Adaptable Content

Part of: A Bumper Guide to Essay-Writing Skills for the Law National Aptitude Test

Enhancing Your LNAT Essays: Incorporating Breadth and Depth through Adaptable Content

Embarking on the journey to craft compelling essays for the LNAT requires not just a grasp of structure but also a rich tapestry of content to draw upon. The ability to weave varied conceptual topics into your essays can significantly elevate their quality, offering both breadth and depth that resonate with the evaluators. This blog post aims to introduce you to a selection of concepts that can serve as versatile tools in your essay-writing arsenal. While we’ll only scratch the surface of these ideas here, a deeper dive into any that pique your interest will equip you with a robust intellectual toolbox to enhance your essays.

Political Theory

  • Social Contract: Inspired by Rousseau’s belief in the ‘General Will’ as the epitome of democratic expression, you can use this concept to challenge the legitimacy of non-democratic interventions, such as Judicial Review.
  • Kant’s Fiduciary Principle: Kant’s philosophy that the State bears a moral relationship with its citizens provides a solid foundation for arguments about governmental responsibilities.
  • When Paternalism is Excessive: Weighing the risk and severity of harm against the cost of prevention and social utility offers a nuanced lens through which to view government intervention.
  • J.S. Mill’s Harm Principle: This principle is invaluable for discussing the limits of state interference in individual liberties.

Ethics

  • Deontology: Kant’s view of humans as ends in themselves, not means to an end, supports arguments in favour of human autonomy and rights.
  • Consequentialism: Utilitarianism, most famously championed by Bentham, argues that the ethical choice is the one that delivers the greatest happiness to the greatest number. This can be a powerful basis for arguments on policy outcomes.

Economics

  • Capitalism vs. Socialism: The moral value Locke places on private property contrasts with Rawls’ perspective that wealth, generated within a society, should benefit that society broadly, offering a rich area for debate.
  • Cost of Legal Procedure: Highlighting the economic challenges of enacting legal reforms provides a practical dimension to discussions about legal changes.

Law and Legal Theory

  • Jurisprudence: Elevate your legal arguments by anchoring them in the Rule of Law, moving beyond simple fairness to the foundational principles that govern legal systems.
  • Human Rights: Drawing on the Natural law tradition and concepts like Finnis’ idea of ‘Human Flourishing’ can provide ethical justifications for human rights.
  • Purpose of Law: Analysing whether an argument aligns with the objectives of specific legal domains, such as punishment or rehabilitation in Criminal Law, can add depth to your essays.

Conclusion

Incorporating these concepts into your LNAT essays can transform your writing, providing a sophisticated exploration of the topics at hand. As you prepare for the exam, consider how these ideas can support your arguments, offering nuanced perspectives that reflect a deep engagement with the material. Remember, the key to a compelling essay lies not only in its structure but also in the richness of its content and the depth of its analysis. By drawing on a broad spectrum of intellectual resources, you’ll be well-equipped to tackle any question the LNAT throws your way, with essays that are as informative as they are persuasive.