EXTRACT FROM THE DRAFTING COURSE

STRATEGIES FOR BETTER WRITING

  1. Use plain English, meaning language that is understandable to the person to whom it is addressed on a first reading 
  2. Avoid being inconsistent and ambiguous
  3. Try not to use old-fashioned terms (e.g. 'furnish' and 'forthwith')
  4. Do not use Latin expressions unless there is no alternative
  5. On average, sentences should be no more than 18-20 words long
  6. Avoid long paragraphs
  7. Do not put unrelated topics in the same clause
  8. When writing, remember you are normally writing for your client, and not the judge, so use words he or she will understand
  9. Think about putting the high point of a sentence at the end and not at the beginning, for example Jane Smith killed her sister on 1st June 2007 is inferior to On 1st June 2007 Jane Smith killed her sister
  10. Avoid doublets such as to have and to hold and triplets amend, modify and alter

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