps you understand who is suing whom, giving you the first clue about the case’s nature and direction.

2) Case Number

Every case is assigned a unique case number for identification. This number helps track and retrieve the judgment in legal databases. It usually includes the year the case was filed and serves as a reference point for anyone reviewing or citing the case later.

3) Case Citation

The case citation is the reference to where the case can be found in legal publications, such as official reporters, online databases, or law journals. Citations often look something like this: “(2020) 3 SCC 413,” which indicates the volume and page number in a legal journal. These citations are essential for accurately referencing the judgment in legal arguments, essays, or further research.

4) Bench/Quorum

The bench or quorum refers to the judge(s) presiding over the case. Understanding which judges are on the bench can sometimes give insight into the decision, as each judge may bring a unique interpretative style or area of expertise. For instance, if a constitutional bench (five or more judges) is involved, you’ll know the case is of significant constitutional importance.

5) Description of Parties

This section gives a brief description of the parties involved in the case. For example, in a contract dispute, you might have “Plaintiff X, a business entity, versus Defendant Y, an individual.” Knowing the parties’ roles and backgrounds is crucial for understanding the perspectives and motivations driving the dispute.

6) Facts of the Case

The facts of the case are where the court lays out the story. This section describes what happened before the case came to court, who did what, and why the dispute arose. The facts are generally undisputed elements but may also highlight specific claims from each side. For example, in a tort case, this section would describe the events leading to the alleged harm. As a law student, take notes on essential details, as the court’s reasoning and application of law will hinge on these facts.

7) Contentions of Parties

Here, the contentions of the parties’ section provides a summary of each party’s arguments. Each side puts forward its interpretation of the facts and relevant legal principles. Plaintiffs and defendants may cite statutes, previous cases, or constitutional principles to back up their claims. Pay attention to these arguments, as they provide context for the legal issues that the court will resolve. Understanding these contentions is critical since they represent the core disagreements that the court must adjudicate.

8) Issues

The issues section is a concise list of legal questions the court must answer to reach its decision. Each issue is typically framed as a question, such as “Does this action violate the right to freedom of expression?” These issues guide the court’s analysis and form the framework for judicial reasoning. For you, identifying the issues is crucial for understanding the case’s relevance and its contributions to legal principles.

9) Case Laws Cited

Courts rely on case laws cited to guide their reasoning. These are previous cases that provide a precedent—legal principles from earlier decisions that influence how current cases are decided. For example, if the case involves the freedom of speech, the court might cite prior rulings on that right to interpret its limits in the present case. Familiarizing yourself with these cited cases is valuable, as it helps you understand the broader legal framework and precedents supporting the judgment.

10) Application of Law

In this section, the court applies the law to the facts of the case. Here, the judge will analyse relevant statutes, constitutional articles, and case laws, explaining why and how they support a particular interpretation. This is often the most complex section but is also the core of judicial reasoning. Try to note down the principles the court relied on, how they interpret each law, and their rationale for applying it in this specific case. This step-by-step application shows the path the court took to reach its conclusion.

11) Final Verdict and Ratio Decidendi

The final verdict is the court’s conclusion—its final decision on the issues raised. For example, the verdict may state whether the court rules in favour of the plaintiff or the defendant and any orders or remedies it imposes. Alongside the verdict, you’ll find the ratio decidendi or the “reason for the decision.” The ratio decidendi is the legal principle that emerges from the judgment, setting a precedent for future cases. This part is essential for law students, as it encapsulates the case’s impact on the broader legal landscape.

Tips for Reading and Understanding Judgments

1. Start with a Skim: Give the judgment a quick read-through to get an overview of its structure and main points.

2. Take Notes on Each Section: Highlight or jot down key facts, issues, arguments, and the ratio decidendi. These notes will be useful for revising and recalling the case.

3. Understand Precedents Cited: Pay attention to the precedents the court discusses, as they provide context for the court’s reasoning.

4. Practice Summarizing: After reading, try summarizing the judgment in your own words. This helps reinforce your understanding and ensures you’ve grasped the key elements.

Why Learning Judgment Structure Matters

Understanding judgments is essential for law students because it’s where theory meets practice. You’ll see how judges interpret laws, balance facts, and apply legal principles to reach fair decisions. Plus, judgments often address complex issues, so reading them regularly builds analytical skills, deepens your knowledge of case law, and prepares you for exams and legal practice.

Remember, reading judgments is a skill that improves over time. The more you read, the more natural it becomes, and soon you’ll be navigating complex cases with confidence. So, start with a clear framework, break down each section, and embrace the process—soon enough, judgments will feel less intimidating and more insightful.

Happy judgment reading!

Author: Apoorva Lamba, 2nd Year LLB. Student of Madhav Mahavidyalaya, Jiwaji University, Gwalior

Link to similar articles: https://jpassociates.co.in/waqf-amendment-bill-2024/

Link to landmark judgements: https://www.sci.gov.in/landmark-judgment-summaries/