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Full-Text Articles in Law
Rhetorical Repetition, Patrick Barry
Rhetorical Repetition, Patrick Barry
Articles
When it comes to persuading judges, boardrooms, or even just co-workers, many lawyers shy away from repetition. They remain committed to the idea, often developed in college, that good writing is associated with having (and showing) a big vocabulary. They mistakenly think the best thesaurus wins. This essay explores that error and offers ways to correct it.
And Your Point Is? Write Directly, Robert S. Anderson
And Your Point Is? Write Directly, Robert S. Anderson
Sturm College of Law: Faculty Scholarship
This article suggests two strategies for making your writing more direct: (1) make the reader a promise to be direct in the introduction of your piece; and (2) keep that promise by organizing the material to match the preview provided in your introduction and adopting a style that does not waste words.
Play It Again, Sam: Repetition-Part Ii, K.K. Duvivier
Play It Again, Sam: Repetition-Part Ii, K.K. Duvivier
Sturm College of Law: Faculty Scholarship
Repetition plays a key role in legal writing. The September "Scrivener" addressed using repetition to ensure accuracy, to build emphasis, and to connect ideas. This article focuses on using repetition to make readers comfortable with the writer's use of authorities and to alert them to key wording. In addition, the article explores balancing the use of repetition to avoid making readers bored or irritated.
Play It Again, Sam: Repetition-Part I, K.K. Duvivier
Play It Again, Sam: Repetition-Part I, K.K. Duvivier
Sturm College of Law: Faculty Scholarship
Repetition is part of learning. Advertising specialists do not expect their message to stick with consumers until the ad has aired at least three times. Yet, too much repetition can be both distracting and irritating. This column, and Part II, which will appear in the November 2001 issue, will address the role of repetition in legal writing.
Cease And Desist, K.K. Duvivier
Cease And Desist, K.K. Duvivier
Sturm College of Law: Faculty Scholarship
One characteristic of legal writing, parodied in the caricature above, is the use of multiple words when one word might suffice. This column first explores how the practice of pairing synonyms or stringing together alternatives originated. Next, it tells when to cut back on such repetition.