§ 31. Draft for an ordinary reader, not for a mythical judge who might someday review the document.

Exercises

Basic

Revise the following sentences so that they aren't so obviously directed to the judicial interpreter:

Intermediate

In a formbook, identify a legal document that no one apart from an expert would likely understand. If you're part of a writing group or class, be prepared to discuss (1) the extent to which people other than experts might need to be able to understand the document, and (2) at least three characteristics of the document that make it particularly difficult.

Advanced

Revise one or two provisions (about 200 words total) from the document you identified for the Intermediate exercise. Produce before-and-after versions. If you're part of a writing group or class, bring a copy for each colleague.


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