How to write a first class dissertation: Content and Structure
Three tips can be suggested to get you started on the right foot:
First, research the subject in which you are most interested in writing about for your dissertation, then choose a sufficiently narrow angle to approach the subject or choose something that hasn’t been discussed much before.
Second, collect, or print out or photocopy all relevant materials which discuss that narrow subject.
Third, plan rough headings for sub-topics within the main subject. While the contents below were finalised towards the end of the writing process, the rough structure was formulated at an early point in the writing process. This is how many academics write their books: they provide themselves with lots of headings and subheadings, then chip away at the work, bit by bit until complete.
Examples contents for “Protection of the Right to a Fair Trial and Civil Jurisdiction: Permitting Delay, Restricting Access and Recognising Incompatible Judgments” are as follows:-
1. INTRODUCTION
2. ARTICLE 6: THE RIGHT TO A FAIR TRIAL
2.1. Substantive Elements
2.2. Procedural Operation: Direct and Indirect Effect
2.3. The Human Rights Act 1998
3. REASONABLE TIME
3.1. Introduction
3.2. Framework under Article 6
3.3. Conflict with Lis Pendens: Erich Gasser
3.3.1. Delay in the Italian Court
3.3.2. A Clash of Treaties
3.3.3. Future Application
3.4. Conflict with Forum non Conveniens
3.4.1. General Operation
3.4.2. First Limb of Spiliada
3.4.3. Second Limb of Spiliada
3.5. Conclusions
4. ACCESS TO A COURT
4.1. Operation in Article 6
4.2. Anti-Suit Injunctions
4.3. Exclusive Jurisdiction Agreements and Waiving Convention Rights
4.4. Limitations on Jurisdiction
4.5. Conflict with Forum non Conveniens
4.6. Owusu v Jackson
4.7. Conclusions
5. RECOGNITION AND ENFORCEMENT OF FOREIGN JUDGMENTS
5.1. Recognition of Contracting State Judgments
5.2. Recognition of Non-Contracting State Judgments
5.2.1. European Court of Human Rights
5.2.2. House of Lords
5.4. Conclusions
6. CONCLUSIONS
7. BIBILIOGRAPHY
7.1. Table of Cases
7.2. Table of Legislation
7.3. Table of Conventions
7.4. Textbooks
7.5. Articles
