Bachelor of Laws: Legal Writing & Drafting
A comprehensive guide to legal research created by the VU Law Library
Textbooks
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Legal writing and drafting guide : a custom publication for Victoria University by Call Number: K 101 LEGISBN: 9780409348736Publication Date: 2018 -
Modern legal drafting : a guide to using clearer language by Call Number: KL 34 BUTISBN: 9781107607675 -
Legal Usage: A Modern Style Guide by Call Number: KL 40 K1 BUTISBN: 9780409341461Publication Date: 2018Also available online in full-text
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Drafting contracts : how and why lawyers do what they do by Call Number: KN 10 G1 STAISBN: 9780735594777 -
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Legal Drafting: A How to Guide by Call Number: KL 34 K1 MACDISBN: 9780409339888Publication Date: 2015 -
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Legal Writing & Drafting
Plain english is straightforward, concise language that is appropriate for the intended audience. This usually involves avoiding complex or verbose language, obscure terms, and jargon. It may also involve simplifying the structure and syntax of a document or communication to make it more accessible to its audience. Also known as 'plain language'.
(Encyclopaedic Australian Legal Dictionary, 2016)
Australian Encyclopaedia of Forms & Precedents
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Drafting Techniques ChapterThis guide was adapted from the title “Drafting Techniques” by Ros McDonald. This version was edited in line with the principles in Neil James, Writing at Work: How to Write Clearly, Effectively and Professionally (Allen and Unwin, 2007).
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Plain English Drafting GuideIntroduction; Planning your content; Structuring effectively; Using clear, concise language; Drafting for consistency; Finalising your text
Legal Writing & Drafting Resources
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Australian Encyclopaedia of Forms & Precedents - Lexis AdvanceContains over 4,000 legal forms and precedents covering 93 areas of law. Precedents are drafted in plain English, by experienced practitioners. Introductory notes explain the purpose of individual forms, precedents and clauses, and indicate where and when each should be used.
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College of Law Practice Papers (Lawyers Skills) - Lexis AdvancePractice Paper S101 Plain Language Drafting
Practice Paper S102 Drafting Transactional Documents and Writing Letters and Emails -
Court Forms, Precedents and Pleadings, Victoria - Lexis AdvanceDesigned to guide practitioners through the process of preparing and filing of documents in the Victorian court system – from the Magistrates Court to the County Court and the Supreme Court. The forms, precedents and pleadings are accompanied by expert commentary.
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Lawyers Practice Manual - WestlawAUA procedural guide which deals with the everyday questions of legal practice and procedure.
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Ross on Crime (Legal Writing) - WestlawAUPractical advice on style and grammar.
Journals in Print and Online
AGIS (Attorney Generals Information Service) - is the leading legal journals database in Australia. Use AGIS to search hundreds of journals for articles about Legal Writing & Drafting.
If you wish to browse, then the journals below may be useful places to start.