As David Mellinkoff has noted, legal English encompasses « distinctive words, meanings, phrases, and expressions » (The Language of the Law, 1963). The formality of legal English makes it possible to emphasize the importance and meaning of certain international documents, such as declarations. This encourages the person signing the document, especially if they do not have legal training, to examine the document more carefully and appreciate its importance. However, it should not be forgotten for whom the document is actually intended; Although the use of international legal English results in a formal, impressive and intimidating document, if it causes confusion for the client, then neither the document nor the lawyer fulfills their role properly. Someone who does not understand international legal English will have difficulty creating or interpreting a legal document that balances the need for formality with the client`s requirements and understanding. Most specialized Legal English courses require students to have pre-existing English language skills, probably up to a lower intermediate minimum level. However, the majority do not require you to have passed a TOEFL or IELTS test and have a TOEFL or IELTS score. The Legal English component focuses on the following key areas: With the advent of English as the language of international business, legal English has become even more important in the international legal field. This is the common legal language that all non-English speaking lawyers use in their international transactions. Listen to what some of our former straighten English students had to say about the course.
This program combines lectures by lawyers and extensive practice of legal English used in LLM programs in the United States: « One of the main reasons why legal language is sometimes difficult to understand is that it is often very different from ordinary English. This involves two questions: If you have any questions about the program, please send an email legalenglish@wcl.american.edu Legal English, often referred to as Legal English, is the English version that lawyers and others involved in the legal profession, such as judges and legislators, use when discussing law and law-related issues. It is mainly used in written form, for example in the preparation of legal documents and laws, as well as in court proceedings. The use of legal English dates back thousands of years, at least in some form. There is no doubt that English is now the most widespread language in a globalized legal world. English is therefore often a prerequisite for working as an international lawyer. While the legal language in the Middle Ages combined Latin, French and English to avoid any ambiguity. According to Walter Probert, lawyers, beginning in the twentieth century, often manipulated language to make their campaign ideals more convincing. [12] Despite the ongoing international debate on the use of international legal English, it is clear that it is the professional language of the legal profession and therefore an important skill for any legal professional.
International Legal English is deeply rooted in the profession, whether it`s a positive or negative thing, and if you don`t know anything about it, it will only lead to a less effective and efficient lawyer. Many peculiarities in the use of modern form stem from its origins. Legal English originated in prehistoric Britain. Over the centuries, due to the wars with the French, Latin and Germanic peoples, it turned into a combination of all these languages, with many terms still used today. The term ad hoc, which is often used in legal documents, is Latin. The word tenant is of French origin. In the past, words from different languages were often used together to avoid uncertainty, a practice that is still used today. In addition, legal English is useful because of its dramatic effect: for example, a summons forcing a witness to appear in court often ends with the archaic threat of « Do not fail, at your own risk »; « Danger » is not described (arrested and charged with contempt of court), but the formality of the language tends to have a stronger effect on the recipient of the summons than a simple statement such as « We can arrest you if you do not appear ». Students visit law firms and legal institutions as part of this course. Legal English is a specialized variant of the English language (vocabulary, expressions and syntax) used by lawyers and in legal documents.
It is a distinct type of English and very different from ordinary conversational English. Legal English differs from Standard International English in that it refers to the style of English used by lawyers in their work. For example, language used in international treaties and statutes, which may also be referred to as « legal language ». Legal English has long been considered a necessary skill for lawyers in English-speaking countries, but due to the emergence of English as the language of international business, it is quickly becoming a necessary skill for all international law professionals to consider acquisition. In legal memoirs, Anglo-Norman developed into legal French, from which many words of modern legal English are derived. This includes property, estates, personal property, leases, executors and tenants. The use of French Law during this period had a lasting influence on the general linguistic register of modern legal English. This usage also explains some of the complex linguistic structures used in legal drafting. In 1362, the Plea Statute was published, stipulating that all trials should be conducted in English (but Latin). This marked the beginning of formal legal English; French law was used in some forms until the 17th century, although French law was increasingly degenerate.
For international lawyers, communicating with clients and other professionals from all cultures requires transnational legal awareness and cross-cultural linguistic awareness. [9] [10] Regardless of the form of legal writing, legal and language skills are an essential element of higher education and professional training. [11] « We learned a lot of legal vocabulary and also how the civil system works in Britain. I think the visit to the Supreme Court was great. I thought it was really cool when we witnessed a case. It was murder, and it was really interesting. I was worried because it was so different from Brazil, in the way the trial is conducted and the way the lawyers work. A pejorative term for abstruse forms of legal English is legal German.