| name | article-summary |
| title | Legal Article Summary |
| description | Generates structured 500-800 word summaries of legal articles distilling thesis, methodology, arguments, authorities, conclusions, and significance. Triggers when summarizing legal scholarship, reviewing law review articles, preparing literature reviews, or triaging articles for full reading. |
| author | CaseMark |
| author_url | https://github.com/CaseMark/skills/tree/main/skills/legal/article-summary |
| license | Apache-2.0 |
| version | 0.1.0 |
| execution_mode | open |
| jurisdiction | general |
| practice | general |
| language | en |
| tags | ["analysis","corporate","summarization","summary"] |
Legal Article Summary
Produces a structured summary (500–800 words) of a legal article that works as both a standalone reference and a read/skip triage tool.
Prerequisites
- Full article text or sufficient excerpts covering thesis, methodology, arguments, and conclusions
- Citation info: author(s), title, journal, volume, year
- Target audience: academic, practitioner, or general (defaults to practitioner)
Quick Start
- Collect the article text and citation details
- Classify the article type (doctrinal / empirical / policy / comparative / theoretical)
- Produce the header block and six summary sections below
- Verify summarized points against the original before delivering
Output Format
Header Block
| Field | Content |
|---|
| Citation | Bluebook or jurisdiction-appropriate format |
| Author(s) | Name(s) and affiliation if relevant |
| Publication | Journal/venue and date |
| Article Type | Doctrinal / Empirical / Policy / Comparative / Theoretical |
Summary Sections (500–800 words total)
1. Thesis & Research Question — Central argument in 1-2 sentences. Identify the legal problem: doctrinal gap, policy critique, empirical question, or theoretical development.
2. Methodology & Approach — Method (case law analysis, statutory interpretation, comparative, empirical, theoretical). Note dataset, jurisdiction scope, or time period if applicable.
3. Key Arguments & Findings — Major points in logical sequence mirroring the author's reasoning. Use numbered list for distinct arguments. Preserve the author's emphasis; reflect counterarguments if substantially treated.
4. Authorities & Precedents — Key cases, statutes, regulations, or principles forming the analytical foundation. Note usage: supporting, distinguishing, or criticizing.
5. Conclusions & Recommendations — Separate analytical findings (evidence-supported) from normative proposals (reform/practice changes). Note stated limitations or areas for further research.
6. Significance & Implications — Relationship to existing scholarship (confirms, challenges, extends). Practical impact on practice, judicial decisions, legislation, or regulatory policy. Novel contributions.
Pitfalls
- Editorializing — present arguments faithfully; no evaluative commentary unless requested
