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
- Plain Language.gov
- American Bar Association: Written Materials
- Harvard Law School: Cyberlaw Research
تعليقات