interesting legal topics for presentation

• 8 Fascinating Cases and Legal Ideas for the Law Enthusiast

About the Author Samantha Love read Law at Merton College, Oxford, and is currently following the BCL course.

This is just a sprinkling of legal cases which should be accessible to anybody, whether you’re thinking about law as a potential subject or just want a brain workout!

Some introduce you to an area of law, whereas others go into specific rules, but hopefully they all raise questions which are worth thinking about. There’s one common theme throughout them, though, which is a common theme throughout legal study – what makes us treat very similar circumstances differently, and how do we know where to draw the line between them? These summaries are brief and only intended to introduce you to concepts, not to be a definitive account of cases for revision or application purposes. There is unfortunately never an alternative to doing the legwork yourself!

Taking your victim as you find them

R v Blaue [1975] 1 WLR 1411 In criminal law, the illegal act of the defendant must have caused the victim’s injury or death without anything ‘breaking the chain of causation’. One way to break this chain is with a new and voluntary act of the victim or a third party which becomes the main cause of injury or death – a novus actus interveniens. This was the decision in R v Kennedy [2007] UKHL 38. The defendant prepared a syringe of heroin for the victim who voluntarily injected himself, and then died afterwards. The defendant was found not guilty of unlawful act manslaughter because of the victim’s free and informed decision to take the heroin. R v Blaue is interesting because the ‘act’ of the victim was to refuse the blood transfusion she would normally have received for stab wounds, because her religion forbade it. This refusal caused her to die from her wounds, when she would have survived. Did this mean she caused her own death by refusing medical care? The judge said that those “who use violence on others must take their victims as they find them” , meaning the defendant could not complain that an important part of the victim’s identity (her religion) meant that the injury affected her more than it would other people because she would not be treated. The stabbing was still an operative cause of her death so he was found guilty. The case protects the freedom of religion of the victim here. If the victim’s decision had been found to be a novus actus interveniens then the law would in a way would be blaming the victim’s moral beliefs and decisions, by saying they caused her death. What beliefs do we consider important enough in this area? What if the victim refused a transfusion because she firmly believed that doctors were evil? Or was petrified of hospitals? Should the defendant take the victim ‘as he finds her’ in this case?

The duty to take care not to harm your ‘neighbours’

Donoghue v Stevenson [1932] AC 562 Tort law covers areas where somebody’s ‘wrong’ causes loss to another person, without the two parties having to be in a contractual relationship. The name comes from the fact that tort is French for ‘wrong’ – this is the law of wrongs. The big case which expanded this area of the law is also a strange one. Mrs Donoghue was in a café with her friend, who bought her a ginger beer. She was ill after having drunk some of it because the bottle had a dead snail in it! However, she had not bought the bottle so she could not sue for breach of contract — she had no contract with the shop owner or the bottle manufacturer. Instead, she brought a case in negligence, a part of tort law, saying that the bottle manufacturer had a duty to make sure that the ginger beer was made in a clean place where snails could not get into the bottles. This is where Lord Atkin set out the famous ‘ neighbour principle ’: I have a duty towards “persons who are so closely and directly affected by my act that I ought reasonably to have them in contemplation as being so affected when I am directing my mind to the acts or omissions that are called in question”. This sounds like you have to think about the possible impact of everything you do on anybody it could affect, but in reality there are many limits on negligence law – including that you have to breach that duty of care. Lots of things are relevant to breach but it is overall about how reasonable the action (or decision not to act) was. One element is quite interesting though, especially for those of you who are about to start learning to drive…

Learner driver? Better learn quickly! The duty of care in negligence law

Nettleship v Weston [1971] 2 QB 691 A learner driver injured her instructor when they were involved in a car accident. The instructor tried to claim against the driver in negligence, but the question was what the ‘standard of care’ was that the learner driver had to breach – do we expect learner drivers to be as careful as experienced ones? The Court of Appeal said yes: the duty of care was that of a competent and prudent driver (that’s somebody who can drive and drives carefully), and because Mrs Weston had been driving below this standard she had to pay him money (damages) to cover his loss. She was covered by insurance anyway, so the decision just made sure the teacher received some money whilst he could not work. This is interesting for anyone who is starting out in a profession, or doing an activity for the first time – you only get better with practice, so does it seem unfair to expect you to be at the level of a careful and competent person doing that activity the first time around? It’s probably important that there was insurance available in this case — if there is no insurance available the person who causes the harm often is not worth suing anyway. And in any case, if the claimant understood there was a risk of injury the defence of consent ( volenti ) may be available, so this isn’t as harsh a decision as it first sounds. The decision does show how the courts develop tort law with half an eye on policy considerations and the ‘real life’ situation, though — whilst Mrs Weston wasn’t really at fault this result only affected her insurance premium.

Can you own parts of your own body? Should you be able to?

