Modern Legal Drafting, Second Edition: A Guide to Using Clearer Language (Cambridge Studies in Law and Society) - Softcover

Butt, Peter

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0521674522 ISBN 13: 9780521674522

Publisher: Cambridge University Press, 2007

Synopsis

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 Detailed case studies illustrate how obtuse or outdated words, phrases and concepts can be rewritten, reworked or removed altogether.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.

About this title

About the Authors

Peter Butt is a Professor of Law and founding director of the Centre for Plain Legal Language at the University of Sydney.

Richard Castle is a solicitor currently working in New Zealand.

Edition details

• Publisher: Cambridge University Press
• Publication date: 2007
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0521674522
• ISBN 13: 9780521674522
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 2
• Number of pages: 272