Developing

a Thesis Proposal
FUNDAMENTALS OF THESIS WRITING 1
What is a Thesis Proposal?

Document that proposes a research project

Addresses a legal problem

Problem is framed as a research question for

which the thesis will offer an answer or
solution
What is a Thesis Proposal for?

Serves as your roadmap

Makes it easier for you to write

Determines whether your thesis is feasible

before you begin writing the thesis
When is a thesis feasible?
It is an important question that should be
researched

You know how to approach and execute it

There are sufficient reference materials and

data that you can access
You can write the thesis within the given
timeframe
 Basic Parts of a Thesis Proposal
I. Abstract

II. Introduction

III. Statement of the Problem / Objectives of the Study

IV. Definition of Terms (optional)

V. Significance of the Study

VI. Scope and Limitation

VII. Research Methodology

VIII. Organization of the Thesis / Sentence Outline

Review: Thesis Statements
 Thesis Statement
• “A thesis statement is an original, supportable
hypothesis or assertion about a topic. The
thesis targets a specific point or aspect of the
law, articulates a problem, and ideally
attempts to resolve it. In short, your thesis
statement embodies your (main) argument.”

The Writing Center, Georgetown University Law Center www.law.georgetown.edu/writingcenter/documents/thesis.pdf

 Thesis Statement: Possible Approaches
Make an argument from a particular perspective or
question another writer’s argument type
• Arguments from precedent assert that precedent is binding or
should be extended, adopted, or overruled.
• Interpretive arguments examine the language of constitutions,
statutes, and regulations.
• Normative arguments assert that a certain rule or result is good,
justified by morality, social policy, economics, or justice between
the parties.
• Institutional arguments examine the appropriateness
of the roles of the judiciary, legislature, or executive or
address the administrative impact of a certain result.

http://www.law.georgetown.edu/academics/academic-programs/legal-writing-scholarship/writing-center/upload/thesis.pdf
 Thesis Statement: Possible Approaches

Make an argument from a particular perspective or

question another writer’s argument type
• Examine the relation of a statutory provision to the larger
document.
• Consider predecessor statutes or legislative history.
• Look at lower court decisions that reveal material that may have
been simplified or omitted.
• Examine a decision’s place in a larger social or historical context.
• Compare a case to cases in analogous subject areas.
• Consider the ramifications and consequences of a decision.
• Consider interdisciplinary comparisons.

http://www.law.georgetown.edu/academics/academic-programs/legal-writing-scholarship/writing-center/upload/thesis.pdf
 Thesis Statement: Possible Approaches
Identify and resolve inconsistencies, logical errors, and omissions

• Examine issues the writer omits, logical fallacies, false

dichotomies, unsupported empirical claims, claims not supported
by cited authorities, or a court’s unstated reasons for a decision

Identify and question jurisprudential approaches

• Examine the approach a judge takes in a decision, and imagine

the outcome from another perspective

Try solving a problem

• Place yourself in the position of the parties and

imagine alternative arguments and outcomes.
http://www.law.georgetown.edu/academics/academic-programs/legal-writing-scholarship/writing-center/upload/thesis.pdf
 For Submission
Thesis Proposal Abstract (enhanced)
Thesis Writing 1

Thesis Writing 2
• Abstract
• Background of the Study
• Statement of the Problem /
Objectives of the Study First 3 chapters of the
• Definition of Terms (optional) Thesis
• Research Methodology
• Significance of the Study
• Scope and Limitations of the
Study Sentence Outline (of
• Organization of the Thesis the rest of the
(optional)
chapters)
Sentence Outline (of the
rest of the chapters)
Bibliography Bibliography
Signed Adviser’s
Acceptance Form
Developing a Thesis Proposal
FUNDAMENTALS OF THESIS WRITING 1