Search Results for: Plain language

What is plain language A communication is in plain language if its wording, structure, and design are so clear that the intended readers can easily find what they need, understand what they find, and use that information. The International Plain Language Federation Plain Legal language is the same, but focuses on legal communications. To draft […]

Plain language discussed through (1) Democracy and inclusion, (2) Digitalization and design and (3) Saving time and money. And more! Meet more than 100 speakers from 25 countries. See the website for more information about this wonderful conference.

Co-hosted by Clarity, the Mexican Ministry of Public Administration and the Instituto Tecnológico Autónomo de México. The theme of Clarity2008 was ‘Legal Language: Transparent and Efficient’, reflecting the Mexican Government’s efforts to promote the use of plain language as a route to becoming more transparent, efficient, and closer to citizens’ needs. It was the first Clarity conference […]

Jointly hosted by Clarity and the US Center for Plain Language. Clarity2012 offered delegates a fascinating insight into the introduction of the US Plain Writing Act of 2010.

Published in The Clarity Journal 62 – November 2009 Shortly after the Second World War, the British Treasury invited Ernest Gowers to write a train- ing pamphlet for the civil service on the use of English by officials. The  result,  Plain  Words, was published by His Majesty’s Stationery Office (HMSO) in April 1948. A review […]

Published in The Clarity Journal 62 – 2009 Dr Robert Eagleson Down the centuries, lawyers have regularly been the butt of criticism and cruel jokes be- cause of the convoluted way they write. From certain perspectives these unfavourable judgements are appropriate and fair; yet, in over 30 years experience working closely with lawyers, I have […]

In 2023, Clarity introduced its Hall of Fame. It recognizes someone who 2025 inductees Robert Eagleson Robert Eagleson for his groundbreaking plain-English work in Australia. Robert contributed extensively to the first plain-English legal document (a car insurance policy) in1976 and to the monumental report Plain English and the Law, by the Victorian Law Reform Commission. […]

Joe Kimble and his coauthor, Bryan Garner, won a prestigious Burton Award for Book of the Year on Legal Writing. The book—which is available for free online—is Essentials for Drafting Clear Legal Rules. Every Clarity member should have it ready to hand—and consult it often. Joe is, of course, a longtime Clarity representative for the USA and […]

Save the date! Join us in Vancouver from 5–8 May 2027 to explore how plain language, legal design and emerging technologies are reshaping legal communication, access to justice, and the way people find, understand and use legal information. The conference will bring together lawyers, judges and court professionals, editors, translators, policy professionals, researchers, designers, accessibility specialists and others who […]