Difference between revisions of "Clicklaw Wikibooks Contributor Guide"

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Clicklaw Wikibooks Contributor Guide (view source)

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==Plain language writing==
===A short definition of "Plain English"===
Brian Garner, from ''Legal Writing in Plain English,'' 2001, pp xiv:
<blockquote><tt>A word about "plain English." The phrase certainly shouldn't connote drab and dreary language. Actually, plain English is typically quite interesting to read. It's robust and direct—the opposite of gaudy, pretentious language. You achieve plain English when you use the simplest, most straightforward way of expressing an idea. You can still choose interesting words. But you'll avoid fancy ones that have everyday replacements meaning precisely the same thing.</tt>
</blockquote>
===Plain language tips===
We are writing with the public reader in mind, not lawyers or other legal advocates. Depending on the wikibook, you may need to aim for a very low reading level. For example, [[Legal Help for British Columbians]] serves very basic information so people can take the first step towards finding help for their common legal problem. [[JP Boyd on Family Law]], on the other hand, presumes a higher reading level, since it offers motivated self-represented individuals a slightly more detailed description of family law. Both groups of readers benefit from plain language writing methods. 
Some tips to consider when writing or reviewing legal information for the public:
# Think about your reader and question what they know or don't know. 
# Think about questions your readers will have on the topic, and organize your thoughts accordingly.
# Summarize main points using headers.
# Organize steps or similar information with lists.
# Write brief sentences and keep paragraphs short.
# Use common phrases and words.
# Avoid unnecessary descriptive adverbs and words.
# Write in the active voice and keep verb and subject close together.
# Ask another reader to evaluate your writing.
===More on plain language writing===
* [http://www.cba.org/cba/practicelink/cs/plainlanguage1.aspx CBA PracticeLink: Plain language legal writing]
* [http://www.plainlanguage.gov/examples/before_after/index.cfm Before and After Comparisons from www.plainlanguage.gov]
* [http://www.plainlanguage.gov/whatisPL/definitions/Kimble.cfm Joe Kimble, ''The Elements of Plain Language'' in the ''Michigan Bar Journal'', October 2002]


==Clicklaw Wikibooks Cheatsheet==  
==Clicklaw Wikibooks Cheatsheet==  
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:<tt><nowiki>__NOGLOSSARY__</nowiki></tt>   
:<tt><nowiki>__NOGLOSSARY__</nowiki></tt>   
at the end of the text of a page.
at the end of the text of a page.
==Plain language writing==
===A short definition of "Plain English"===
Brian Garner, from ''Legal Writing in Plain English,'' 2001, pp xiv:
<blockquote><tt>A word about "plain English." The phrase certainly shouldn't connote drab and dreary language. Actually, plain English is typically quite interesting to read. It's robust and direct—the opposite of gaudy, pretentious language. You achieve plain English when you use the simplest, most straightforward way of expressing an idea. You can still choose interesting words. But you'll avoid fancy ones that have everyday replacements meaning precisely the same thing.</tt>
</blockquote>
===Plain language tips===
We are writing with the public reader in mind, not lawyers or other legal advocates. Depending on the wikibook, you may need to aim for a very low reading level. For example, [[Legal Help for British Columbians]] serves very basic information so people can take the first step towards finding help for their common legal problem. [[JP Boyd on Family Law]], on the other hand, presumes a higher reading level, since it offers motivated self-represented individuals a slightly more detailed description of family law. Both groups of readers benefit from plain language writing methods. 
Some tips to consider when writing or reviewing legal information for the public:
# Think about your reader and question what they know or don't know. 
# Think about questions your readers will have on the topic, and organize your thoughts accordingly.
# Summarize main points using headers.
# Organize steps or similar information with lists.
# Write brief sentences and keep paragraphs short.
# Use common phrases and words.
# Avoid unnecessary descriptive adverbs and words.
# Write in the active voice and keep verb and subject close together.
# Ask another reader to evaluate your writing.
===More on plain language writing===
* [http://www.cba.org/cba/practicelink/cs/plainlanguage1.aspx CBA PracticeLink: Plain language legal writing]
* [http://www.plainlanguage.gov/examples/before_after/index.cfm Before and After Comparisons from www.plainlanguage.gov]
* [http://www.plainlanguage.gov/whatisPL/definitions/Kimble.cfm Joe Kimble, ''The Elements of Plain Language'' in the ''Michigan Bar Journal'', October 2002]


==Additional resources==
==Additional resources==
Retrieved from "https://wiki.clicklaw.bc.ca/index.php?title=Special:MobileDiff/22671"

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