NCJ Number
147555
Date Published
1993
Length
615 pages
Annotation
The author explains how judges can make their decision and opinion writings more readable and persuasive.
Abstract
Those critical of a written expression of a judge may say that it: 1) is incomplete; 2) lacks sequence; 3) is general rather than specific, which causes the reader to fill in the blanks; 4) fails to connect the law with the facts of a case; 5) contains supplementary, non-essential, distracting material; 6) contains more subjective than objective language; 7) includes an indiscriminate use of citations; 8) is too wordy; 9) is confusing; 10) lacks good organizational structure; or 11) purports to decide more than is necessary. The author reviews existing and new methods, styles, rules, and techniques which, along with personal experience, should enhance the judge's writing skills. Included in this handbook are sections on the preliminary process; ethics; the fact-finding process; drawing conclusions of the law; the use of referees and drawing inferences; the value of oral arguments; reading, interpreting, and applying cases; effective writing; word usage; style; the use of supplementary material; publication of judicial writings; the use of law clerks; computers; and motivational factors. There also are exercises and sample critiques with editors' marks. Bibliography, index