Current through Register Vol. 54, No. 25, June 22, 2024
(a)General. No unnecessary word must be used. The courts seek to give effect to every word. An unnecessary word may defeat the true purpose of a statute. If a word has the same meaning as a phrase, the word should be used. The shortest sentences which bring out the meaning intended should be used. Compound sentences should be avoided.(b)Technical and complicated subjects. Simplicity and brevity should not, of course, be carried to an extreme. A technical subject cannot be treated without the use of some technical language. Care must be taken not to treat inadequately a complicated subject. Preciseness must not be sacrificed to simplicity. Be sure you say what you want to say and that it is neither too comprehensive nor too restricted.