In a recent article entitled “Abraham Lincoln as a Legal Writer” published in the Fall 2010 edition of the Nevada Law Journal, Judith D. Fischer discusses how President Lincoln developed his writing craft despite only one year of formal schooling. Using the Papers of Abraham Lincoln Project, the article surveys Lincoln’s court documents, speeches, poetry, and other writings.

Fischer posits that President Lincoln’s legal writing, as well as other writing in office, is remarkable for its lack of legalese. While the use of legalese and jargon was popular, Fischer writes: “Instead of falling into similar habits, Lincoln preferred ‘spare, clean’ expression. His legal documents are remarkably free of legalese, considering the time in which he wrote.”

The full article can be downloaded here.