Substantial Quality Criteria

Substantial Quality means "a thoroughly researched analysis and discussion of a law related topic." (art. III cl. 7 - Law Review Constitution). In addition to high-quality work, the following criteria must be met in order to achieve substantial quality.

1. Mechanics

   1. Compliance with Rules:

      All student work must comply with the following rules in order to achieve substantial quality:

      1. All articles must use 2 inch margins on the left and1.5 inch margins on the right, top, and bottom of each page.
      2. Text must be double-spaced.
      3. Footnotes must be double-spaced.
      4. All copies must be printed in laser quality copy.
      5. Titles must be formatted properly.
      
      

   2. Proper Citation Form Bluebook (18th Edition):

      All student work must contain proper citation pursuant to the 18th Edition of the Bluebook. Students should pay particular attention to the rules for citation in Law Reviews. (For example, students should use italics, ALL CAPS, and LARGE AND SMALL CAPS where appropriate.) In addition, student work must contain the following:

      1. Proper citation format
      2. Proper abbreviations in text and in footnotes
      3. Proper capitalization in text and in footnotes
      4. Proper use of numerals in text and in footnotes
      5. Proper use of short citations
      6. Proper use of id. citations
      7. Proper use of pinpoints
      8. Proper use of parentheticals
      9. Proper use of signals
      10. Proper use of supras/infras
   
   

2. Substance

   1. Style and Organization:
      1. Proper grammar
      2. Correct spelling
      3. Correct punctuation
      4. Ideas presented in logical sequence
      5. Appropriate use of transitions
      6. Avoid redundancy
      7. Appropriate components for Case Comments and Notes:
         Ex: Case Comments:
         1. Facts
         2. Legal Background
         3. Analysis
         4. Impact
      8. Notes:
         1. Introduction
         2. Parts (I, II, etc.)
         3. Conclusion
      
      
   2. Use of Authority:
      1. Writers must demonstrate an understanding of the content of the research materials.
      2. Ideas must be supported with authority.
      3. Materials contained in the footnotes must be useful and meaningful.
      4. Text and footnotes must support each other.
         
      
      
   3. Analysis:
      1. Facts must be presented in an objective manner
      2. Legal background must be presented in an objective manner.
      3. Writers must show that they grasp the subject matter.
      4. Writers must discuss and resolve the relevant issues.

Remember Substantial Quality means "a thoroughly researched analysis and discussion of a law related topic." This is not a rough draft!!! When you turn this article in, ask yourself "Could this article be published in its current state without embarrassment to myself or the publication?"!!!