Synopsis Guidelines
Synopsis Guidelines
Synopsis Guidelines
S.No. Contents
1. Introduction of the Study
5. Research Questions
6. Hypothesis
7. Methodology/Approach
8. Literature Review
9. Tentative Chapterization
10. Bibliography
Note:- Students are required to adhere to the guidelines as discussed in each segment. Please
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INTRODUCTION
The introduction of a synopsis should begin by providing a comprehensive background of the legal
topic, outlining the historical development and context. It should explain the concept and meaning
of the issue, delving into the legal definitions and principles involved. The evolution of the topic
must also be highlighted, tracing its development through key legal precedents, statutes, or
international norms. Furthermore, the introduction should connect the topic with recent trends and
developments, discussing any contemporary cases, legal reforms, or policy shifts that have
impacted the issue. This section should clearly establish the relevance and importance of the topic
in the current legal landscape.
To ensure the introduction covers all these points adequately, it must be around 4 pages of A4 size.
With an average of 250-300 words per page (depending on font size and spacing), the introduction
should be approximately 1000-1200 words long to meet this requirement.
FOCUS OF STUDY
The Focus of Study section in a legal synopsis outlines the central aspect or theme of the research.
It identifies the specific legal issue, area, or question that the research aims to examine in detail.
This section must clearly articulate the core subject of the study, highlighting why it is significant
in the context of the current legal landscape. It should emphasize the aspects of the legal issue that
will be deeply analyzed, such as particular statutes, judicial interpretations, legal doctrines, or policy
frameworks.
Additionally, the focus of study sets the boundaries for the research, indicating what specific
jurisdiction, time frame, or cases will be studied. It should also link the legal issue to broader
societal, political, or economic trends, showing how it fits within larger legal debates or challenges.
This section ensures that the research remains concentrated and provides clarity on what the
researcher aims to achieve, offering a detailed pathway for analysis.
(Approximately 100 to 150 words)
STATEMENT OF PROBLEM
The Statement of Problem in a legal synopsis is a critical section that clearly defines the core legal
issue or challenge the research aims to address. As a researcher, you should succinctly articulate
the specific problem within the legal framework that your study will focus on. This may involve
identifying a gap in existing laws, ambiguities in legal interpretation, or conflicts between legal
principles and their application in practice. The problem statement should also explain why this
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issue is significant—whether it involves a pressing legal controversy, an area where reforms are
needed, or a topic with far-reaching societal or policy implications.
Word limit is 100- 150 words
OBJECTIVE OF STUDY-
The Objectives section of a synopsis should list 5-6 clear and concise objectives that align with
the legal issue being studied. Each objective should address a specific aspect of the research
problem, guiding the study's focus and direction.
RESEARCH QUESTION
The Research Questions section of a legal synopsis outlines the specific inquiries that the research
seeks to answer. These questions guide the study and help address the research problem. Typically,
there should be 4-5 well-defined research questions that are directly linked to the objectives of
the study.
HYPOTHESIS-
The Hypothesis section in a legal research synopsis presents a testable statement that posits a
cause-and-effect relationship related to the legal issue being studied. It serves as a guiding
assumption that the research will investigate.
For example,
"The ambiguity in the current legal framework regarding [specific legal issue] leads to
inconsistent judicial interpretations, which negatively impacts the enforcement of the law and
ultimately affects the rights of individuals involved."
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY-
Students are required to take any one kind of research methodology in their synopsis
following their basis.
If the student mentions about doctrinal research focuses on analyzing legal texts, statutes, and
case law to understand the existing legal framework surrounding your topic. This method helps
establish a theoretical foundation for your research.
In contrast, non-doctrinal research involves empirical analysis and qualitative and quantitative
methods, allowing you to gather real-world data through surveys, interviews, or case studies. This
approach helps you understand the practical implications of legal issues and can provide insights
into how laws operate in practice.
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SURVEY OF LITERATURE-
The Survey of Literature section in your legal synopsis should provide an overview of key sources
relevant to your topic, including significant books, journal articles, and case law. Summarize the
main findings or arguments from these works, highlighting how they relate to your research
questions. Identify gaps in the existing literature that your study aims to address and explain how
your research fits within the broader legal discourse. Additionally, offer a critical analysis of the
literature, noting strengths and weaknesses in methodologies or arguments, to establish a solid
foundation for your own research. It requires the mention of at least 5- 6 books and 7-8 articles.
The examples are given herewith:-
(Note:- Students are required to write their Literature review as the explained below)
Primary Sources
Statutes
Reports
Secondary Sources
Books (Example)
1. A. Lakshminath and Dr. Ajay Kumar, “Evergreening of patents” Satyam Law International
Publication, 2011, First ed.
This book is comprised of many articles dealing with compulsory license, issues relating to
evergreening and Implementation of TRIPS.
This book is dealing with the issues i.e., Access, Affordability and Availability with the
special reference of cases and TRIPS and Doha Declaration. On the other hand this book is
taking the critical review of Indian Patent Act, 1970 along with amendments.
:
:
Articles
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1. Kaur Amanpreet and Chaturvedi Rekha, “Compulsory Licensing of Drugs and
pharmaceuticals: Issues and Dilemma” Journal of Intellectual Property Rights, Vol. 20,
Sep. 2015, pp 279-287.
This article deals with need of compulsory license and how various countries are exploring
their provision and how various issues related to compulsory license of drugs and
pharmaceutical along with the positive contribution of it in providing the access of the life
saving drugs to the public.
2. Liu Jodie, “Compulsory licensing and Anti –Evergreening: Interpreting the TRIPS
Flexibilities in section 84 and sec. 3(d) of the Indian Patent Act” Harward International law
Journal, Volume 56 Number 1, Winter 2015.
This article deals with TRIPS flexibilities in relation to compulsory licensing and ever greening
provisions which raised the bar for what pharmaceutical companies had to show to obtain a
drug patent in the first place with special reference to Patent Amendments 2005.
TENTATIVE CHAPTERISATION
Tentative Chapterization outlines the proposed structure of your legal research work. It provides
a framework for organizing your study and gives readers a clear sense of the topics that will be
covered. Students are required to write at least 5-6 lines about the chapter mentioning the objectives,
structure and complete framework.
CHAPTER I
Title
CHAPTER-II
Title
CHAPTER III
Title
CHAPTER IV
Title
CHAPTER V
Title
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CHAPTER VI