The Art of Legal Problem Solving
A Criminal Law Approach

The Art of Legal Problem Solving is a sophisticated book designed to help law students improve their problem-solving skills.

Brendon Murphy (Author)

9781009778220, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 5 March 2026

134 pages
24.4 x 17 x 0.8 cm, 0.249 kg

The Art of Legal Problem Solving: A Criminal Law Approach is a sophisticated skills book designed to help students develop the problem-solving techniques necessary for their legal careers. This succinct yet comprehensive book provides the perfect mix of general instruction and specific examples to encourage students to think about problems both in depth and broadly. It follows a clear roadmap presented in a logical progression, beginning with the fundamentals, fact finding and statutory interpretation before turning to the advanced areas of analysing and writing answers to problem questions. While written primarily for criminal law students, the skills imparted are generic and can be applied equally in any area of the law and in any jurisdiction. The Art of Legal Problem Solving is an indispensable work for law students who want to not only improve their problem-solving skills but master them.

1. Introduction
 2. Fundamentals of problem solving
3. Fact finding
4. Statutory interpretation of criminal matters
5. Analysing a problem
6. Putting it all together
7. Writing it up
Appendix A. Hypothetical example problem
Appendix B. Hypothetical example problem answer
Appendix C. Memorandum of advice in the matter of DPP v Ray Smith.

Subject Areas: Criminal law & procedure [LNF]