Figure 14.3 Example skeleton essay plan

Essay title:

There has been a noticeable increase in delegated legislation. Discuss the proposition that the advantages of delegated legislation outweigh any disadvantages.

INTRODUCTION

Explain:

• key terms: what is delegated legislation (DL)
• anything inherent in the question:
• that there has been a noticeable increase
• that there are both advantages and disadvantages
• that it is reasonable to explore the notion that the advantages outweigh the disadvantages

Signpost:

• structure/content:
  • this essay will discuss first, the history of issue of DL to date, including its purpose, how it operates, its effect, and explain how and why it has increased
  • it will then analyse the advantages and disadvantages of DL to conclude that
• conclusion
  • this essay is/ is not persuaded that the advantages outweigh the disadvantages [for the key reason that/ for the reasons set out below].

BODY

1. The history of DL

Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of DL here, including the rationale for the increase:

1. The purpose of DL (Sources: texts.)
2. How DL operates, and what its effect? (Sources: texts and examples of delegated legislation to illustrate.)
3. How and why the use of delegated legislation increased? (Sources: texts, and search for statistics to illustrate.)
   • The practical implications (Sources: as above plus journal articles.)
4. The advantages and disadvantages of DL

Demonstrate analysis here: the intellectual skill of discussion, with critical thinking:

1. The advantages of delegated legislation (Sources: texts, journal articles, cases.)
   • Why they are perceived as advantages (Sources: as above, primarily journal articles.)
2. The disadvantages of delegated legislation (Sources: texts, journal articles, cases.)
   • Why they are perceived as disadvantages (Sources: as above, primarily journal articles.)
3. Do the advantages of DL outweigh the advantages of DL? (Sources: as above)

• Which sources discuss this?
• Is there a consensus of support, one way or another?
• Explore the context and value of those sources, and any bias (e.g. date, jurisdiction)
• Of those arguments, which is this essay most persuaded by, and why?

CONCLUSION

Answer the question asked: this essay is/is not persuaded that the advantages of DL outweigh the disadvantages of DL [for the key reason that/for the reasons set out above].