Simple Ways to Use Plain Language in All Legal Writing
Legal writing is infamous for being filled with jargon, complex language, and convoluted sentences. This often makes it difficult for the general public to understand legal documents and can even make lawyers’ arguments less effective. But what if there was a way to make legal writing more accessible and easy to understand? The answer lies in the use of plain language. In this article, we will explore the importance of using plain language in legal writing and provide simple ways to incorporate it in all your legal documents.
The Importance of Plain Language in Legal Writing
Legal documents, such as contracts, laws, and court decisions, have a significant impact on people’s lives. However, they are often written in a complex and technical manner that makes them incomprehensible to the average person. This can create misunderstandings, confusion, and even legal disputes. The purpose of legal writing is to convey information accurately and clearly, and plain language is the most effective way to achieve this goal.
Plain language is a style of writing that uses simple, clear, and concise language. It avoids complex terminology, jargon, and convoluted sentences, making the text easier to read and understand. By using plain language, legal documents become more accessible to the general public, promoting transparency and promoting greater understanding of the law.
Simple Ways to Use Plain Language in All Legal Writing
1. Know Your Audience
The first step in using plain language in legal writing is understanding your audience. The audience for legal documents can vary from judges and lawyers to the general public. When writing for a non-legal audience, it is important to avoid complicated legal terminology and explain any technical terms that are necessary. On the other hand, when writing for a legal audience, you can use more specialized language but still strive for clarity and simplicity.
2. Use Everyday Language
One of the simplest ways to incorporate plain language into legal writing is to use everyday language. This means avoiding complex and obscure terms and instead using words and phrases that people use in their everyday lives. For example, instead of using Latin phrases like “per se” or “pro bono,” use the English equivalents “in itself” or “free of charge.” This makes the text more accessible and easier to understand.
3. Keep Sentences Short and to the Point
In legal writing, long and complex sentences are the norm. But this can make the text difficult to comprehend. To make your writing more reader-friendly, aim to keep your sentences short and to the point. Try to express one main idea in each sentence, and break up long sentences with commas or periods to make them more manageable.
4. Use Active Voice
Using active voice in your writing can also make legal documents more accessible. Active voice makes a sentence clearer and more concise by emphasizing the subject performing the action. In contrast, passive voice can make sentences vague and cumbersome. For example, instead of writing “the contract was signed by the parties,” use “the parties signed the contract.”
5. Define Terms and Concepts
In legal writing, it is common to use technical terms and complex concepts. However, this can hinder understanding, especially for non-legal readers. To ensure clarity, define any legal terms or concepts that may be unfamiliar to your audience. You can do this in a glossary or directly in the text. This will help your readers follow your argument and better understand the document.
6. Use Headings and Subheadings
Another way to make legal writing more digestible is to use headings and subheadings. This breaks up the text and makes it easier for readers to navigate and locate information. Use descriptive headings that accurately reflect the content of the section and make it easier for readers to find the information they need.
In Conclusion
Plain language is essential in legal writing to promote transparency, accuracy, and understanding. By following these simple tips, you can make your legal documents more accessible and increase their effectiveness. Remember to always keep your audience in mind and strive for simplicity and clarity in your writing. This will not only benefit your readers but also enhance the credibility of your legal documents.