Yearworth v North Bristol NHS Trust [2009] EWCA Civ 37 The law has historically refused to say that anyone owns their own body. If you can own your body you can sell it, including selling organs, prostitution or selling yourself into slavery. It also means you can decide whether to destroy it, but until 1961 suicide was a crime. Obviously this was more important for prosecuting those planning or encouraging suicide, which is still illegal, or attempted suicide, than for trying to prosecute people who had succeeded in killing themselves! However, this rule has been tested by changes in medicine which now mean that we may want to be able to say that (former) parts of our body are our ‘property’ . The claimants in Yearworth had deposited semen samples with a clinic before undergoing chemotherapy for cancer, having been told that the therapy could make them infertile. The hospital did not store the samples with enough care and they were damaged, and the men in the case suffered psychiatric injury when they discovered they now could not have children. The problem was that because the semen was no longer part of their body they could not bring a claim for personal injury, but the law would not have called bodily fluids personal property for the reasons set out above. However, the court did decide that the semen samples were personal property because of the control the men had over it – they were the ones who could decide what to do with it, despite some limitations set by the Human Fertilisation and Embryo Act 1990, and so the relationship had most of the hallmarks of ownership. The claimants could therefore claim for the psychiatric damage which resulted from the negligent damage of their property. This case seems like the right decision on the facts, but it opens a whole area of law which has normally been tightly closed. Can you think of similar cases where we might be less comfortable with such an outcome? And how should the courts decide where to draw the line? Is your kidney your property if you’re donating it to a friend, and the doctors damage it and you suffer mental distress because your friend can’t have a transplant? What if you change your mind about saving your friend and decide to sell it? What’s the difference?

Is a Stormtrooper helmet a work of art?

Lucasfilm v Ainsworth [2011] UKSC 39 Copyright grants a monopoly over the reproduction of (mostly artistic) works for up to 70 years after the death of an author. That’s why the cheap editions of books only ever cover old works; once the copyright runs out then anybody can make copies, and because you don’t need to pay the author the costs of production are lower so the price goes down. There is also what is known as a ‘design right’ in the designs of functional products (like kettles or toasters) which is limited to 10 or 15 years after creation. This means that the protection of something against copying without the right-owner’s permission can vary a lot depending on whether it is a functional item covered by design rights, or an artistic one protected by copyright. In Lucasfilm v Ainsworth the man who designed the Stormtrooper helmets for Lucasfilm to be used in the Star Wars films had begun to reproduce and sell them worldwide without their permission. Had Lucasfilm been able to show that the helmet was a “sculpture” under the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988 and that they owned the copyright in it they would have been able to claim money from Mr Ainsworth for the sale of those helmets already sold, and prevented him from making any more. However, the UK Supreme Court decided that helmets made for use in a film, even Stormtrooper ones which are more artistic than (say) a replica of a real battle helmet, are not “sculptures” under the Act because their use is functional instead of artistic. The design right protection in the sculptures had ended so Mr Ainsworth was free to continue making and selling them. This was great news for Mr Ainsworth. However, is it fair to say that something created for the purpose of being in a film is never a sculpture or work of art in its own right? The shorter protection period prevents creators of such works and the producers of the films from controlling reproduction of items which were created for the film and might have helped to make back a lot of the money put into it – think of the cost of replicas you buy in gift shops at amusement parks! Do we think a Stormtrooper helmet is ‘artistic’ enough to be a sculpture? Is Gandalf’s staff, or the Tardis? Do we think they deserve to be protected from copying without permission or a licence for over 70 years, the same as a painting? This case is also important for understanding how important it is that legislation is clear on what it intends to achieve, and that judges interpret it clearly. Had Mr Ainsworth lost his case, Lucasfilm were making a claim for around £20million, but the legislation says very little about what makes ‘a sculpture’ so the judges have to develop their own tests for what one is.

“In accordance with the law” — prosecuting guidelines and assisted suicide

Purdy v DPP (2009) UKHL 45 Mrs Purdy lives in England and has multiple sclerosis, a degenerative disease which affects your muscle movement, vision and balance. She had decided that one day her life will become unbearable and that she will want to go to Switzerland to end it, where this is legal under certain circumstances. If she did this relatively soon then she would be able to end her own life, but if she were to wait longer then her husband would have to help her and she was concerned that he would be prosecuted for assisted suicide when he returned to the UK. This has not however been prosecuted before in similar circumstances, and Mrs Purdy asked the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) for guidance as to what factors the Prosecution Service would use in deciding whether to prosecute her husband. The DPP refused to publish guidance and she brought a claim that this was incompatible with her Article 8 right to a private life under the Human Rights Act. This cannot be interfered with except ‘in accordance with law’ and where necessary in a democratic society, but Mrs Purdy’s decision on when to take her life was being affected by the uncertainty of what would happen to her husband if he went with her to Switzerland – there was no clear law on the matter because she didn’t know the sentencing guidelines. The House of Lords agreed and sentencing guidelines have now been issued on the matter. There’s something really important to be noticed about this – human rights claims can be as much about procedure as about the actual law . Mrs Purdy wasn’t asking for the law to say one thing or another, but to know how the law would be enforced. This uncertainty was having a huge impact on major decisions about her life, and by refusing to issue guidelines the DPP was asking her to decide between taking her life before she felt it was necessary, or risking the imprisonment of her husband. The State can have a huge impact on our private lives in the least obvious way – you would think the law on this area is clear but the prosecuting guidelines are as important as the statute.

Indirect discrimination – think about your impact!

