Judgement writing is one of the most scoring yet technically demanding components of the Judicial Services Mains Examination 2025. While aspirants often focus on learning the law and the procedural aspects, common errors in judgement writing can cost valuable marks, even if the legal knowledge is sound.
Below are the 10 most common mistakes judicial aspirants must avoid while writing judgements in the mains exam be it civil or criminal along with practical tips on how to steer clear of them.
Ignoring the Proper Format of Judgement Writing
Why it’s a mistake:
A judgement must follow a structured format—Introduction, Facts, Charges/Issues, Evidence Analysis, Findings, and Decision. Deviating from this framework confuses the examiner and leads to deduction of marks.
How to avoid:
Internalize the structure through practice and stick to a logical flow. Always include headings and subheadings to demarcate the stages of the judgement.
Writing in an Overly Complicated or Legalese-Laden Language
Why it’s a mistake:
Using complex legal jargon may sound impressive but defeats the purpose of judicial writing, which demands clarity and accessibility.
How to avoid:
Use simple, precise, and reader-friendly language. The judgement should be understandable to a layperson and reflect judicial reasoning, not verbosity.
Missing Out on Key Facts from the Problem Statement
Why it’s a mistake:
Overlooking crucial facts can affect the framing of issues/charges, appreciation of evidence, and ultimately the decision.
How to avoid:
Underline or list all important facts during the first reading of the problem. Make a rough note of what facts correspond to which legal issue.
Not Framing the Issues or Charges Properly
Why it’s a mistake:
Framing of issues (civil) or charges (criminal) is the crux of judicial analysis. Incorrect or vague framing will make the rest of the judgement irrelevant.
How to avoid:
Base issues/charges strictly on pleadings (civil) or allegations and evidence (criminal). Each issue must be factually and legally precise.
Confusing Appreciation and Marshalling of Evidence
Why it’s a mistake:
These are distinct stages. Appreciation is about assessing credibility, while marshalling is about logically grouping evidence.
How to avoid:
First analyze each piece of evidence individually (appreciation), and then group the accepted ones under relevant issues or facts (marshalling).
Rushing to the Final Decision Without Logical Reasoning
Why it’s a mistake:
A good judgement isn’t about how quickly you reach a conclusion, but how well you justify your findings using law and evidence.
How to avoid:
Provide brief reasoning for each finding. Use legal provisions, illustrations, and case precedents (if required) to explain why a certain conclusion is drawn.
Writing Lengthy and Repetitive Content
Why it’s a mistake:
Long-winded answers waste time and do not add value. Repetition frustrates the examiner and may mask actual reasoning.
How to avoid:
Be concise and focused. Each paragraph should add something new—either a fact, analysis, or conclusion.
Forgetting to Mention Relief or Sentence (Operative Part)
Why it’s a mistake:
The final relief (civil) or conviction/sentence (criminal) is the logical end of your judgement. Omitting this is a grave error.
How to avoid:
Use clear language in the last paragraph. For example:
“Hence, the suit is decreed with costs.” or “The accused is convicted under Section 325 IPC and sentenced to rigorous imprisonment for 2 years.”
Not Applying Relevant Legal Provisions or Misapplying Law
Why it’s a mistake:
Judgement writing is not an essay. It requires application of specific legal sections and principles to the given facts.
How to avoid:
Revise bare acts and standard case laws for each subject. Use provisions like Section 101-114 of the Indian Evidence Act (Now Section 104 – 119) in criminal cases or Order XIV Rule 1 CPC in civil cases.
Not Practicing with Previous Years’ Judgement Writing Questions
Why it’s a mistake:
Judgement writing requires practice like a skill, not rote learning. Many aspirants lose marks simply due to lack of familiarity with exam-style questions.
How to avoid:
Regularly write judgements based on previous years’ mains papers. Time yourself, get it evaluated, and learn from feedback.
Conclusion
Judgement writing is the most practical test of your legal aptitude, and avoiding these common mistakes can make a substantial difference in your final score. The key is to practice regularly, follow a standard format, and apply the law logically and clearly.
If you aspire to become a civil judge in 2025, make these tips part of your daily preparation. Remember, a well-written judgement reflects not just your legal knowledge, but your judicial temperament and clarity of mind.
