Stručné, přímočaré a hlavně srozumitelné. Těmito slovy by šlo většinu právních textů popsat jen stěží. Přitom tomu tak být nemusí. Profesor Bryan A. Garner, jedna z nejuznávanějších osobností právního psaní, ve své knize nabízí bezmála padesát zásad psaní právních textů doplněných o praktická cvičení. K desítkám tisíc právníků, kterým tato kniha pomohla psát lépe, se můžete přidat i vy. Do rukou českých čtenářů se nyní dostává nejen přeložená, ale i adaptovaná na české prostředí. Jde o první knihu na českém trhu, která systematicky rozebírá psaní jednotlivých druhů právních textů – od žalob a rozhodnutí přes analýzy a odborné články až po smlouvy a zákony.
Bryan Garner is a genius. I wish I could use all of his suggestions in my legal writing, but (a) I'm a creature of habit; and (b) the legal profession is stuck in its bad old ways. Still, I do my best to use his better suggestions on a regular basis. No passive voice, people! Deep issues are the only way to go! Put cites in footnotes! Garner is an advocate of simplicity and reason in a profession that wades, eye-deep, in jargon and archaic clogged-up writing. Remember, good writing makes the reader feel smart, not stupid! Although aimed at lawyers, book would be valuable to anyone does a lot of analytical writing in their work. And of course, the book is impeccably written and engaging. You gotta give the guy props - he has managed to write a funny and engaging book about legal writing! Need I say more?
A lot of these tips are as good as tips go. But the book seems to believe that you have, among other things, a group full of lawyers willing to do work to create exercises for each other and access to senior lawyers who are willing to talk about their writing process whenever you'd like.
Some of the exercises include things like (I kid you not) find additional authority that support the tips made in the last chapter.
Garner also tends to treat his preferences like ironclad rules.
This gives some great legal writing tips that any professional legal writer can benefit from. The author's style is truly reflective of his impressive command in writing plain English.
If every lawyer read this and adhered to Garner's advice, it would be easier to do business. I know it's never going to happen, but I just had to say it.
written by legal writing guru Bryan Garner, is a must-own for any law student or attorney who is serious about improving his or her legal writing.
That’s because Legal Writing in Plain English teaches you the nuts and bolts of crafting excellent briefs and legal memoranda by laying out a step-by-step process for organizing your ideas, creating and refining your voice, and improving your editing skills.
Legal Writing in Plain English is divided into five masterful sections: (1) principles for all legal writing; (2) principles mainly for analytical and persuasive writing; (3) principles mainly for legal drafting; (4) principles of document design; and (5) methods for continuous improvement. Garner then walks you through these five principles and methods by reviewing dozens of real-world writing samples.
In brief, Garner’s common-sense approach to legal writing will help you crystallize the skills that all great legal writers possess.
This book has some practical ideas and applications for learning to write well. Persuasive writing and crafting a legal argument require a certain skill set, and such a skill set is presented in memorable terms. A good read to improve essay and research writing, especially beyond the graduate level.
A wonderful book on how to learn to write in clear English. I have already recommended this books many times to give to people. The book is very helpful in teaching you how to go from convoluted writing to easy to understand English. Highly recommended for anyone, not just lawyers.
I will not rate this book,,, I tried reading it and tried to understand it, but it was just too difficult for me,,, reading it felt like i was reading a book in a foreign language,,, i guess legal writing is just not my thing,,, =P
Excellent, though not great for lawyers who are not native speakers of English. Having said that, information in this book provides tips which can improve the structure and quality of legal writers no matter what their language, though I'd be happy to be challenged on this.
A great reference book for students. I haven't used the exercises or assigned those to my students, but the other parts of the book are incredibly useful for those who aim to improve their legal writing. The explanations and the examples are clear and succinct. A great resource.