TITLE OF THE PROJECT TOPIC

(Should be typed in 14 size in Times New Roman

All letters in Capital, no underline, italics, border on the cover page)

Title of the subject

12 font size, Times New Roman, in single spacing and no bold or capitalized

Submitted by
Name
ID
Year & Semester
must be typed in the middle of (12 font size, Times New Roman, in single spacing and no bold or capitalized)

National Law University, Assam

(At the bottom of the Cover/Title page the name of the University/Institution would come, which will be in 12 font size, Times New Roman
and no bold or capitalized)

Note: No border (of any kind/size) shall be designed on the Cover/Title page. No page number shall be printed/ typed on the Cover/Title
page.

Content

Table of Cases (no citation)Page Number

Table
of
Statutes
(chronological
order
yearwise)......
...Page Number
Table of Abbreviations (sort by A to Z).........Page Number
Abstract (Should be in italics, maximum 300 words right above introduction of the paper, NO need to mention it
in the content with page numbers)

IntroductionPage Number
Aim(s)Page Number
Objectives (s).Page Number
Scope and Limitations...Page Number
Review of Literature.......Page Number
Research Questions/ Hypothesis/Hypotheses.....Page Number
Research Methods applied to test the hypothesis/hypotheses....Page Number
Headings (Bold and Title case)....Page Number
Subheadings (Bold and Title case)......Page Number
Conclusion.....Page Number
Bibliography.......Page Number
Index of Authorities........Page Number

[The contents shall be typed at the left side of the page and the right side of the page shall carry the page
numbers of the research report which shall appear in Roman numerical (small letter). Thereafter headings and
sub-headings (in bold and title case but no underline and no column after heading and/or sub-heading). The
same method is required to be followed till the Conclusion/Suggestion in the same order and in the same
methods. The last item in this sequence would be the annotated bibliography (brief details of the book, articles,
case comments, notes, review etc. for each and every references cited in the list), and if Appendix is necessary
that would appear after bibliography as a last item in the Table of Contents. The font size of these items would
be 12, in Times New Roman, no item would be bold or capitalized (only in Title case) and in single spacing.]

Case Laws Format in Table of Cases

Party A v. Party B citation (International Cases, Regional Cases and National Cases- Sorted
by A to Z). Table of Cases includes: name of both the parties in case of ordinary font size 12;
Times New Roman (Italics & title case) with v. (versus in italics) - in alphabetically order and
in one and half spacing. The citations of cases used in the report are not to be given in this list
as the citations have already been given in the report, so no repetition of citation is required.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

American Manufacturing and Trading Inc. v. The Republic of Zaire, ICSID

Bosh International, Inc and B&P Ltd Foreign Investments Enterprise v. Ukraine
Compania de Aguas del Aconquija S.A. and Vivendi Universal v. Argentine Republic
Daimler Financial Services AG v. Argentine Republic
EDF (Services) Limited v. Romania

Table of Statutes
Table of Statutes would appear immediately after the Table of Cases page and it includes: title
of the Statute, year of the Statute without any bold or italicized at the left side of the page and
at the right side of the page, page number of the research report would appear - where the
researcher has used or referred the Statute in the report - in chronological order and in one
and half spacing.
1947 Los Angeles Air Pollution Control District created; first air pollution agency in the US.
1948 Federal Water Pollution Control Act
1955 National Air Pollution Control Act
1963 Clean Air Act (amended in 1965, 1966, 1967, 1969, 1970, 1977, 1990)
1964 Wilderness Act
1965 National Emissions Standards Act
1965 Motor Vehicle Air Pollution Control Act
1965 Solid Waste Disposal Act
1967 California Air Resources Board established; set emissions standards predating EPA.
1967 Air Quality Act (amendment to CAA)
1969 Federal Coal Mine Health and Safety Act
1969 National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)

Table of Abbreviation
Table of Abbreviation would appear immediately after the Table of Statutes page and
it includes: all abbreviations (approved abbreviations in research only) and their explanations
without any bold or italicized at the left side of the page and at the right side of the page, page
number of the research report - where the researcher has used or referred the abbreviation in
the research report - in alphabetically order and in one and half spacing. An alphabetical order
should be maintained.
1.
2.
3.

