Idea plain language a teksty prawne

• Authors: Zych Natalia

Title variants

EN

The Idea of Plain Language vis-à-vis Legal Texts

• Languages of publication: PL

Abstracts

EN

The article touches upon plain-language movement from the legal writing perspective. There exist many definitions of plain language but all agree that this is an example of effective way of writing. Wide range of tools and standards of plain language promotes communication which audience can understand the first time they read and act upon. Interestingly, the idea of plain language postulates reflecting on legal drafting assumptions since legal acts should be precise, clear, and express with no doubts intention of the legislator. The article describes different aspects of plain language and contains examples of implementing plain language into legal writing. The main goal is to challenge myths about plain language in legal writing and search for potential solutions for clearing up legalese, where it is possible. Article was divided into four main parts: • First part concerns the postulate of universal understanding of the law and its implementation in the world. There are examples of initiatives from the United States, United Kingdom, New Zealand, Australia, and Poland. • The second part deals with the practical use of plain language in legal texts. It describes Martin Cutts’ project, which had an impact on subsequent changes in tax laws in United Kingdom. • Next section describes plain language standards and attempts to use selected tools and techniques in the part of the Polish law on consumer rights from 2014. • The last part refers to the criticism that accompanies attempts to implementing the techniques of plain language in legal texts.

• Publisher: Kancelaria Prezesa Rady Ministrów
• Journal: Przegląd Legislacyjny
• Year: 2016
• Issue: PL 3(97)
• Pages: 65-90

Contributors

author

Zych Natalia

• (Tychy-Tychy)