We invite submissions from anybody involved in the field of Law; which of course means everybody. You might be a member of the judiciary or an ex-prisoner; you may be an academic or in practice; you may be a criminologist or a civil servant.
We are looking for insightful articles which are challenging, thought provoking and maybe controversial, but above all, readable.
This site has two foci of interest: firstly Law and secondly Kenya. These areas are not intended to be limiting, merely guiding.
You may like to send us a brief proposal before you start writing.
You may submit work that has been published elsewhere, as long as you have not assigned the copyright and the other journal or publication agrees.
You are welcome, indeed expected, to add a link at the end of your article. This link may be to your most recent book, your practice, your department, or whatever you consider to be both relevant and of benefit to you.
A Different Way with Words.
Numerous studies have shown that the way people read pages on the Web is very different from the way they read a book.
Less than a quarter of readers start at the top of the page and read down word by word.
What do most people do? They scan or flick through the page grabbing a phrase or idea here and there.
So how do we adapt our writing for the majority of these readers with short attention spans?
- Write one third to one half of the words one might normally use.
- Use plenty of explanatory sub-headings.
- One paragraph means one idea. Readers tend to miss further ideas in the same paragraph.
- Use bulleted lists where appropriate.
- Use emphasis for keywords.
- Start with the end. That is to say that most readers on the Web want to read the conclusion first and work back from there.
None of the foregoing should be construed in such a fashion as to give the impression that we do not welcome longer, learned articles :-)
We do. But please write an abstract that you think will be easily readable.
Since most of us are lawyers, we will obviously have no difficulty in writing clearly and concisely :-)
"Succinct" is an elegant description to bear in mind.
References and Citations.
At this stage, please feel free to use the style which suits your article best.
Spelling.
American or English spelling can be used, as long as it is consistent.
Quid pro Quo.
If you have been kind enough to write for us, at least we can try to thank you. Therefore
- Please add a brief description of yourself in one or two sentences, e.g. "Dr. Grace Smith has been a Senior Lecturer in Family Law at the University of X since 2001."
- You may like to mention your most recent book, e.g. "Fred Smith's new book, 'Key barriers to IPO: A Tanzanian Perspective' will be available in July."
- You are invited to include a link to your chambers, firm, department or your own website or blog.
- Your email address can be added if you want readers to contact you directly, e.g. "For further advice on commercial leases in Nairobi, please contact the author on partner@bilbo&baggins.co.ke."
We are most indebted to a partner in a leading law firm in Nairobi for pointing out the pitfalls in straying into areas which might possibly be construed as "advertising".
This site is edited by
Millicent Ligare Angaya, Advocate