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?
Everything we do in life has in one sense or another a
particular goal. Some things we do are automatic, like breathing, yet
there is always a goal. In business, the goal is to provide a benefit to
others. In sports, the goal is to perform to the highest of our
athletic ability. In law, the goal is to
make a winning record in writing!
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!
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Learn More>>
Click Here
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May you find Strength in Your Higher Power,
By Ruth:
When I realized I could not afford
the high price of an attorney to represent me I was terrified.
One day I was speaking to a friend, a fellow foster parent who
just recently won her case using a book. She told me about
Standing, I got my copy and started to work. The instructions
are easy to follow and by the time you are done you will
understand precisely what you are doing.....All Pro Se. (Read more...)
http://nfpcar.org/Jurisdictionary/
