In an era where attentions spans are dwindling and meaningful deliberation often gets lost in the noise of social media, The Law Briefing Room (TLBR) aims to provide an outlet for substantial legal discourse. Created by two NALSAR University of Law, Hyderabad students, Mohamed Ashik and Arnav Mathur, TLBR stands out by fostering a dynamic environment where students, academicians, practioners, and anyone with an interest in law can engage in deep, meaningful debate and deliberation about legal issues and their broader impacts. 

In our times, the need for such a forum cannot be overstated. Rhetorical arguments often dominate public discourse, leading to polarization and hostility, primarily because of the lack of one-on-one debates. Social media, with its character limits and emphasis on quick, sensational content, does not offer the space for nuanced discussion. Traditional academic journals, while valuable, often cater to a specific audience and can be slow in responding to current issues. TLBR is designed to fill this gap by providing a platform where substantial, in-depth discussions can take place in real-time, allowing for a more thorough exploration of legal topics and their implications. 

Our Mission:

TLBR aims to bridge the gap left by traditional academic publications and the transient nature of social media discussions. Our platform is designed to be a roundtable where everyone has a voice, encouraging a meaningful exchange of ideas and perspectives. We believe in the power of diverse opinions and the importance of intersectionality in legal discourse. Our goal is to create a space where every article can spark a conversation and every response can add depth to the discussion.

Moreover, we strive to bridge the information asymmetry prevalent on social media. Often, posts on platforms like Twitter or Facebook provide superficial takes on complex legal issues, leading to misunderstandings and misinformation. TLBR offers a remedy by encouraging well-researched, discernible interpretations that contribute to a more informed public.

“Learn. Argue. Grow” our motto, encapsulates the essence of what TLBR strives to achieve. We believe that continuous learning is fundamental to engaging with any issue. Through argumentation, contributors can challenge existing perspectives and push the boundaries of legal thought. This process of learning and arguing promotes growth, both for the individual contributors and the broader community. By fostering an environment where diverse opinions are not only welcomed but encouraged, TLBR aims to create a space where all participants can expand their understanding and contribute to a more nuanced and informed public discourse.

One of the key aspects that sets TLBR apart is our commitment to providing an escape from the institutional and ideological biases often found in academia. Traditional academic settings can sometimes perpetuate certain dominant ideologies, inadvertently silencing alternative viewpoints. TLBR actively works to counteract this by creating an inclusive platform where diverse perspectives, including those from marginalized or suppressed narratives, are given space and legitimacy. We aim to lend legitimacy to suppressed narratives to foster a richer and more comprehensive legal discourse. Our editorial guidelines and peer review processes are designed to be as inclusive and unbiased as possible, ensuring that all articles are judged on their merit and contribution to the discussion, rather than on the basis of the author’s background or ideology.

Types of Pieces We Accept

To achieve our mission, we accept 3 types of pieces. Our word limit for submissions is between 500-1500 words, allowing for in-depth exploration while maintaining reader engagement.

Articles

These are original pieces that present opinions, arguments, and analyses on various legal topics. Articles are the cornerstone of TLBR, providing contributors with the opportunity to delve deeply into legal issues, propose bold ideas, and offer well-reasoned arguments. Articles should strive to spark meaningful conversations. 

Responses

Responses engage directly with previously published articles, by offering counterpoints, extensions, or supporting arguments. The previously published article could be either from TLBR or any other academic platform. This type of submission is vital for creating a dynamic and interactive platform where ideas can be debated and refined through rigorous discussion. Responses help ensure that TLBR remains a vibrant forum for dialogue, allowing for diverse perspectives to be heard and considered. By engaging with existing content, contributors can add depth to ongoing debates and highlight different angles on key legal issues.

Explainers

Explainers aim to demystify complex legal concepts, statutes, or cases for a broader audience. These pieces should be clear, informative, and accessible, making intricate legal matters understandable to readers without a legal background. Explainers play a crucial role in bridging the information asymmetry prevalent on social media, where quick takes often lead to misunderstandings. By providing well-researched and easy-to-understand content, explainers contribute to a more informed public and support our mission to elevate the quality of legal discussions.

By accepting these 3 types of pieces, TLBR ensures a continuous flow of diverse content that encourages comprehensive exploration of legal topics. Each submission type serves a specific purpose in enriching the discourse, whether through original analysis, engaging dialogue, or educational content.