AIR
Anr

All India Reporter

Another
Chapter

Ch

4.

Corpn.

Corporation

5.

CTC

6.

Del

7.

DLT

Delhi Law Tribunal

8.

IPAB

Intellectual Property Appellate Board

9.

JIPR

10.

Ltd

11.

Mad.

12.

Nag

13.

OA

14.

Ors

Current Tamil Nadu Cases

Delhi

Journal of Intellectual Property Rights

Limited
Madras
Nagpur
Original Application
Others

The Page Numbering

The page numbering on the Table of Cases, Table of Statutes, Table of Abbreviations and
Bibliography shall be in Roman numerical (in small letters) at the bottom of the each page,
and centre aligned.
The page number in English numerical starts from Introduction and ends with
Conclusion/Last Chapter, i.e., main research body.
If there is an Appendix attached to the research report after Bibliography, the Roman
numerical continues in the same order as on Bibliography till the end of Appendix (s).

Key points to remember:

Review of the existing literature

Setting objectives

Formulation of hypothesis

Literature Review
Triggered by the identification of the problem(s)-> foundational principles of the literature
review, review of existing literature based on historical timeline, gaps in the existing
literature, how this study is going to fill the gap of existing literature. It doesnt merely means
brief overview of two articles or books. In depth literature is necessary before one frames his
or her research questions and hypothesis

Research Question and Hypothesis

A research question and hypothesis are similar in nature except for the aspect that a research
question does not predict the out come of the research where as a hypothesis predicts the out
come. Research questions are generally used in the exploratory research or in the areas where
a phenomenon is studied marginally. The research is carried to know indications rather than
causality. Hypothesis is a tentative, testable generalisation regarding the relationship between
variables.
Formulating research questions can be very difficult. Moving from topics to aims and
objectives can be useful step towards formulating research questions. Aims and objectives
provide more direction than do topics and can help the researcher, start thinking about exactly
what they want to achieve in their study.

An example of an objective and some corresponding research questions is

provided below:
Objective
To find out why certain individuals and groups adopt new technologies before others.

Research Questions
1. What are the patterns of consumption of new technologies amongst different groups
of adults in the United Kingdom?
2. What reasons do different individuals provide for adopting or not adopting new
technologies?
It is often necessary to break down a single objective into more than one question. This
particular objective could have been broken down into three or even four questions. It is also
important to notice that the language in the research question is much more specific than in
the objective. Questions should always be open ended. Posing a question suggests that a
dialogue is unfinished and that the questioner seeks additional information.
A paper may be divided into sections with each of these dealing with a particular issue or a
part of the argument sought to be made so that the distinct parts of the argument are made
clear, and each of the research questions explored fully. Here, the substance of each part
should be described in brief so that the reader can understand the entire paper is tied up and
geared.
The entire paper needs to be linked together, starting from the sentences to the paragraphs to
the sections. Each part of the paper should lead to the next part of the paper. The transtitions
between different sections should be smooth rather than abrupt and sudden. The reader
should not be under the impression that the paper is merely jumping from one issue to
another without connecting the various elements with each other. A solution to this is to have
concluding paragraphs at the end of each section tie together all the issues discussed in one
part so as to give closure to that particular element of the argument. In legal projects, judicial
pronouncements need to be discussed to further ones argument. Quotations may be used in
the paper. However, one should avoid over-quoting.

Conclusion
The conclusion is not a mere reproduction of the introduction. The conclusion is to tie all the
strands of the argument together and to put forward a coherent, lucid and reasoned
proposition. It is in the conclusion that the entire argument is brought together. It contains the
findings and suggestions if any.

ModeofCitation

1.
a.

