CHAPTER II SIMPLICITY “Plain language is, or should be, every bit as accurate and precise as traditional legal writing. It is clearer — considerably clearer, It is usually shorter and faster. It is strongly preferred by readers. It would greatly improve the image of lawyers.” — Professor Joseph Kimble, Answering the Critics of Plain Language “You are no less a lawyer for being understandable.” — Christopher T. Lutz Purpose: Be able to write simply. The student is expected to: a) use short sentences, as a rule; b) avoid wordy expressions, cliches and tautology; ¢c) avoid elaborating on the obvious; d) get to the point soonest; e) minimize the use of connectives and relative pronouns; f) avoid convoluted word-constructions and g) replace multisyllabic terms with shorter, more understandable words. I. ELEMENTS OF LEGAL WRITING The elements of legal writing are: a) simplicity; b) clarity; and c) persuasiveness. A. Simplicity Simplicity in writing means to write plainly and simply. To observe the rules on “economy of expressio™. each sentence must say what the writer means ands me what the writer wants to say. Convoluted wo) 5 08 by word-constructions must be avoided. This is best . , preferring shorter sentences, and choosing SOOT es Repetition must also be avoided as much as poss! EEE Boek