Griggs v Duke Power Co 401 U.S. 424 (1971) This American Supreme Court Case on discrimination has had an influence worldwide and really makes you think about how a requirement, even if not outwardly discriminatory, may have that effect. Mr Griggs’s complaint was that the company he worked for required a high school diploma and a certain result in an IQ test in order to work in its higher-paid department, when neither a high IQ nor a diploma were necessary in order to be able to do the job well. The company had also included a rule that black people could not work in the better paid department, but that was removed when the Civil Rights Act made such clauses illegal. The two remaining requirements did still however in practice prevent black people from moving into the roles, because they were much less likely to have passed their high school diploma. The Supreme Court applied Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, which said that if such a test has a ‘disparate impact’ on a particular minority group the employer had to prove that it was related to the job and ‘consistent with business necessity’. It concluded that this was not the case here and the requirements had to be removed. This is known as indirect discrimination – a company may not outwardly refuse to employ members of a particular minority group, for instance, or try to impact them more with a policy, but their policies or job requirements may have that effect. Examples include companies which will not (but reasonably could) allow flexible working so that Muslims can go home for prayers on Fridays, or which pay part-time workers less per hour – more women work part-time so the impact will disproportionately be on women. Indirect discrimination is subject to a defence in the UK so there is always the possibility of justifying a practice that affects one minority group more than another, but it is a very useful tool for going beyond the obvious discriminatory statements which have almost completely disappeared nowadays.

“Sorry officer, I didn’t mean it” — mens rea and actus reus in criminal law

Fagan v Metropolitan Police Commissioner [1969] 1 QB 439 Mr Fagan, the defendant, was asked to move his car by a police officer. He reversed his car as told, but accidentally drove onto the officer’s foot. When the officer told him to get off his foot, Mr Fagan told him to wait, and refused to move. He was convicted of assaulting a constable in execution of his duties, but complained that the two necessary elements of the offence – the act ( actus reus ) and mental state ( mens rea , or guilty mind) – had not happened at the same time. When he drove onto the officer’s foot he did not intend to harm him, and at the point where he did intend to continue doing him harm he only omitted (failed) to move his car off the officer’s foot. In criminal law the two elements have to happen at the same time, so he argued that he should not be convicted. This cunning submission however did not work. The court said that driving onto the officer’s foot and staying there was one long battery (unlawful touching of another), so that when he began intending to continue hurting the officer he was still performing the actus reus. Mr Fagan was therefore convicted of assault. Normally an omission is not an actus reus, apart from in certain circumstances such as gross negligence manslaughter, so it is interesting how the court managed to decide this was one long act rather than an act followed by an omission to correct the situation.

Image credits: banner ; ambulances ; snail ; learner ; mannequin ; stormtrooper ; aeroplane ; Constitution ; police officer . 

50 Company Law Topics for Presentation

50 company law topics that you can use for a presentation:

1. “Corporate Governance and Its Significance in Modern Business” 2. “The Role of Shareholders in Company Law” 3. “Directors’ Duties and Responsibilities in Company Law” 4. “Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and Legal Obligations” 5. “Mergers and Acquisitions: Legal Aspects and Regulatory Compliance” 6. “Corporate Insolvency and the Legal Framework for Bankruptcy” 7. “The Concept of Limited Liability in Company Law” 8. “Legal Aspects of Corporate Financing: Equity vs. Debt” 9. “Shareholder Activism and Legal Implications” 10. “Regulatory Compliance and Reporting Requirements for Public Companies” 11. “Corporate Fraud and Legal Remedies” 12. “Corporate Restructuring and Legal Considerations” 13. “Protection of Minority Shareholder Rights in Company Law” 14. “Corporate Compliance and Ethics Programs” 15. “Legal Aspects of Initial Public Offerings (IPOs)” 16. “Corporate Governance in Family-Owned Businesses” 17. “Legal Challenges in Cross-Border Business Operations” 18. “Share Buybacks and Legal Frameworks” 19. “Insider Trading Laws and Regulations” 20. “Legal Implications of Corporate Taxation” 21. “Corporate Transparency and Disclosure Laws” 22. “The Role of Auditors in Ensuring Corporate Accountability” 23. “Legal Aspects of E-commerce and Online Businesses” 24. “Corporate Environmental Responsibility and Legal Compliance” 25. “Legal Issues in Corporate Partnerships and Joint Ventures” 26. “Corporate Board Structures and Legal Requirements” 27. “Legal Aspects of Executive Compensation and Pay Equity” 28. “Corporate Intellectual Property Rights Protection” 29. “Corporate Data Privacy and GDPR Compliance” 30. “Legal Challenges in Corporate Dispute Resolution” 31. “Legal Aspects of Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOPs)” 32. “Corporate Compliance in Antitrust and Competition Laws” 33. “Legal Implications of Corporate Whistleblower Programs” 34. “Corporate Governance in Not-for-Profit Organizations” 35. “Legal Aspects of Corporate Real Estate Transactions” 36. “Regulatory Compliance in the Healthcare and Pharmaceutical Industry” 37. “Legal Considerations in International Business Expansions” 38. “Corporate Ethics and Anti-Corruption Compliance” 39. “Legal Aspects of Intellectual Property Licensing” 40. “Corporate Bankruptcy and Restructuring Laws” 41. “Legal Challenges in the Energy and Utilities Sector” 42. “Corporate Compliance in the Food and Beverage Industry” 43. “Legal Implications of Technology Transfer and Licensing” 44. “Corporate Governance in the Telecommunications Industry” 45. “Legal Aspects of Corporate Sustainability Reporting” 46. “Regulatory Compliance in the Financial Services Industry” 47. “Legal Challenges in the Automotive and Manufacturing Sector” 48. “Corporate Compliance with Environmental Regulations” 49. “Legal Aspects of Corporate Governance in the Entertainment Industry” 50. “Cybersecurity Compliance in Corporate Data Management” These topics cover a wide range of subjects within company law, and you can choose one that aligns with your presentation goals and audience interests.

