Law
Element 1
Element 2
Element 2.1
Element 2.1.1
Element 2.1.1.1
Element 2.1.1.2
Element 2.1.2
Element 2.1.3
Element 2.2
Element 2.3
Element 2.4
Element 3
Figure 3.4 Subelements
Explanation
When Element 2.1.1.1 and Element 2.1.1.2 are satisfied, the outcome is that
Element 2.1.1 is satisfied. When Element 2.1.1, Element 2.1.2 and Element
2.1.3 are satisfied, Element 2.1 is satisfied. When Element 2.1, Element 2.2,
Element 2.3 and Element 2.4 are satisfied, the outcome is that Element 2 is
satisfied. When Elements 1, 2 and 3 are satisfied the consequences of the law,
whatever they may be, apply to the parties involved.
Labelling Elements
Elements can be labelled with a word or phrase. This is illustrated by Figure
4.3 above, where the elements of trespass to land are labelled. For example,
the first three elements are “Element (1) Land,” “Element (2) Possession” and
“Element (3) Interference”. Labels of this kind such as “Land,” “Possession”
and “Interference” are not necessary but are useful. By capturing the essence
of the element in a word or phrase they make it easier to understand, remember
and explain the element. This is useful for both lawyers and law students. It is
useful in legal writing because the author can refer to an element by its label
and number and so avoid the clumsiness of having to describe the element in
full on each occasion that it is referred to. It is especially useful for students
who are learning legal rules in preparation for closed book exams. By just
remembering the name of an element, you will recall much of the law
associated with it. In addition, students can use the labels to construct a
mnemonic.
Numbering Elements
In this abstract model elements are numbered Element 1, Element 2 and so on.
When numbering elements the general rule is that in a basic sense it does not
matter in which order elements are set forth. Instead the important thing is that
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