What is a Claim?

Introduction
A claim is a statement that you have a right to something or an opinion about something. A claim is a formal argument presented in a logical manner to support a certain point of view or perspective. Through claims, an individual or group can present an opinion or belief and attempt to demonstrate why this opinion or belief is credible or valid. Claims are used in many different realms and contexts, from legal proceedings to scholarly debates, and can be persuasive, informational, or a combination of both.

What Types of Claims Are There?
Claims can take multiple forms and vary widely in their scope and purpose. Argumentative claims generally involve a type of persuasive appeal and demonstrate why a particular point of view is correct. Factual claims involve providing evidence or data that can validate a specific assertion. Both of these types of claims involve making a logical argument and providing evidence to back it up. Claims can also be emotional, in which case a person may try to evoke an emotional response from their audience in order to prove their point.

How Are Claims Used?
Claims are used in many contexts and for a wide range of purposes. They are often used to advance an argument, support an opinion, or demonstrate a point. For example, in a trial, a lawyer might make a claim to support their case. In a classroom debate, students might use claims to support their perspective. Additionally,many everyday conversations involve a form of claims, as people use claims to convey messages, thoughts and ideas. Claims are also used in media and marketing, as people attempt to sway or influence the opinions or decisions of their audience.