The minute you read something and you can't understand it…
“The minute you read something and you can't understand it, you can be sure it was written by a lawyer. Then, if you give it to another lawyer to read and he don't know just what it means, then you can be sure it was drawn up by a lawyer. If it's in a few words and is plain, and understandable only one way, it was written by a non-lawyer.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Legal writing tends to be complex and obscure, while plain language indicates a non‑lawyer author.
In simple terms: Complex legal text signals a lawyer; simple text signals a non‑lawyer.
Key Takeaway
Prefer clear, plain language to avoid confusion.
Themes
communication
law
clarity
Mood
critical
informative
Type
advice
observational
When to use this quote
- contract drafting
- policy writing
- public speeches
- educational materials
Key Concepts
legalese
plain language
interpretation
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you simplify legal documents without losing meaning?
- When is technical language essential?
A Different Perspective
Legal jargon can be necessary for precision, limiting plainness.