SAY: The guard will issue a security badge to each employee who works in Building D and each employee who works in Building E. You will avoid the problem of whether the rule applies separately to each member of a class or jointly to the class as a whole.ĭON'T SAY: The guard will issue security badges to the employees who work in Building D and Building E.
To the extent your meaning allows, use a singular noun instead of a plural noun. Use the singular noun rather than the plural noun. SAY: Be sure to reply to the invitation promptly. SAY: Be sure to reply promptly to the invitation. The split infinitive offends many readers, so avoid it if you can.ĭON'T SAY: Be sure to promptly reply to the invitation. (Note that the category "each State" is established first and then the exceptions are stated.) Avoid split infinitives. SAY: Each state except Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona must ration. and Wyoming (a list of 47 states) must ration. When you use an exception, state the rule or category first then state its exception.ĭON'T SAY: Alabama, Alaska.
However, you may use an exception if it avoids a long and cumbersome list or elaborate description. SAY: Each person under 18 years of age must. If possible, state a rule or category directly rather than describing that rule or category by stating its exceptions.ĭON'T SAY: All persons except those 18 years or older must. SAY: The Governor must appoint a person qualified by the Personnel Management Agency.Ī negative statement can be clear. If you can accurately express an idea either positively or negatively, express it positively.ĭON'T SAY: The Governor may not appoint persons other than those qualified by the Personnel Management Agency.
#Legal document writer license
SAY: The fine for driving without a license is $10.00. By drafting in the present tense, you avoid complicated and awkward verb forms.ĭON'T SAY: The fine for driving without a license shall be $10.00. For this reason, you should draft regulations in the present tense. Use the present tense.Ī regulation of continuing effect speaks as of the time you apply it, not as of the time you draft it or when it becomes effective. This style results in procedures that are shorter, crisper, and easier to understand. SAY: Attach a copy of your W-2 to your return. Regulations lend themselves to this style, especially procedures, how-to instructions, and lists of duties.
To impose a legal obligation, use "must."ĭON'T SAY: The Governor shall approve it. Infers obligation, but not absolute necessity Imposes obligation, indicates a necessity to act Imposes an obligation to act, but may be confused with prediction of future action
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