More True Confessions of a Legal Writing Professor: Don't Be a Turkey—Avoid Gobbledygook

Abstract

This, at times, irreverent, tongue-in-cheek article is about how law students and lawyers tend to use complex words instead of sticking to plain language. First, the article discusses the history behind the plain language movement in general and in legal writing circles specifically. Second, the article discusses how some of the federal rules of civil procedure promote plain language and how courts have enforced the mandate to use plain language. Third, the article addresses tips and tricks for legal writers to ensure that plain language is used.