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Public Speaking Tips & Speech Topics

Law, Legal, Legislation Speech Topics [Persuasive, Informative]

Jim Peterson has over 20 years experience on speech writing. He wrote over 300 free speech topic ideas and how-to guides for any kind of public speaking and speech writing assignments at My Speech Class.

Persuasive and Informative speech topics about legal issues, laws, legislation.

In this article:

Informative

• Should it be legal for people to own exotic pets such as tigers or chimps?
• Is the fast food industry legally accountable for obesity?
• Should the U.S. government add an extra tax for fatty snacks and junk food?
• Should it be legal to smoke in parks and other similar outdoor locations?
• Would you support English being the official language of the USA?
• Do you think abortions should be legal?
• Should the government declare gambling and sports betting illegal?
• Do you believe the government should recognize same-sex marriage?
• Do you believe that not wearing a seatbelt should be illegal?
• Would it be better if the voting age was lowered to thirteen?
• Should minors who commit serious crimes be charged as adults?
• Should people who play music too loud face fines?
• Bullying should be taken seriously and be illegal.
• Should people who fail to recycle be obliged to pay a fine?
• Do you believe medicinal marijuana should be legalized?
• The age to be eligible for Social Security benefits should not exceed 62.
• Should abortions be considered illegal?
• Do you think immigration laws need to be revised?
• Why smoking should be illegal in public places.
• Why the U.S. should have mandatory military service.
• Drunk driving laws don’t seem to be working.
• Should homosexuals have marriage rights?
• Should a hunting license be necessary?
• Why we should have capital punishment.
• Child labor should be banned.
• Assisted suicide should be legal.
• Why we should legalize drugs.
• Lower the drinking age.
• Drinking and driving needs tougher laws.
• Gay marriage should be protected.
• Malicious computer criminals should face life imprisonment.
• Spam and disruptive commercial messages should be outlawed.
• Federal laws should change to intercept text messages used to rally enemies.
• Bars should be closed on Sundays.
• Capital punishment should be mandatory for all life crimes.
• No right to vote for convicted felons.
• Current child custody laws cause further harm to already broken families.
• Fifteen years should be the new legal drinking age.
• Front passenger seats are not meant for children.
• Government should have the authority to decide who can have children.
• Heavier fines should be issued to bikers caught not wearing safety helmets.
• Impose sanctions on countries that do not prohibit child labor.
• Juvenile delinquents should be sentenced to bootcamp.
• Mothers have the right to breastfeed where ever they need to.
• No amnesty for illegal immigrants.
• Our constitution should protect hate speech.
• Plea bargaining weakens the position of a defendant.
• Police should always be held accountable for roughing-up nonviolent activists.
• Police should further investigate all complaints of domestic violence.
• Prisoners should be put to work in community services.
• The CIA’s ‘torture flights’ really did exist and are a shame to our nation.
• The Bill of Rights should be updated and refurbished.
• The criminal justice system has too many shortcomings.
• The FBI should get court permission before monitoring e-mail traffic.
• The fear of making capital punishment mistakes conflicts with justice.
• The Universal Declaration of Human Rights is not universal at all.
• Tighten paparazzi regulations to protect celebrities.
• Trial by a citizen jury is not objective.
• We should not elect our local judges.
• Welfare mothers should be treated as working mothers.
• Legalizing the sale of human organs will reduce the lack of organ donors.
• Opt-out system increases organ donations.
• How laws are made.
• How volunteer attorneys help low-income clients access the civil justice system.
• Responding to campus massacres according to law.
• The importance of international courts.
• The purpose of espionage sedition acts.
• What forms of evidence are allowed in criminal investigations?
• Wire-tapping needs permission.

194 Fun Speech Topics [Persuasive, Informative]

61 Politics Speech Topic Examples [Persuasive, Informative]

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35 Law Dissertation Topic Ideas

Choosing a topic for a law dissertation is like standing at a crossroads; the direction you pick can shape your academic journey and professional future. Law, a field rich in complexity and diversity, offers a myriad of paths to explore.

Whether you’re drawn to criminal justice, human rights, commercial law, or environmental policies, the key is to select a topic that not only ignites your passion but also contributes to the existing body of knowledge. In this article, we’ll walk through 35 law dissertation topic ideas, each with its own unique angle and significance.

Law Dissertation Topic Ideas

These ideas are designed to inspire, challenge, and guide you in finding a topic that resonates with your interests and academic goals.

Idea #1: The Evolution of Privacy Laws in the Digital Age

Why it’s appropriate: This topic is incredibly relevant in our technology-driven society. It’s ideal for students interested in how legal frameworks adapt to the digital world.

Idea #2: International Human Rights Law and Refugees

Why it’s appropriate: This is a timely subject, especially with ongoing global conflicts. It suits those passionate about humanitarian law and global justice.

