The Anatomy of a Good Prompt

To get the most accurate, professionally drafted work from MtaaLex AI, use the CTDOR Framework.

The CTDOR framework was designed specifically for legal practitioners to structure instructions logically without needing technical expertise.

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The CTDOR Framework

┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│                    THE CTDOR FRAMEWORK                      │
├─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│ C — Context          │ What is the background of the case?  │
│ T — Task             │ What exact legal instrument is needed│
│ D — Details          │ Dates, parties, figures, and facts   │
│ O — Output Format    │ How should the result be structured? │
│ R — Review Rules     │ Jurisdiction, statutes, and tone     │
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘

1. C — Context

Set the stage. Who are you representing? What is the controversy?

• Example: "I am acting for the Respondent in an Environment and Land Court dispute regarding a boundary encroachment on Plot No. Nairobi/Block 45/102."

2. T — Task

State the exact legal action or document you want created.

• Example: "Draft a formal Replying Affidavit sworn by the registered proprietor opposing the Applicant's Chamber Summons application for an interlocutory injunction."

3. D — Details

Provide the concrete facts, dates, names, and monetary values.

• Example: "The Respondent has been in quiet possession since 2011 with a registered Certificate of Lease. The Applicant only acquired their adjoining plot in 2023. A joint survey conducted by the District Surveyor on 14th March 2024 confirmed the boundary beacon is in the correct position."

4. O — Output Format

Explain how the response should be structured.

• Example: "Structure the affidavit with standard formal heading for the ELC at Nairobi, followed by numbered paragraphs. Conclude with standard deposition and verification clauses."

5. R — Review Rules & Requirements

State any specific statutory provisions, jurisdictional limits, or restrictions.

• Example: "Confine this strictly to Kenyan land law (Land Registration Act 2012). Maintain a formal, assertive legal tone. Do not invent survey coordinates."

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Reusable Copyable Prompt Template

Copy and paste this template into MtaaLex AI whenever you need to draft an instrument or request in-depth research:

[CONTEXT]:
I am representing [Client Name / Role: e.g., Plaintiff / Defendant] in a [Area of Law: e.g., commercial breach / land / employment] matter in Kenya.

[TASK]:
Please draft a [Document Type: e.g., Plaint / Notice of Motion / Legal Opinion] addressing [Legal Issue].

[KEY DETAILS & FACTS]:
- Parties: [Client Name vs. Opposing Party Name]
- Court / Station: [e.g., High Court of Kenya at Nairobi (Commercial Division)]
- Relevant Dates: [e.g., Agreement signed 12 Jan 2023, Breach occurred 4 May 2024]
- Monetary Sums: [e.g., Ksh 5,400,000 plus interest at court rates]
- Core Facts: [Summarize the 3 to 5 most important facts]

[DESIRED OUTPUT]:
Format this as a [e.g., formal legal pleading with numbered paragraphs / 2-page executive summary / bulleted legal opinion].

[LEGAL RULES & REQUIREMENTS]:
Apply Kenyan law ([cite relevant Act, e.g., Civil Procedure Act / Employment Act]). Maintain an authoritative, professional legal tone. Highlight any areas where my firm will need to provide further factual evidence.

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Full Working Example

Here is what the framework looks like when filled out for a tenancy eviction dispute:

CONTEXT:
I represent a commercial landlord whose tenant has defaulted on rent for 5 consecutive months on commercial premises in Westlands, Nairobi.

TASK:
Draft a formal Statutory Demand Letter and Notice to Remedy Breach prior to exercising the landlord's statutory remedies.

KEY DETAILS:
- Landlord: Delta Commercial Properties Ltd
- Tenant: Apex Logistics Kenya Ltd
- Premises: Suite 4B, Delta Heights, Chiromo Road, Nairobi
- Monthly Rent: Ksh 220,000 inclusive of service charge
- Total Arrears: Ksh 1,100,000 (accumulated from April 2024 to August 2024)
- Lease Agreement Clause 14: Requires 14 days' written notice to remedy monetary default.

DESIRED OUTPUT:
A formal, professional demand letter on firm letterhead style with standard date, addressee block, matter reference, numbered demand paragraphs, and advocate signature block.

LEGAL REQUIREMENTS:
Follow Kenyan commercial tenancy practice and Section 73 of the Land Act 2012. Give the tenant exactly 14 days to clear arrears or face distress for rent and forfeiture of lease.

PERSISTENT REMINDER

AI-generated legal content must be reviewed and verified by a qualified legal professional before it is relied upon, sent to a client, filed in court, or used as legal advice.