1. Institutional Framework and the Importance of Standardized Legal Research
In the demanding landscape of legal academia, standardized guidelines are not merely suggestions; they are the bedrock of institutional excellence. For the Faculty of Law at Tribhuvan University, the "Research Report Writing Guidelines-2080" represent a critical mechanism for ensuring academic integrity and procedural uniformity. These rules are strategically designed to elevate the global standing of the University by aligning student research with international scholarly norms and providing a rigorous defense against plagiarism. Strict adherence is mandatory; non-compliance with these procedural mandates will result in the immediate rejection of the submission.
The following document provides a high-fidelity transcription and authoritative explanation of these official guidelines. It serves as the definitive roadmap for researchers to navigate the transition from initial conceptualization to final technical submission, ensuring every B.A.LL.B. thesis and seminar paper meets the professional expectations of the Faculty.
2. Annex 5: Standardized Cover Page Architecture
The cover page serves as the formal gateway to legal research and is vital for institutional archiving and identification. A failure to utilize the prescribed layout compromises the document's formal standing. According to the 2080 standards, the cover page must precisely follow the hierarchical structure detailed below.
Annex 5: Cover Page of LL.B. Seminar Paper
Upon fulfilling these external identification requirements, the researcher must pivot to the internal architecture of the study, where the logical "funnel" of inquiry begins.
3. Core Components of the Research Introduction
Establishing a clear research foundation is a strategic necessity. The researcher must guide the reader through a logical funnel, moving from broad conceptual themes to specific, actionable legal questions. This structure ensures that the inquiry is grounded in history and logic before proposing specific objectives.
- Introduction of the Study: The researcher must introduce the topic based on the theme and objectives. This section must provide conceptual clarity, explicit reasons for the choice of topic, the importance of the study, and a relevant historical analysis.
- Statement of Problem: Following the introduction, the researcher shall clearly state the problems or issues of the research. This must be presented in paragraph form using affirmative sentences to ensure the legal hurdles are defined without ambiguity.
- Research Questions: These questions must follow the statement of the problem and adhere to these strict constraints:
- The study shall contain 2 to 4 specific research questions.
- All questions must be phrased as interrogative sentences.
- Questions must never start with the word "Whether."
- Questions must be presented in chronological order, be numbered (1, 2, 3), and be related to each other to maintain a cohesive narrative.
- Objective of the Study: The researcher shall define 2 to 4 objectives aimed at finding conclusions and suggestions. These objectives must be consistent and interrelated with the statement of problem and must remain strictly proportional to the research problem.
These foundational elements are the primary determinants of the subsequent methodology and the overall validity of the legal inquiry.
4. Research Parameters: Significance, Scope, and Methodology
Defining the boundaries of a study is essential to protect the validity of legal findings. A research project without clearly defined limits lacks the precision required for high-level legal analysis.
- Significance of the Study: This section must clearly state the expected outcomes and achievements of the research.
- Scope of the Study: The researcher must define and state the limits of the research to maintain analytical focus.
- Methodology of the Study:
- a. Classification: The researcher must describe if the research is doctrinal, non-doctrinal, or both. Doctrinal research must outline primary and secondary data processes; non-doctrinal research must detail the tools and techniques for data gathering, analysis, and interpretation.
- b. Citation Standards: Footnotes shall follow the latest edition of The Bluebook or Uniform Rules of Citation. The Bibliography must strictly follow the latest American Psychological Association (APA) rules.
- c. The 30 Footnote Rule: In each chapter of a Thesis Report, there must be at least thirty (30) footnotes (excluding ibid/id).
- d. Initial Citation: The first mention of a source must include the author's name, title, publisher, place of publication, year, and page details.
- e. Plagiarism Clearance: Per Rule 44e, before submitting a seminar paper, the researcher must obtain a clearance certificate for plagiarism from the Central Library of Tribhuvan University.
Once the methodology is established, the researcher must position their work within the existing body of legal scholarship.
5. Critical Analysis and Constraints: Literature Review and Limitations
The volume of literature reviewed is the primary differentiator between a Thesis and a Seminar Paper, dictating the depth of the subsequent narrative.
- Review of Literature:
- a. Volume: At least fifteen (15) sources are required for a Thesis/Dissertation, while at least ten (10) are required for a Seminar Paper. The review must include a diversity of sources (both books and journal articles).
- b. Statement of Difference: The researcher must explicitly state why their research is different from the reviewed literature and identify the "different thing" they are contributing.
- c. Sentence Limit: To ensure the focus remains on the crux and difference, the researcher shall not mention more than ten sentences about the reviewed literature.
- Limitations of Study: The researcher must state limitations within a "Time Frame" and "Subject Frame."
- Subject Frame Example: Focusing on the Crime Victim Protection Act 2075.
- Time Frame Examples: 2015 to 2036, 2036–46, or 2046 – 2072.
6. Synthesis and Supervision: Organization to Findings
Logical sequencing is the hallmark of professional legal writing. Organizing the study into a coherent structure ensures the research questions are answered comprehensively.
- Organization of the Study: The researcher shall divide the work into five to seven chapters. Each chapter must answer the related research questions and fulfill the specific purposes of that chapter.
- Findings, Conclusion, and Suggestions:
- a. Findings: Must reflect and be based on the research questions and objectives.
- b. Conclusion: Must be written in paragraph form.
- c. Suggestions: Must be numbered and sub-numbered. Suggestions must be targeted at specific entities (e.g., the legislature, executive, or judiciary).
- Consultation: Regular consultation is a mandatory procedural requirement. Thesis researchers must consult their assigned Supervisor, while Seminar Paper researchers must consult their Class Teacher. Proof of consultation, including the signature of the supervisor or teacher, must be submitted with the report.
7. Technical Specifications and Final Submission
Technical uniformity reflects the professional standards of the legal community. Failure to adhere to these typographic and margin requirements is grounds for submission rejection.
Writing Format of Thesis
| Element | Specification |
|---|---|
| Font Type | Times New Roman |
| Research Topic Font Size | 18 pt (Bold) |
| Chapter Title Font Size | 16 pt (Bold) |
| Main Text Title Font Size | 14 pt (Bold) |
| Subtitle Font Size | 12 pt (Bold) |
| General Text Font Size | 12 pt |
| Footnote Font Size | 10 pt |
| Line Spacing | 1.5 |
| Margins | Top: 1", Right: 1", Bottom: 1", Left: 1.50" |
| Maximum Lines per Page | 28 lines |
Size of the Seminar
The total main content pages for the Seminar Paper shall be 50–60 pages. This count shall not include the bibliography, indexes, annexes, table of cases, or other front/back matter.
Submission and Presentation
- Thesis/Dissertation: Presentation and Viva-voce shall be held as notified by the concerned campus.
- Seminar Paper: Submission and presentation must take place on the specific date assigned by the Class Teacher.
Compliance with the "Research Report Writing Guidelines-2080" is an absolute requirement for the successful completion of the B.A.LL.B. degree at Tribhuvan University.
Click here for the PDF of RESEARCH REPORT WRITING GUIDELINES 2080.
Research Report Writing Guidelines 2080
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