How to Prepare a Skeleton Argument: A Practical Guide

What Is a Skeleton Argument?

A skeleton argument is a concise written submission that outlines your legal arguments for a hearing. It should help the judge understand your case quickly.

Structure

Introduction — One paragraph identifying the application/hearing and what you seek

Background facts — Brief chronology of relevant events

Issues — Numbered list of the legal issues the court must decide

Submissions — Your arguments on each issue, with authorities

Conclusion — What order you invite the court to make

Key Rules

Be concise — Judges hate verbose skeletons. Aim for 10-15 pages maximum

Number your paragraphs — Essential for easy reference

Cite authorities properly — Include neutral citations and paragraph numbers

State the legal test — Identify the applicable test before applying it to facts

Use headings — Make it easy to navigate

Common Mistakes

Writing an essay instead of a structured legal argument

Failing to identify the correct legal test

Citing authorities without explaining their relevance

Being emotional or argumentative in tone

Exceeding the page limit (if one is set)

Example Format

IN THE COUNTY COURT AT [LOCATION]

Case No: [NUMBER]

BETWEEN:

[CLAIMANT] — Claimant

and

[DEFENDANT] — Defendant

SKELETON ARGUMENT ON BEHALF OF THE CLAIMANT

Then proceed with your numbered submissions.