WORDS AND PHRASES
§ 15.141. Choice of words and phrases.
(a) General. The objective in legislative drafting is to make the final product as precise and understandable as possible. There are hundreds of expressions, legal and otherwise, that can be simplified. The choice of words is important. They should be plain and well understood. Well turned phrases are effective in lawyers’ briefs and in court opinions, but have no place in statutes. Language which is peculiarly limited to legal diction should be avoided in favor of ordinary and common phraseology, if the popular words convey the meaning equally well.
(b) Guidelines. In drafting statutes, the following general guidelines should be followed:
(1) Select short, familiar words and phrases that best express the intended meaning according to common and approved usage.
(2) Never use a long word where a short one will do.
(3) If it is possible omit a word and preserve the desired meaning, always omit the word.
(4) Never use a foreign phrase, a scientific word, or a jargon word if an everyday English equivalent can be used.
(5) Use the same word throughout if the same meaning is intended and do not use the same word to denote different meanings.
(6) Avoid the use of indefinite terms, such as ‘‘reasonable’’ that invite litigation but supply a definite standard or vest discretion in a designated official where it is appropriate.
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