Few words Quote by Will Rogers
“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
Source Speech: Public address, early 20th century, USA
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.