Method of footnote would be as under:

Citation of a Book authored:
i. By a single writer:
Ashutosh Mookerjee, MARRIAGE, SEPARATION AND DIVORCE, 3rd ed.
2002, pp. 376-765.
ii. By two writers:
Paras Diwan and Peeyushi Diwan, FAMILY LAW, 4th ed. 1998, p. 87.
iii. By Multiple writers (three or more than three):
Christina L. Kunz, et al., LEGAL RESEARCH, 4th ed. 1996, p. 154.
b. Citation of a book edited:

i.

ii.

ii.

By a single editor:
R.K.Raizada (ed.), WOMEN AND THE LAW, 1st ed. 1996, p. 45.
By two editors:
Archana Parashar and Amita Dhanda (eds.), REDEFINING FAMILY LAW IN
INDIA, 1st ed. 2008, p. 293.
By Multiple editors (three or more than three):
Ranbir Singh, et al. (eds.), CYBER SPACE AND THE LAW-ISSUES AND
CHALLENGES, 1st ed. 2004, p. 356.
c. Citation of a book revised:
i. By single revised author:
Satyajeet Desai (rev.), D.F. Mulla, PRINCIPLES OF HINDU LAW, Vol. I, 18 th
ed. 2001, pp. 123-126.

ii. By two revised authors:

Rangnath Mishra and Vijender Kumar (rev.), John D. Mayne TREATISE ON
HINDU LAW & USAGE, 16th ed. 2009, p. 915.
iii. By Multiple revised authors (three or more than three):
T.V. Subba Rao, et al. (rev.), G.C.V. Subba Rao, FAMILY LAW IN INDIA, 10 th
ed. 2011, pp. 123-124.
d. Article [Published in the Journal]
i. Citation of an article published in a Journal:
Vijender Kumar, "Basis and Nature of Pious Obligation of Son to Pay Father's
Debt vis--vis Statutory Modifications in Hindu Law", 36 JILI (1994), p. 339.
ii. Citation of an article that is published in two Volumes/Parts of a Journal:
Daljit Singh, "Desirability of Instant Divorce by the Judiciary: A Critique", 45
(pts. 3-4) JILI (2003), p. 439, 46 (pts. 1-2) (2004), JILI, p. 127.
iii. Citation of an article Published in a book edited:
Elizabeth S. Scott, "Marital Commitment and the Legal Regulation of Divorce",
Antony W Dnes (ed.), THE LAW AND ECONOMICS OF MARRIAGE AND
DIVORCE, 1st ed. 2002, p. 35.
iv. Citation of a paper/ article Published in a Law/Case Reporter:
B. B. Pande, "Right to Life or Death?: For Bharat both cannot be 'Right", (1994)
4 SCC, Journal p. 19.
v. Citation of an research paper Published as a part of a Survey of Law, (e.g.,
Annual Survey of Indian Law):
Poonam Pradhan Saxena, "Family Law and Succession", 37 ASIL (2001), p.
311.
vi. Citation of a paper/write-up Published in a Newspaper:
Chirdeep Bagga, "Law may put daughters, sons on a par", THE TIMES OF
INDIA, Hyderabad, Friday, December 17, 2004, p. 10.
vii. Citation of website [Book/Article ect.]:
Lon Fuller, Morality of Law, http://www.cac.psu.edu/jbe/twocot.html
(November 11, 2011).

2. The bibliography should not have any bullets or serial number to it. The bibliography
shall be divided in to different sections to indicate a set of resources used in the research
report, viz., (i) List of Books; (ii) List of Journal; (iii) List of Websites and any other
sources being used. The method of bibliography would be as under:
a.

Bibliography of a Book authored:

i. By a single writer:
Ashutosh Mookerjee, MARRIAGE, SEPARATION AND DIVORCE, 3 rd ed.
2002, Kamal Law House, Calcutta.
ii. By two writers:
Paras Diwan and Peeyushi Diwan, FAMILY LAW, 4 th ed. 1998, Allahabad Law
Agency, Allahabad.
iii. By Multiple writers (three or more than three):
Christina L. Kunz, et al., LEGAL RESEARCH, 4th ed. 1996, Aspen Law &
Business, USA.

b.

