Contact Form

Name

Email *

Message *

Cari Blog Ini

Law Legal English Legal Writing Massachusetts Institute Of Technology

Why Are Legal Documents So Incomprehensible?

A Look at the Research

The MIT study found that legal documents are often written in a way that is difficult to understand because they are:

  • Full of jargon. Legal jargon is a specialized vocabulary that is often unfamiliar to non-lawyers.
  • Abstract. Legal documents often use abstract concepts that are difficult to grasp.
  • Dense. Legal documents are often packed with information, which can make them difficult to follow.

The Consequences of Incomprehensible Legal Documents

The incomprehensibility of legal documents can have a number of negative consequences, including:

  • People may not be able to understand their legal rights and responsibilities.
  • People may not be able to effectively participate in the legal system.
  • The legal system may seem less fair and just to those who cannot understand it.

What Can Be Done?

There are a number of things that can be done to make legal documents more comprehensible, including:

  • Using plain language. Plain language is a clear and concise writing style that is easy to understand.
  • Organizing documents logically. Documents should be organized in a way that makes it easy to find the information you need.
  • Providing definitions. Any unfamiliar terms should be defined in a glossary.
  • Using examples. Examples can help to illustrate complex concepts.
  • Getting feedback from non-lawyers. Non-lawyers can provide valuable feedback on the comprehensibility of legal documents.

By taking these steps, we can make the legal system more accessible to everyone.

Additional Resources


Comments