Sample LNAT Essay: How Should Judges Be Appointed?

Posted by Catherine Robinson on October 15, 2023

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Scroll to the bottom of the page to find a sample LNAT essay on how judges should be appointed.

What is the LNAT essay?

The LNAT essay is a 40-minute written task that assesses your ability to construct a persuasive argument. It is an opportunity for you to showcase your critical thinking, analytical skills, and ability to communicate effectively.

Understand the question

Before you start writing, take the time to carefully read and understand the essay question. Identify the key terms and concepts, and make sure you have a clear understanding of what is being asked. This will help you structure your essay and ensure that you address the question directly.

Plan your essay

Planning is crucial when it comes to writing a successful LNAT essay. Take a few minutes to brainstorm ideas, create an outline, and organise your thoughts. This will help you stay focused and ensure that your essay has a logical flow.

Structure your essay

A well-structured essay is easier to read and understand. Start with an introduction that provides an overview of your argument and sets the tone for the rest of the essay. Then, develop your argument in the body paragraphs, using evidence and examples to support your points. Finally, conclude your essay by summarising your main points and restating your thesis.

Use evidence and examples

When writing your LNAT essay, it is important to support your arguments with evidence and examples. This will make your essay more persuasive and convincing. Use relevant facts, statistics, and real-life examples to back up your claims and strengthen your argument.

Be concise and clear

In a time-limited task like the LNAT essay, it is important to be concise and clear in your writing. Avoid unnecessary repetition and wordiness. Use clear and straightforward language to convey your ideas effectively. It is much better to write in plain and simple language than convoluted flowery language.

Practice, practice, practice

Like any skill, essay writing requires practice. Take the time to practice writing LNAT essays under timed conditions. This will help you improve your time management skills and help familiarise yourself with the format and requirements of the test.

Seek feedback

After writing practice essays, seek feedback from teachers, tutors, or peers. They can provide valuable insights and suggestions for improvement.

Example Essay: How Should Judges Be Appointed?

The question of how judges should be appointed is a matter of utmost importance as it pertains to the integrity of the legal system and the upholding of justice. One school of thought argues for a purely political appointment system, suggesting that it ensures judges represent the values of the ruling party. However, this view is misguided because it can lead to judicial bias, favouritism, and political interference. Therefore, it will instead be argued that judges should be appointed based on merit and experience to uphold the impartiality and fairness of the legal system.

Appointing judges based on merit is crucial for maintaining the integrity of the legal system. Merit-based selections prioritise qualifications, expertise, and experience over political affiliations. This approach ensures that judges are well-equipped to interpret and apply the law with fairness and impartiality. Merit-based judges can foster public trust in the judiciary, as their appointments are not influenced by political considerations. One counterargument in favour of political appointments asserts that they ensure judges represent the values and ideologies of the ruling party, thus making the judiciary more accountable to the electorate. However, this argument can be refuted. While representation is essential, it should not come at the expense of the judiciary's independence. Political appointments may lead to judicial bias, favouritism, and susceptibility to undue political pressure.

Some argue that political appointments can serve as a check on judicial activism, preventing judges from overstepping their roles. However, this argument is problematic. While the concern about judicial activism is valid, it is better addressed through judicial review mechanisms and legal reforms rather than through political appointments that risk undermining judicial independence.

Taking a global perspective, it becomes evident that merit-based judicial appointments are favoured in many democratic nations. Countries like Germany and Canada, for instance, rely on judicial councils or bipartisan committees to recommend qualified candidates based on their expertise and experience. This international practice underscores the effectiveness of merit-based selection in upholding the rule of law and impartial justice. Critics argue that what works in one country may not be suitable for another due to cultural and contextual variations. While these factors are important, they should not detract from the fundamental importance of appointing judges based on merit. Context-specific adaptations can be made to ensure that the merit-based approach aligns with the unique needs of each legal system.

In conclusion, the appointment of judges based on merit and experience is essential to maintain the impartiality and independence of the legal system. While there may be arguments in favour of political appointments for representation or as a check on judicial activism, these views fail to consider the broader implications for justice and the rule of law. A merit-based approach not only ensures qualified judges but also preserves the credibility and fairness of the legal system, both nationally and internationally.

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