Idea #3: Intellectual Property Rights in the Music Industry

Why it’s appropriate: Perfect for those interested in entertainment law and creative rights. It’s especially relevant in an era of digital streaming and content sharing.

Idea #4: Corporate Social Responsibility and Law

Why it’s appropriate: This topic merges business and ethics, ideal for students intrigued by how corporations are legally bound to social responsibilities.

Idea #5: Environmental Law and Climate Change Policies

Why it’s appropriate: Given the urgency of climate change, this topic is both current and vital. It’s perfect for students passionate about environmental justice.

Idea #6: Legal Implications of Artificial Intelligence

Why it’s appropriate: As AI becomes more integrated into society, its legal implications are vast and uncharted. This topic is cutting-edge and innovative.

Idea #7: The Impact of Brexit on UK Law

Why it’s appropriate: Brexit is a landmark event with significant legal consequences. It suits students interested in European and UK law.

Idea #8: Cybersecurity Laws and Data Protection

Why it’s appropriate: In our digital era, this topic is crucial. It’s well-suited for students keen on technology law and privacy issues.

Idea #9: Comparative Study of Divorce Laws in Different Cultures

Why it’s appropriate: This offers a global perspective on family law. It’s great for those interested in cultural studies and legal diversity.

Idea #10: Legal Ethics and Professional Conduct

Why it’s appropriate: A fundamental topic, perfect for those interested in the moral dimensions of legal practice.

Idea #11: Child Custody Laws and Their Psychological Impact

Why it’s appropriate: This topic combines law with psychology, ideal for students interested in family law and child welfare.

Idea #12: The Legalization of Euthanasia: A Comparative Analysis

Why it’s appropriate: A controversial yet important topic, suitable for students interested in health law and ethics.

Idea #13: The Role of International Law in Preventing War Crimes

Why it’s appropriate: This topic is significant for those interested in peace studies and international justice.

Idea #14: Legal Strategies Against Human Trafficking

Why it’s appropriate: It’s a critical issue in human rights law, perfect for students passionate about advocacy and social justice.

Idea #15: Copyright Law in the Digital Era

Why it’s appropriate: Relevant for students interested in how digitalization affects creative rights and content distribution.

Idea #16: The Influence of Law on Economic Growth

Why it’s appropriate: This topic merges economics and law, ideal for students interested in the legal aspects of economic policies.

Idea #17: Legal Challenges in the Adoption of Renewable Energy

Why it’s appropriate: A forward-looking topic, perfect for those interested in environmental law and sustainable development.

Idea #18: Sports Law and Athlete Contracts

Why it’s appropriate: Great for students interested in the intersection of sports, business, and law.

Idea #19: Media Law and Freedom of Speech

Why it’s appropriate: This topic is crucial in our era of information and media. It suits those passionate about media ethics and constitutional law.

Idea #20: Legal Issues in Medical Malpractice

Why it’s appropriate: A pertinent topic for students interested in the intersection of law and healthcare.

Idea #21: Gender Discrimination in the Workplace: Legal Perspectives

Why it’s appropriate: This topic tackles a significant issue in employment law and is ideal for students passionate about gender equality and labor rights.

Idea #22: The Legal Framework of Cryptocurrencies

Why it’s appropriate: A cutting-edge topic, suitable for students interested in financial law and emerging technologies.

Idea #23: The Effectiveness of International Sanctions

Why it’s appropriate: Ideal for students interested in international relations and law.

Idea #24: Legal Issues in Drone Use and Regulation

Why it’s appropriate: A modern and innovative topic, perfect for those interested in aviation law and technology.

Idea #25: White-Collar Crime and Legal Responses

Why it’s appropriate: A significant topic in criminal law, suitable for students interested in corporate crime and justice.

Idea #26: The Role of Law in Social Change

Why it’s appropriate: This topic explores how law can be a tool for societal improvement. It’s ideal for students passionate about social justice and legal reform.

Idea #27: Animal Rights and Legal Protection

Why it’s appropriate: A unique topic, perfect for students interested in environmental law and ethics.

Idea #28: The Legal Implications of Biotechnology

Why it’s appropriate: This topic is at the frontier of science and law, ideal for students interested in legal issues surrounding biotech advancements.

Idea #29: Legal Aspects of International Trade Agreements

Why it’s appropriate: Suitable for students interested in the legalities of global commerce and trade law.

Idea #30: The Role of Judiciary in Democracy

Why it’s appropriate: A fundamental topic, perfect for those interested in constitutional law and the justice system.

Idea #31: Legal Protection for Indigenous Peoples

Why it’s appropriate: This topic is vital for students interested in human rights and cultural preservation.

Idea #32: The Legal Ethics of Self-driving Cars

Why it’s appropriate: A futuristic topic, suitable for students interested in the intersection of law and emerging automotive technologies.

Idea #33: Patent Law and Innovation

Why it’s appropriate: Ideal for students interested in how legal frameworks influence technological advancement and protection.

Idea #34: The Legalities of Space Exploration

Why it’s appropriate: A visionary topic, perfect for those interested in the laws governing outer space and extraterrestrial activities.

Idea #35: The Impact of Social Media on Privacy Laws

Why it’s appropriate: Highly relevant in today’s digital society, this topic is ideal for students interested in privacy rights and digital law.

