Page 12 - RESEARCH HANDBOOK FOR LL.M. AND PHD

Guidelines for

Writing Research Report

The Project Report writing as an essential part of B.A. LL. B. (Hons.) & LL.M. levels require to follow a
definite research design. The choice of research design and method of research in law is based on the
nature of research, content and other parameters. Broadly speaking, the research undertaken by the
students could be of two kinds: doctrinal and non-doctrinal. A doctrinal research means a study that has
been carried out on a legal proposition or propositions by way of analysing the existing statutory
provisions and cases by applying the reasoning power. Doctrinal Research involves analysis of case law,
arranging, ordering and systematizing legal propositions and study of legal institutions through legal
reasoning or rational deduction. The method applied in this kind of study is qualitative and it is also
known as non-empirical research as it is based on secondary sources. Empirical research is an enquiry
that attempts to discover and verify general rules allowing us to understand why human beings or events
behave the way they do. The methods like observation, interview, questionnaire, survey and case study
are used to discover the human conduct. Socio-legal research is the best example of empirical or non-
doctrinal research.

While very precise guidelines are provided in the next section to guide the students very generally in
applying appropriate research methods, the students are advised to consult standard books to further
explore these aspects. Besides, some peculiar research may need specific methodology or a combination of
methods suggested in this section. In all such cases, the candidate may seek specific guidance from the
concerned teacher/supervisor to approach the problem.

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