Below is one of the many emails received from Jurisdictionary .
What is Good Legal Writing??
Please note, as the writer of this blog, GranPa Chuck, I am not a lawyer. Not to mention my very first encounter was over a decade ago. In my case, it was as a Foster Parent, who was Falsely Accused. However, the techniques suggested are very similar. (Check out part of My Story).
Since this time, it breaks my heart when I see so many who are Falsely Accused as being treated as the worst Parent and/or Care Giver in the eyes of other. However, in your defense, one must show clearly that they have done everything to be the best for the child.
Before reading this particular email from Author of "How to Win" Step-by-Step Self-Help Course (Jurisdictionary)Take a moment to read this related blog "Basic Example of a Great Defense"
There is no "Magic" in Defending yourself.
And whether you seek council of a lawyer or not, you must do your homework and know the State Statutes, particular to your concerns. (State Statute Summaries relating to Family Court-A great starting point.)
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What is good legal writing?
I want you to think about this question ... hard and long!What is your goal?
- Impress the judge?
- Confuse the opponent?
- Or, win the case?
Many lawyers and most pro se litigants miss this point ... they get sidetracked with unimportant distractions!
Every word spoken in a courtroom or written on paper filed with the clerk or served on the other side must aim toward this specific goal.
All words that aren't aimed at making a winning record must go!
Since 1997 when Jurisdictionary
began, people have sent documents for review. In all but a few the
punch, power, and persuasive effect could be improved by eliminating 90%
of the words and by keeping only those aimed at making a winning
record.Most of what came for review read more like the writer was trying to tell a story, rather than trying to make a winning court record of relevant facts and controlling law!
Legal writing is NOT story-telling!
Any fact that's not "relevant" and any law that's not "controlling" should be eliminated.I rebuilt a few car engines in my youth. I removed bolts, nuts, gaskets, and pins. I placed the removed parts on a sheet of cardboard on the floor of my garage. All was arranged neatly in order. When the time came to put the engine back together, every part had a place, and that's where I put each part ... in its place!
A place for every part. Every part in its place.
I didn't add any parts! I didn't leave any parts out!
That's good legal writing!
Every word has a purpose ... to make your winning record.
More years ago than I like to remember, I worked as a
reporter for the Tampa Times newspaper. My city editor was ruthless with
my writing. I learned from him. Since being admitted to the bar in
1986, I've applied what he taught me. "Say what needs to be said then stop!"
What was true for newspaper writing is doubly true for legal writing.Say what needs to be said and stop!
Write like you were "speaking" to an 8th grader. You aren't Jimmy Buffet. You don't need a "novelist's eye" or a "bartender's ear". You aren't telling a story! You're assembling essential parts of a powerful engine.
That's what good legal writing does! Each part has a specific purpose.
What I teach will empower your legal paperwork and give you the competitive edge you need to win!
Related Blog Post: Legal Research - Ignorance is NO Excuse
Another Great Site: Legal Online Self Help
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Learn More>> Click Here
Another Great Document for Your Library--Now Available
"Standing in the Shadow of the Law", 4th Ed.
"Standing in the Shadow of the Law", 4th Ed.
Learn More>> Click Here
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May you find Strength in Your Higher Power,
May you find Strength in Your Higher Power,
Defend Yourself
http://nfpcar.org/Jurisdictionary/
http://nfpcar.org/Jurisdictionary/
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