About

This web-log is precisely what it says on the tin: a series of notes on the style of the law. By style, I mean a broad sweep, covering everything from Strunk & White's classic understanding of English style, to typographic style in the model of Bringhurst, and the unique stylistic issues particular to the law, covered inter alia by Garner and (in the typographic context) Butterick. These, of course, are simply indicative references; there will be many other voices brought into dialogue, including those with whom I disagree (such as Gowers or Morison) All of this is be distinguished by the fact that I am concerned here specifically with law and in particular with the style of judgments and written submissions to the courts. Context, to paraphrase the Baroness Hale of Richmond psc, is everything. The context of the law, which must at once deal with the most sophisticated issues and be accessible, in some form, to the ordinary citizen, is an unusual and difficult one.  

Although this web-log shall taken an open approach and actively seek comparative study, its special focus shall be on the style of the law in England & Wales. Sadly, the English language literature on legal style is mostly centred on the United States of America; with the exception of a few fine books on legal style by English authors (and Garner does make many references to English law), there is relatively little content produced on English legal style specifically.   (There are far more England-specific volumes on spoken advocacy, the books on which usually contain some, but not nearly enough information on written submissions) This jurisdiction is an ancient and unique one, and requires tailored content to its specific context.

If this web-log has an agendum, it is to advance the case that good law emerges from good style, by which is meant that the law should be presented by counsel and the judiciary in the most beautiful, noble, and dignified form.

The proprietor of this web-log is Mr Elijah Granet The only responsibility for writing any particular posting is the name listed in the relevant by-line.