Judges Find Plain-English Legal Writing More Persuasive

A recent survey of almost 300 judges, including federal trial, federal appellate, state trial, and state appellate judges, reveals that judges overwhelmingly prefer plain-English legal writing to traditional “legalese” legal writing.

Judges commented that the plain-English version of a writing sample compared to a traditional legalese version of the same writing sample was “more persuasive because of the succinctness of the argument” and “easier to understand, more clear and straightforward, and therefore more persuasive.”  In Writing to Persuade Judges, Sean Flammer, found that judges found the cleaner, leaner plain-English version to be more effective and understandable.