Choosing the right dissertation topic in law is a journey of exploration and discovery. The ideas presented here offer a starting point for this journey, covering a range of legal areas from the highly traditional to the cutting-edge.

Each topic holds the potential to not only enhance your understanding of the law but also to make a meaningful contribution to the field. Remember, the best dissertation topic is one that captivates your interest, challenges your intellect, and contributes to your career path in law.

6 Tips to Make Your Legal Presentations Pop

No legal presentation is ever like another..

Sometimes attorneys handle dry, complicated intellectual property matters; other times, emotional personal injury cases.

But in many years of making dynamic presentations for all kinds of hearings and audiences, our team has learned that there are a few important steps that will ensure your slides have the weight and power they deserve.

1. Don’t Be Generic

Ugh. You know that jurors have seen a standard-issue PowerPoint template a bazillion times.

When using generic templates with little personality, you risk losing your audience’s attention. Instead, try some simple customization and color to make them stand out and hold attention. Curved edges, color contrast,  gradients, and better fonts for more readable slides are a few simple ways you can customize your presentation.

…Don’t Worry, You Can Still Print Them

I know what you may be thinking – if you’re worried about printing slides with a dark background, PowerPoint does let you print in pure black and white, which is great for markups and saves on toner.

2. Make Images That Stand Out

If you’re not sure whether to go with a dark or light background, consider your content. For example, photos stand out more on a dark background.

In a bright room, text tends to be easier to read on a light background.

And if your content varies throughout the presentation and includes both text and images, consider using what we call an “accent box” – basically a block of white on a darker background. This works best for the text-heavy slides.

3. It Starts With a Great Title

Another important consideration for templates is the slide title. Aligning titles to the left margin ensures that they will start in the same spot every time, which makes them much easier to follow for readers than center aligning. Try to keep titles on one line, but if you must go onto a second line, make sure the top line is shorter than the bottom. Putting a soft return (shift+return) where you want the title to break onto the next line makes a big difference in readability.

4. Better Typography = More Readable Text

A presentation full of text slides can definitely get boring for audiences. But even the best presenters need the occasional bulleted list slide.

To keep your bullet point slides readable, be as concise as possible. One line per bullet is preferable, but if you must go onto two lines, it helps to have proper line spacing (leading) set up so that your ideas do not blur into a mass of text. Also be sure to avoid leaving a single word on the second line (we call that a widow).

Keep your font size large enough to read, but not too large. A good rule to follow is 46-52 characters per line (1.5 to 2 full alphabets). If you only have a couple bullet slides, consider using icons instead of plain circle or square bullets for additional visual impact.

5. No More Boring Icons and Stock Photos!

If you are struggling to find imagery for your presentation, don’t default to using cheesy clipart! Websites like the Noun Project , Vecteezy , Creative Commons , and Brands of the World can help you find great icons, stock photos and logos without licensing fees. (Pay attention to licensing – some icons and photos may require attribution.)

6. Test the Equipment

Our last, but perhaps most important tip – take a test run. It’s devastating to slave away on a presentation only to see it completely washed out and unreadable on the courtroom projector. Try to get into the courtroom during set up to test your slides on the equipment that will be used during your presentation.

If you can’t use the actual machine, test it on the worst projector or monitor you can find, just to be safe. This is especially true if your usual computer has a high quality monitor. For example, there is always a big difference between what we see on our MacBook screens versus typical projector screens.

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Most of these are simple tips, but taken together, they deliver professional, polished presentations that make sure your audience hears what you’re trying to tell them. For more help with your presentation, schedule a consultation with our services team . We can make compelling graphics, videos, and more. We can even come to your trial to run the slides and manage the technical aspects of presentation , so that you can focus on delivering a winning argument.

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Mastering the Art of Legal Presentations: Essential Tips and Tricks

Table of contents.

Navigating through law school and legal careers, budding attorneys realize that mastering the art of presentation is as crucial as knowing the letter of the law. Whether it's arguing a mock trial, presenting a case in court, or persuading peers during a seminar, effective presentation skills can set you apart in the competitive field of law. This Q&A post delves into some of the most commonly asked questions about law presentations and offers presentation hacks aimed at making you a more compelling legal communicator.

Do Presentation Skills Really Matter for Lawyers?

Absolutely! In the legal profession, presenting ideas and arguments clearly and persuasively is critical to success. The American Bar Association emphasizes the importance of honing presentation skills from law school onwards; being persuasive and articulate is a part of your toolkit as an attorney.

What Are Some Effective Presentation Hacks for Legal Professionals?

Start With a Clear Message : Know the core message of your presentation and keep it concise. A clear thesis helps you stay on track and makes your argument more digestible for your audience.

Understand Your Audience : Gauge the level of understanding your audience has about the topic. Presenting to peers might require a different approach than speaking to a jury or a judge.

Use Storytelling : A legal case is essentially a story with a problem and a resolution. Tapping into the power of storytelling can make your presentation more engaging and memorable.

Practice, Practice, Practice : Rehearse your presentation multiple times. This helps reduce nervousness and ensures you're comfortable with the material.

Seek Feedback : Before your presentation, practice in front of colleagues or mentors and ask for constructive criticism to sharpen your delivery.

How Can I Overcome Public Speaking Anxiety Before a Legal Presentation?

