LEGALESE Meaning and
Definition
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Legalese refers to the special language and terminology used in legal documents, contracts, statutes, and court proceedings that may appear complex, technical, or difficult to comprehend for individuals who are not versed in the legal profession. It is a style of writing that emphasizes precision and explicitness often at the expense of clarity and simplicity. The term can also encompass the use of archaic language, Latin terms, and overly formal expressions.
Legalese is characterized by its extensive use of specialized jargon and legal concepts, making it inaccessible to the average reader. This intentional complexity serves a specific purpose in the legal field, ensuring precision, specificity, and the preservation of legal tradition. However, it can present challenges for those without legal training, impeding their ability to understand the legal implications and consequences of certain documents.
Critics argue that legalese can perpetuate exclusion and hinder access to justice, as it creates a barrier for individuals seeking legal information or trying to navigate the legal system. Efforts have been made to simplify legal language through plain language initiatives, which aim to make legal documents and information more accessible and understandable for the general public.
Overall, legalese is a distinct form of language used within the legal sphere, characterized by its technicality, formality, and complexity, which can pose challenges for those not familiar with legal terminology and conventions.
Top Common Misspellings for LEGALESE *
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
Other Common Misspellings for LEGALESE
Etymology of LEGALESE
The word "legalese" is derived from the combination of two words: "legal" and "-ese".
- "Legal" originates from the Latin word "legalis", which refers to "pertaining to the law". This term entered the English language through Old French in the 14th century.
- The suffix "-ese" often denotes a language or style associated with a particular place or subject. For example, "Japanese" refers to the language or people of Japan, and "Chinese" refers to the language or people of China.
Therefore, by adding "-ese" to "legal", the term "legalese" was formed to describe a style or language that is characteristic of legal documents, discourse, or terminology. Legalese often refers to the complex, technical, and excessively formal language used in legal texts, which may appear difficult to understand for those not trained in the legal field.
Similar spelling words for LEGALESE
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