Tiu, Clein Jon J. Practice Court - B

Download as docx, pdf, or txt
Download as docx, pdf, or txt
You are on page 1of 2

TIU, CLEIN JON J.

Practice Court - B

Chapter IV Theory of the Case

Importance of the theory of the case


Theory of the case is defined as the particular line of reasoning of either party to a suit and aims
to bring together certain fact of the case in a logical sequence and correlate them in such a
manner as to produce in the mind a definite result or conclusion that the advocate believes
entitles him to the Court judgment or decree in face of such conclusion based on certain
principles of law.
A lawyer’s own theory is formed after studying thoroughly the facts of a given case and the
applicable law before he can look for precedents in support thereof. It stimulates one to work and
thereby lead him to acquire the habit of what is commonly known as using one’s head. It does
not suppress the power of initiative that is important to every lawyer. It compels a lawyer to
study his own case and not let others do the studying for him. The study of law is a dynamic one
because it evolves as society evolves. A well-established doctrine today might not be acceptable
tomorrow. It is important that a lawyer is not a mere automaton and not capable of forming new
theories and of helping the Court set aside outdated doctrines.
The formulated theory of the case rests the entire structure of the case in the lower court as well
as upon appeal. The pleadings and the trial proper must be aligned with the chosen theory to
present the case in a logical, orderly, forceful manner.

Choice of a theory
A problem based on the statement of facts may be capable of forming more than one theory.
Choosing the right theory to follow is half the battle. Many cases are lost which might have won
if they brought on different theory. It is important to carefully gather all the facts, understand the
rules of law to avoid misapplication of legal principles. A mistake of these will produce an
unsound theory which can be detrimental to the client’s claim or defense. Upon the lawyer’s
success in solving, it will very often depend on the success and failure of the case.

The provisional theory


In the search of a sound theory of the case it is best to formulate hypothesis or provisional theory
as a starting point for the search and application of laws and doctrines. The hypothesis must be,
but a guess and its purpose are to give a lawyer at least a direction to the search of authorities.
The formulation of a provisional theory requires a careful and discriminating analysis of facts
and the more carefully this provisional hypothesis is searched the more certainly the theories
sought be formed. Whether the hypothesis is tenable or not, the progress of a lawyer will not be
put in vain because false hypothesis may sometimes lead to a line of authorities pointing out the
real principle which will govern the case in its final plan.

Law of the case


After establishing the hypothesis, the next step is the careful and exhaustive search for
authorities, which must be thoroughly analyzed, compared and weighed to determine their value,
and finally an arrangement of facts and the law in logical order in relation to the established
theory of the case.
The preparation of law consists of:
1. The recognition of all elements necessary to prove the cause of action.
2. The recognition of the law governing the proof and admissions of testimony as to facts.
3. The finding of favorable authorities which support his position.
4. The anticipation of all propositions of law that the opponents may use to weaken the
claim or defense.
5. The securing of authorities which show that opponent’s contentions are not tenable nor
well-founded in law.
6. The preparation of outline of all questions of law involved.

You might also like