In the second edition of this highly regarded text, the authors
show how and why traditional legal language has developed the
peculiar characteristics that make legal documents inaccessible to
the end users. Incorporating recent research and case law, the book
provides a critical examination of case law and the rules of
interpretation. Detailed case studies illustrate how obtuse or
outdated words, phrases and concepts can be rewritten, reworked or
removed altogether. Particularly useful is the step-by-step guide
to drafting in the modern style, using examples from four types of
common legal documents: leases, company constitutions, wills and
conveyances. Readers will gain an appreciation of the historical
influences on drafting practice and the use of legal terminology.
They will learn about the current moves to reform legal language,
and receive clear instruction on how to make their writing clearer
and their legal documents more useful.
目錄:
Introduction
1. What influences the legal drafter
2. How legal documents are interpreted
3. The move towards Modern English in legal drafting
4. Some benefits of drafting in plain English
5. What to avoid when drafting modern documents
6. How to draft modern documents
7. Using the modern style
Further reading