Bibliography of a book edited:

i. By a single editor:
R.K.Raizada (ed.), WOMEN AND THE LAW, 1st ed. 1996, The Bright Law
House, Rohtak.
ii. By two editors:
Archana Parashar and Amita Dhanda (eds.), REDEFINING FAMILY LAW IN
INDIA, 1st ed. 2008, Routledge, New Delhi.
iii. By Multiple writers (three or more than three):
Ranbir Singh, et al. (eds.), CYBER SPACE AND THE LAW-ISSUES AND
CHALLENGES, 1st ed. 2004, NALSAR University of Law, Hyderabad.

c.

Bibliography of an article [Published in the Journal]:

i. Bibliography of an article published in a Journal:
Vijender Kumar, "Basis and Nature of Pious Obligation of Son to Pay Father's
Debt vis--vis Statutory Modifications in Hindu Law", 36 JILI (1994), The Indian
Law Institute, New Delhi.
ii. Bibliography of an article that is published in two Volumes/Parts of a Journal:
Daljit Singh, "Desirability of Instant Divorce by the Judiciary: A Critique", 45
(pts. 3-4) JILI (2003), p. 439, 46 (pts. 1-2) (2004), JILI, The Indian Law Institute,
New Delhi.

iii. Bibliography of an article [Published in a book edited]:

Elizabeth S. Scott, "Marital Commitment and the Legal Regulation of Divorce",
Antony W. Dnes, THE LAW AND ECONOMICS OF MARRIAGE AND
DIVORCE, 1st ed. 2002, Cambridge University Press, UK.
iv. Bibliography of a paper/ article Published in a Law/Case Reporter:
B.B.Pande, "Right to Life or Death?: For Bharat both cannot be 'Right", (1994) 4
SCC, Eastern Book Company, Lucknow.
v. Bibliography of an research paper Published as a part of a Survey of Law, (e.g.,
Annual Survey of Indian Law):
Poonam Pradhan Saxena, "Family Law and Succession", 37 ASIL (2001), The
Indian Law Institute, New Delhi.
vi. Bibliography of a paper/write-up Published in a Newspaper:
Chirdeep Bagga, "Law may put daughters, sons on a par", THE TIMES OF
INDIA, Friday, December 17, 2004, The Times of India Pvt. Ltd., Hyderabad.
d.

Bibliography of website:
Lon Fuller, Morality of Law, http://www.cac.psu.edu/jbe/twocot.html

Some general rules of formatting:

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.

The single numbers do not begin with zero

Remove hyperlinks in all citations of URLs
The format of date should be January 1, 2015
Dots should be used in every abbreviation, except in the case of citations
Italics are to be used in non English words, quotes
The short forms of the words which are acceptable are:
a. For paragraph, use pilcrow , for multiple paragraphs, add
b. Art. for article
c. Dn. for division
d. Cl. for clause
e. No. for number
f. Reg. for regulation
g. Sc. for scene
h. Sec. for section
i. Vol. for volume
j. Add s to the short form for the plural words
k. Chap. (s) for Chapter (s) (e.g., in chap. 2, chaps. 4-6).
l. Col. (s) for Column (s), (e.g., see cols. 1-4)
m. Ed. (s) forEditor (s) or edited (e.g., P.V. Kane, ed.); edition (e.g., 2nd ed.)
n. E. G. for Exempli gratia, for example

o. Et al. for et alia, and others (used to refer to co-author, when there are three
or more)
p. Ibid for ibidem; in the same place or work -used when two or more
successive footnotes refer to the same work; if reference is to different page
(s), page No. (s) are indicated.
q. Supra for above; used to refer to text already cited.
r. Op. cit for opere citato; in the work cited- used when reference is made to
the same work as a preceding but not immediately preceding reference.
s. SIC for thus; used to call attention to the fact that an error in spelling,
grammar or fact is in the original; enclosed by square brackets [ ] and placed
t.
u.
v.
w.

immediately after the work or phrase in question.

v. for versus ; against.
Vid or vide : see
P., PP. for page, e.g. p. 40--- pages, pp. 71-72.
Cd (s) for Column (s) e.g. see cols. 1-3.