Legal English : How to Understand and Master the Language of Law

Legal English: How to Understand and Master the Language of Law offers a contemporary guide for students and practitioners alike who want to improve their language skills and build confidence in communicating effectively from the classroom to the courtroom. The second edition has been completely revised and updated to cover all aspects of language as used in a legal context where effective communication is crucial to both academic and professional success. Cover Legal English Contents Acknowledgements Preface Part 1 Written communication skills Academic writing Learning objectives Introduction Academic writing style Sentence structure Spelling Paragraph writing Writing for exams and coursework Acknowledging the source in academic writing Summary Reading law at university Learning objectives Introduction Reading techniques Note making Legal sources Summary Writing letters, e-mails and internal documents Learning objectives Introduction Letter writing in practice Structure and style Writing internal documents Summary Drafting legal documents for business Learning objectives Drafting company documents Company meetings and resolutions Notice of general meeting Drafting legal agreements Summary Drafting for court Drafting documents for court Idiomatic use of legal english Recording terms of settlement Summary Part 2 Oral communication skills Oral presentation skills Learning objectives Introduction Oral presentation at university Mock trials and mooting Summary Interviewing and advising Learning objectives Introduction Introductory stage: ‘ice-breaking’ Fact-gathering stage Advice stage Closing stage Summary Negotiation Learning objectives Introduction Why negotiate? The negotiation process Concluding stage Without prejudice negotiation Negotiating styles and strategies Recording the agreement Summary Advocacy Learning objectives Introduction Commencement Trial advocacy Application advocacy: making an application to court A civil case: choosing the correct part of speech Language practice for a criminal case Addressing the court: speaking techniques Note taking in court Advocacy practice Alternative dispute resolution (adr) Summary Appendix: Legal study and research guide Glossary Suggested answers to exercises Index __Legal English: How to Understand and Master the Language of Law__ offers a contemporary guide for students and practitioners alike who want to improve their language skills and build confidence in communicating effectively from the classroom to the courtroom. 'Legal English' will enable students to confidently write on and discuss legal topics as well as conduct legal work - such as drafting legal documentation, negotiating, litigating, advising, presenting, writing and acting as an advocate