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Description
Clarity and precision in legal writing are essential skills in the practice and study of law. This book offers a straightforward, practical guide to effective legal style from a world-leading expert.
The book is thoughtfully structured to explain the elements of good legal writing and its most effective use. It catalogues all aspects of legal style, topic by topic, phrase by phrase, usage by usage. It scrutinises them all, suggesting improvements. Its 'dictionary' arrangement makes it easy to navigate.
Entries cover matters such as abbreviations, acronyms, active and passive voice, brackets, bullet points, citation methods, cross-referencing, fonts, document design, footnotes, gender-neutral language, numbering systems, plain legal language, punctuation, the use of Latin in law, structures for legal advices and documents, and techniques for editing and proofreading. Also covered are many words and phrases that non-lawyers find opaque and obscure-the aim being to show that lawyers can usually substitute a plain-English equivalent that captures the legal nuances of the 'legalese'. Other topics include ambiguity, deeds, definitions, provisos, recitals, simplified outlines, terms of art, tone, and the various principles of legal interpretation.
With an emphasis on technical effectiveness and understanding, the book is required reading for all those engaged in the practice and study of law.
Table of Contents
Product details
Published | 18 May 2025 |
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Format | Paperback |
Edition | 1st |
Extent | 968 |
ISBN | 9789361310454 |
Imprint | Hart Publishing |
Dimensions | 244 x 169 mm |
Publisher | Bloomsbury Publishing |
About the contributors
Reviews
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Have you ever wondered: What does inchoate mean? Who are my assigns? Are they my assignees? What is wilful default/neglect/misconduct/wrongdoing? … In A-Z format, this 900-page book offers answers to these questions and hundreds more.
Daphne Perry, Law Society Gazette
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This is a volume which definitely deserves a place on every lawyer's bookshelves, especially those starting out on their careers.
The Commonwealth Lawyer
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Relevant to any lawyer who wishes to write well … Peter Butt has produced a really valuable reference book from which any writer of legal texts could derive benefit. It would be a valuable addition to any law drafter's library. As a sometime writer of legislation, I recommend it unreservedly.
Eamonn Moran PSM QC, The Loophole
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This is an excellent book, a valuable resource and one that will be helpful to students in grasping how to write clearly, precisely yet effectively in the legal context.
Chris Bevan, Durham University
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This is a comprehensive and thoughtful text that provides far more than a mere dictionary would do. It covers not just terminology, but concepts, ideas and institutions, providing a one-stop shop for students.
Pamela Henderson, Nottingham Trent University
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This is an excellent book with so much for the young and experienced lawyer alike. It will be strongly recommended to all our students at the start of their course.
Stephen Dnes, New College Of The Humanities