Facing a courtroom or an auditorium can be intimidating, but there are strategies to combat this anxiety. Preparing thoroughly is a start; being familiar with every aspect of your presentation can alleviate fear. Additionally, techniques like deep breathing, visualization, and positive self-talk can be beneficial. Moreover, watching inspiring TED Talks on public speaking can provide valuable insights into overcoming fears and delivering impactful messages.

For those looking for a comprehensive solution to enhance their presentation skills, we suggest exploring various features of presentation-focused tools and platforms. While not a substitute for personal practice, these tools can offer unique insights and aid in your delivery. For instance, the features section on College Tools may provide some interesting avenues to explore.

What Role Does Body Language Play in Legal Presentations?

Your physical presence can be as compelling as the words you speak. A poised stance, eye contact, and intentional gestures can convey confidence and help underscore your points. Posture and movement can non-verbally communicate passion for your subject matter and connect with your audience on a more profound level.

Can Technology Help in Improving my Presentations?

Definitely! Technology and AI-powered tools can assist in fine-tuning your presentations. They can help in organizing content, providing cues, and even analyzing your pace and tone. Embracing technology can also make your presentations more dynamic, engaging audiences with multimedia elements that might not be possible with traditional methods.

How Important Is the Quality of Visual Aids in Legal Presentations?

Visual aids should not distract from the message but rather support it. High-quality, pertinent visuals can reinforce your argument or help to clarify complex concepts. Carefully consider your choice of visuals, whether they're diagrams, timelines, or other graphical elements; they should be professionally rendered and easy to understand.

Becoming an effective legal presenter takes time, practice, and a willingness to learn from each experience. Employing the right presentation hacks , understanding the significance of effective communication , and continuing to build upon public speaking skills will prove invaluable throughout your legal career. Strive for clarity, conciseness, and connection with your audience, and you'll be better equipped to make your case, inside and outside the courtroom.

Conclusion: Strong presentation skills are a foundational element of a successful legal career. This Q&A has addressed critical aspects of delivering compelling legal presentations, offering insights and hacks to help you polish your communication prowess. Remember, the journey to becoming an articulate legal professional is ongoing; continue learning, practicing, and adapting to become the best presenter you can be.

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7 Law PowerPoint Templates from Top Firms

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Whether they're used to sum up evidence in a courtroom or to organize material for a presentation, law PowerPoints are pervasive. One estimate suggests that a law PowerPoint presentation is given about 60,000 times a day in the U.S. legal industry. That equals about 6,000 legal PowerPoint presentations every hour of a 10-hour day, including opening and closing arguments in court, sessions at professional conferences, and presentations to judges, clients, and students.

The combined revenue of the world’s top 200 law firms exceeded $100 billion in 2015. We can extrapolate that compelling law PowerPoint templates and presentations have contributed to a good portion of that revenue. A strong, well-designed presentation can truly make the difference. Here, we review some of the looks and strategies behind law PowerPoint templates from some of the top 10 firms in the U.S. If you’re part of a law firm that needs a new template or if you're simply interested in learning more about PowerPoint design , read on.

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1. Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP and Affiliates

With approximately 1,700 attorneys globally, Sadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP and Affiliates provides legal advice that companies across a wide spectrum of industries need.

What works well:

• Everything about this template announces a strong presence, from the bold white-on-red logo to the list of cities in which the firm has offices.
• The look is contemporary, innovative and clean, and it’s entirely consistent with the firm’s website design .
• Slide 2 announces what’s to come in a minimalist way, but it serves an important purpose – telling the audience what to expect. Taking time to provide markers for your viewers is a key point in effective delivery, whether you’re making legal presentations or less formal presentations.

What can be improved:

• Given the effective design, slides 4-5 could use hints of the red accents that work well on previous slides.
• Later slides get somewhat heavy on text, which is a concern for any law presentation and presentations in other industries as well.

2. Sullivan & Cromwell LLP

Sullivan & Cromwell enjoys a reputation for the highest quality of lawyers and work, and the firm's record of achievement results from the efforts of excellent staff, both legal and support.

• The template presents a professional, accomplished look, suitable for a top 10 law firm. The colors are conservative but warm and slightly outside of a standard palette, suggesting both trustworthiness and inventiveness. The look is again, in step with the firm’s website .
• The simple repetition of the logo in the lower left-hand corner makes sense for the presentation’s audience – clients of the firm.
• It’s a bit of a relief to arrive at slide 13 and its pie charts, after multiple text-heavy slides. For any presentation, including a law PowerPoint, the focus should be on the outcome of the presentation, delivered with the minimum amount of information needed to achieve that outcome.
• Slides 16-20 introduce tables with their own fonts and color scheme. However, the amount of text on those slides results in a somewhat jumbled look and feel.

3. Baker McKenzie

Baker McKenzie collaborates across borders, markets, and industries around the world. The firm is committed to helping clients navigate a changing and challenging global market.

What works well: • Every slide is dynamic, with photos, icons, colors or other additional graphic elements. The design helps deliver the message, slide after slide.

• This template makes terrific use of stock icon graphics to illustrate and bring a point to life. This is a simple graphic touch that can be used in almost any PowerPoint, whatever the business. For example, compare Slide 10 of Baker McKenzie’s PowerPoint with slide 6 of Deloitte’s black background PowerPoint . Both integrate three icons with color and text to make perfectly clear points — much easier to digest than text-only bullet points.

