THE LEGAL ARTICLE AND THE METHODOLOGY OF COMMENTING ON IT: AN ANALYTICAL STUDY OF THE CONCEPT, STEPS, AND METHODOLOGICAL CONTROLS

Abstract

The legal article is one of the most important academic exercises in legal studies, providing students and researchers with an opportunity to develop skills in legal analysis and reasoning. It also constitutes an effective methodological tool for addressing legal issues on the basis of precise scientific foundations. This study examines the concept of the legal article as a cognitive and methodological framework for analysing legal topics or discussing legal issues, integrating relevant legislative texts, doctrinal opinions, and pertinent judicial decisions. 

This study aims to highlight the various methodological steps that must be followed when preparing a legal article. These steps include understanding the topic and analysing its terms; formulating the problem statement; setting out the appropriate plan; and drafting the introduction, body and conclusion in accordance with the requirements of sound legal methodology. The study also examines the methodology for commenting on legal articles, considering this to be a scientific process that aims to assess the formal and substantive aspects of an article and determine the extent to which it complies with the methodological rules adopted in legal research. 

The study takes a descriptive-analytical approach, describing the elements of the legal article, analysing its different stages and clarifying the controls that govern it. It emphasises the role of legal methodology in achieving quality legal writing and sound results. It concludes that the success of both the article and its commentary depends on the extent to which the researcher adheres to the rules governing legal research. Furthermore, it asserts that acquiring methodological skills is essential for advancing the level of legal academic production and strengthening the researcher’s capabilities in legal analysis, criticism, and inference.