Also known as: plain language movement · plain-language · plain language · plain English movement
Written by attorneys · grounded in primary & secondary sources — see below
An organized effort by legal professionals to promote the use of clear and concise language in legal documents instead of traditional legalese.
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Paula Pierce and Preston Pratt signed a premarital agreement without independent counsel. The document used dense legal phrasing instead of a straightforward description of the rights being waived. A court later refused to enforce the agreement against Paula because it failed to supply the required plain-language explanation of the modified marital rights.
Piper Patel, as surviving spouse, executed a marital agreement with her late husband. The document contained no independent legal representation and offered only technical language rather than a clear account of the rights being waived. The probate court declined to uphold the waiver against Piper for lack of the mandated plain-language explanation.
Priscilla Parks drafted procedural guidelines for an impeachment trial using everyday wording instead of archaic phrasing. The simplified document allowed senators to follow the sequence of steps without repeated clarification. Adoption of the plain-language version reduced disputes over the trial's structure.
Pablo Perez prepared a municipal ordinance regulating religious practices with direct, nontechnical sentences. City officials and residents could understand the restrictions without consulting lawyers. The plain-language drafting helped the ordinance withstand challenges over vagueness.
Philip Powell revised a copyright registration form for a telephone directory using short sentences and common words. The updated notice enabled small businesses to complete the filing without outside assistance. The plain-language approach increased accurate submissions and reduced errors.
Patriot Insurance redrafted an agency licensing regulation in straightforward language. License applicants could now follow the compliance steps without repeated requests for clarification. The plain-language version sped up approvals and lowered administrative burdens.
The requirement ensures that a party without independent counsel receives a clear description of the rights being waived. Without that explanation the agreement is unenforceable against the unrepresented party.
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The movement favors concise, everyday wording that preserves accuracy while eliminating unnecessary jargon. Traditional legalese relies on archaic phrases and complex structures that obscure meaning.
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Yes. The uniform acts condition the plain-language obligation on the absence of independent legal representation at signing. When counsel is present the requirement is excused.
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…perform functions necessary to that body as an institution. But there is no need to read the Appointments Clause contrary to its plain language in order to reach the result sought by the Court of Appeals. Article I, § 3, cl. 5, expressly authorizes the selection of the President pro tempore of the Senate, and § 2, cl. 5, of that…