• The design effectively ties into the color and feel of the firm’s website , with a tone that is both authoritative and current.

• Slide 2 announces: “Agenda,” which gives the audience a roadmap to the presentation. Each section header page that follows it lets the audience know where they stand. These are vital components in any presentation that has a degree of complexity.

• Slides 20-21 support arguments about investing in creative, dynamic presentation design to get the kind of PowerPoint you need to deliver your information or argument. These are professional-level graphics, like the rest of the presentation, that are both eye-catching and successful. Imagine how effective courtroom presentations with this level of design could be.

What can be improved: • A few slides get somewhat text-heavy and could be broken up into multiple slides.

• The timeline on slide 33 gets complicated and is difficult to see.

4. Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP

Davis Polk provides clients with sophisticated advice and creative, practical solutions while understanding the full legal landscape, market practice and clients’ businesses and objectives.

What works well: • The main colors in this law PowerPoint tie back to the firm’s website and its modular, modern feel.

• Slides 1-3 are devoted to headshot photos of the presenters and their bios, which add authority, warmth, and assurance about the information being presented.

• Even when slides are heavy on text, they incorporate elements such as color, underscoring and bold to add emphasis and deliver the message.

What can be improved: • Slides 8 and 9 feature black type on a blue background, which is not especially easy to read, and the slides are crowded with type.

• The logo in the lower left-hand corner appears to use a capital letter I in “Davis,” rather than the correct lowercase version.

5. Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz

Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz operates out of one New York office and follows the vision of its founders – a cohesive team of lawyers focused on solving clients' most important problems.

• This template is about as no-nonsense and straightforward as they come. It privileges information over design, sending a message that the content is serious and meaningful. Like the other law PowerPoints we’ve looked at, it ties directly back into the law firm’s website.
• The information is well argued and supported, as we would expect from a top 10 law firm.
• The simple table on slide 5 is welcome, as is the graph on slide 6.
• The presentation misses opportunities to break up the text with graphic elements – to show rather than tell. Reading from text can actually adversely affect how audiences learn if they see and hear the text at the same time. Such a situation is called the redundancy effect , which relates to humans’ inability to process information effectively when it is presented simultaneously, orally and visually. One study indicates that people retain less information when they receive it orally and visually at the same time.
• The amount of text and number of bullet points on each slide threatens to overwhelm the audience. Presenters should always be mindful of providing the audience with breathing room to more effectively deliver the message.

6. Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher

Gibson Dunn is an international law firm whose 1,200+ lawyers work together in interdisciplinary, global teamwork to deliver effective, efficient products to clients.

• This PowerPoint, for a panel presentation, is another solid match to the firm’s identity presented on its website . The light blue bar and multi-hued band on slide 1 provide a dynamic touch, while the listing of global offices establishes authority.
• Slide 2 introduces the panel, again with headshots and bios. Especially for formal presentations, this is a sure way to establish rapport with and win trust from your audience.
• Slide 3 is a nice design take on the presentation’s discussion topics – why not use a horizontal list when you can?
• Slides 5-6 are good examples of using graphics to dissect and direct the flow of information, making it more comprehensible.
• “Key Takeaways” (Slide 14) is a terrific way to conclude a presentation because it gives your audience a quick and easy reminder of what you wanted them to learn.
• The gray type on slide 4 is somewhat difficult to read since it is slightly too light.
• Slides 8-11 are a bit repetitive in their design and a bit too heavy on text.
• The timetable on slide 12 is important, but it is difficult to read despite well-defined components. A handout would nicely accompany this slide.

7. Weil, Gotshal & Manges, LLP

With approximately 1,100 lawyers, Weil, Gotshal, and Manges, LLP combines skill and local-market presence to deliver coordinated legal advice that helps clients achieve their goals and objectives.

• The slightly unexpected use of colors – green, black and white. Green, of course, can signify money along with a freshness and clarity.
• The template is for a pro bono presentation, and it is generous with information. It does not skimp.
• An index would be helpful so audiences know where the presentation is going.
• Many slides are crowded with text and should be broken into 2-3 slides each while maintaining the appropriate section heading.
• Simple graphic elements could do a great deal to deliver the valuable information in this law presentation more effectively.

The Takeaway

Whether you are making a courtroom presentation or a corporate pitch, a sharp PowerPoint template can help you make your case. Use these quick tips, gathered from each of the templates above, as quick reminders of best practice.

Top Tips for Terrific PowerPoints

• Use a design that makes a statement about your organization and coordinates with other organizational branding pieces, such as your website.
• Choose a palette that is consistent with your identity, yet makes you stand out.
• Incorporate strong design elements and let them tell the story on every slide.
• Gain audience trust by adding warmth with headshots and bios when appropriate.
• Practice your presentation and use the PowerPoint as a tool to deliver just the right message.
• Include takeaways or another form of conclusion.
• Opt for the occasional unexpected, but effective element.

If this article was useful and gave you some hints about effective PowerPoint presentations, you might want to check out our blog post about best-in-class presentations from consulting firms .

If you need to create a PowerPoint or take yours to the next level , we’re here 24/7 to help. If you have ideas for what else you’d like to read about or learn here, please leave a comment. Thanks for reading!

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