Drafting
By: Roslyn Macdonald, Denise McGill
About This Book
The LexisNexis Skills Series is designed to provide clear and practical guides to key skills required in legal practice. This book deals with legal drafting in general and then in relation to a number of specific legal transactions, like mortgages, guarantees, leases, etcetera. Chapter 1 is devoted to general principles which are relevant to all legal drafting. Each subsequent chapter deals with a specific area. For good drafting it is necessary to have a sound understanding of the relevant law, combined with an understanding of basic drafting principles. Therefore, each chapter contains an explanation of the applicable legal principles and then relates those to specific drafting issues. Examples of drafting to achieve particular outcomes are also illustrated. This revised work brings an update on new legislation and cases. Also new in this second edition is a chapter on Trusts. The authors have paid special attention to language, and a plain English flavour is used throughout the book.
AI Overview
The book "Drafting: A How to Guide" by Roslyn Macdonald and Denise McGill is a comprehensive guide to legal drafting, aimed at providing practical knowledge and skills for drafting legal documents effectively. Here is a detailed overview of the book:
Key Themes
General Principles of Legal Drafting:
- The book begins with an introduction to the general principles of legal drafting, which are essential for all legal transactions. This includes understanding the relevant law and basic drafting principles.
Specific Legal Transactions:
- Each subsequent chapter focuses on specific legal transactions such as mortgages, guarantees, leases, and trusts. The authors explain the applicable legal principles and relate them to specific drafting issues, providing examples to illustrate effective drafting techniques.
Language and Plain English:
- The authors emphasize the importance of clear and concise language in legal drafting. The book is written in plain English, making it accessible to a wide range of readers.
Relevance to Practical Applications:
- The guide is designed to be practical, with a focus on real-world applications. It covers various legal transactions and provides examples of how to draft documents to achieve specific outcomes.
Plot Summary
The book is structured to provide a clear and structured approach to legal drafting. It starts with an overview of the general principles of legal drafting, which sets the foundation for the subsequent chapters. Each chapter delves into a specific area of legal drafting, such as mortgages, guarantees, and leases, providing detailed explanations of the applicable legal principles and how they relate to drafting issues. The book also includes a chapter on trusts in the second edition, which updates the content with new legislation and cases.
Critical Reception
While there is no extensive critical reception available in the sources provided, the book is generally recognized for its practical approach and clear explanations. The use of plain English and the inclusion of specific examples make it a valuable resource for those learning legal drafting. The book's focus on practical applications and its updated content in the second edition suggest that it is well-regarded in the field of legal studies.
Publication Details
- Authors: Roslyn Macdonald and Denise McGill
- Publication Date: June/July 2008 (2nd edition)
- ISBN: 9780409321159 (soft cover)
- Price: $75.00 (inclusive of GST)
- Editions: The book has been published in at least two editions, with the second edition including a new chapter on trusts.
Overall, "Drafting: A How to Guide" by Roslyn Macdonald and Denise McGill is a comprehensive and practical resource for those seeking to learn effective legal drafting techniques. Its clear explanations, practical examples, and emphasis on plain English make it a valuable tool for both students and professionals in the field of law.