Professional Documents
Culture Documents
How To Digest Cases: How To Effectively and Efficiently Write Case Digests
How To Digest Cases: How To Effectively and Efficiently Write Case Digests
•Ponente
EXAMPLE
Tickler
Header
CASE DOCTRINE
• It is a brief statement of the applicable law or rule upon which the ruling is
based.
• It is usually found in the Ruling part of the Case Digest.
• It serves as an immediate reference or guide.
• The words used should be in the original form; words used by the Supreme
Court.
• Rephrasing or substituting the same with one’s own words should be avoided.
CASE DOCTRINE
FACTS OF THE CASE
• Begin with a statement of the “characters” i.e. the parties involved.
• Names and personal circumstances – it is sufficient to state the “characters”
and their personal circumstances in the first couple of sentences of the
statement of facts.
• Please, indicate only those personal circumstances relevant to the issue. For
example, residence need not be stated unless venue is the issue or some
other related issue.
FACTS OF THE CASE
• Statement of the case
• What stage in the proceedings is the case in?
• Is it an original action? Is it an appeal? Is it a petition for certiorari? Is it a
motion for reconsideration? Etc.
• Write this in two or three SHORT sentences ONLY.
FACTS OF THE CASE
• Statement of the facts
• Write ONLY the facts RELEVANT to the issue i.e. tending to prove (or disprove) the matter
required to be proved.
• There is no limit to the number of sentences for the facts, but if the statement of the facts exceeds
half a page and there is only one issue to be addressed, you are probably doing something wrong.
• Dates and time – write ONLY if relevant to the issue. For example, dates can be relevant if the
issue is prescription, or the time if the issue is if the crime was committed at nighttime.
• Places/Addresses – same rule. Include only if relevant.
• State the allegations and defenses of the parties.
FACTS OF THE CASE
• The issue must be clear, complete and concise. Instead of saying “Is the accused guilty of the crime
charged?”, say “Is the accused guilty of murder?”
• Make sure that the issue is not just an obiter dictum. If it is, state so. An obiter dictum is an “opinion” of
the Supreme Court. It is not the main issue or is not an issue relevant to the resolution of the main issue.
• The issue must pertain to a matter contained in the particular subject you are writing the digest for. If
you encounter an issue not covered by your subject, ignore it.
ISSUE OF THE CASE
RULING OF THE SUPREME COURT
Application of the
law/doctrine/rule to the facts of
the case.
Conclusion.
THANK YOU!!!
GOD BLESS!!!