Legal Writing Styles: Clarity Vs. Complexity

Akwagiobe Richard Akpanke

Faculty of Law Kampala International University Uganda

ABSTRACT

This paper examines the dual demands of clarity and complexity in legal writing, examining how these contrasting approaches shape readers’ understanding and perception of legal texts. While clarity facilitates accessibility, especially for non-specialists, complexity often becomes essential to convey intricate legal doctrines accurately. The study investigated the historical context, the rationale behind both styles and the modern debate on balancing these elements in legal writing. Ultimately, it proposes strategies to harmonize clarity with necessary complexity, ensuring that legal writing meets diverse audiences’ needs while maintaining the precision critical to legal discourse.

Keywords: Legal Writing, Clarity in Legal Language, Complexity in Legal Texts, Communication in Law, Legal Jargon.

CITE AS: Akwagiobe Richard Akpanke (2024). Legal Writing Styles: Clarity Vs. Complexity. RESEARCH INVENTION JOURNAL OF LAW, COMMUNICATION AND LANGUAGES 4(1):1-4. https://doi.org/10.59298/RIJLCL/2024/4114