ISBN Lookup

AI Overview

"Legal Usage: A Modern Style Guide" by Peter Butt is a comprehensive guide to legal writing and style, aimed at both students and practitioners of law. Here is a detailed overview of the book:

Key Themes

  1. Legal Style and Terminology:

    • The book covers all aspects of legal style, including terminology, concepts, and institutions, providing a one-stop resource for students and practitioners.

  2. Clarity and Precision:

    • It emphasizes the importance of clarity and precision in legal writing, which are essential skills for effective legal communication.

  3. Technical Effectiveness:

    • The guide is structured to explain the elements of good legal writing and its most effective use, making it a valuable resource for improving technical writing skills.

  4. Usage by Usage:

    • It catalogues legal style, topic by topic, phrase by phrase, usage by usage, scrutinizing each aspect and suggesting improvements.

  5. Practical Applications:

    • The book includes practical advice on matters such as abbreviations, acronyms, active and passive voice, brackets, bullet points, citation methods, cross-referencing, fonts, document design, footnotes, gender-neutral language, numbering systems, plain legal language, punctuation, the use of Latin in law, structures for legal advice and documents, and techniques for editing and proofreading.

  6. Simplifying Legal Language:

    • It aims to show that lawyers can often substitute plain-English equivalents for complex legal terms, capturing the legal nuances without obscurity.

Plot Summary

The book does not have a narrative plot but rather serves as a reference guide. It is structured in an A-Z format, providing answers to various legal questions and covering hundreds of topics relevant to legal writing and style.

Critical Reception

The book has received positive reviews from legal professionals and educators:

  1. Scholarship and Judgment:

    • The book is praised for its remarkable scholarship and judicious recommendations. It demonstrates thoughtful and knowledgeable analysis, recognizing possible exceptions and distinctions while acknowledging contrary arguments.

  2. Practical Value:

    • Reviewers have noted that the book is a valuable resource for both students and practitioners. It is recommended for its practical advice and comprehensive coverage of legal style.

  3. Educational Value:

    • It is highly recommended for students starting their careers in law, as it provides a clear and precise guide to effective legal writing.

  4. Expert Endorsement:

    • Legal professionals and educators have endorsed the book for its clarity and precision, making it a required reading for those engaged in the practice and study of law.

Overall, "Legal Usage: A Modern Style Guide" by Peter Butt is a highly regarded resource in the field of legal writing, offering practical guidance and comprehensive coverage of legal style and terminology.