A law essay is an essay written for either law school or an undergraduate law course. It might be a history-based paper, an evaluation of an existing law, or a review of case law. It is usually a lengthy exercise that goes in depth into the law as well as those it affects.

In a history-based paper, a law essay looks at historical basis and precedent for laws, and how they affect the population of a country or people. It discusses why laws are passed and the repercussions of those laws. It might examine a history of a group of laws: for example looking at the history of laws geared toward minorities in the United States. This might discuss laws allowing slavery, ending slavery, separating blacks and whites, and finally, repealing all of the aforementioned laws. It would delve in-depth as to how these laws affect both blacks and whites, intertwining personal narratives with the history. Of course, even in a law paper, an argument must be presented. This argument should be presented in a thesis statement, and evaluated from all angles.

In a review of case law, a paper might discuss the legal process behind a famous case. This would be a more informative essay, concentrating less on the affects on the law, and more on the law itself. It might discuss why the law was passed, and its Constitutional basis. The paper may also go deeper into legal precedent, and evaluate Supreme Court decisions. It can discuss proponents of a law, or even dissect an existing law to uncover its many facets and possible loopholes. This paper is much more technical and research based, and for that reason it would be found in a more formal setting, like a law school.