What is 'legalese'? An animated explainer

Summary

The script discusses 'Legalese,' a complex language used by lawyers, notorious for its long sentences, Latin terms, and archaic words. It's challenging even for native speakers, but learning it can enhance English proficiency and help understand legal rights. The Cambridge Dictionary describes it as difficult to understand, highlighting the need for precision in legal documents.

Takeaways

• 📚 'Legalese' is the specialized language used by lawyers and in legal documents.
• 😵 Long sentences and the use of Latin terms make Legalese confusing for many readers.
• 📖 The Cambridge Dictionary describes Legalese as language that is difficult for ordinary people to understand.
• 🤔 Even native English speakers find Legalese challenging due to its complexity.
• 📝 Lawyers often use Legalese to ensure precision and eliminate ambiguity in legal documents.
• 🤷‍♂️ Some admit that Legalese could be simplified for better understanding.
• 👨‍🏫 Learning key phrases in Legalese can enhance one's English language skills.
• 🛡 Understanding Legalese can potentially help individuals better comprehend their rights.
• 📚 The script suggests learning the language of law for improved communication and awareness.
• 💡 The transcript implies that sitting comfortably is recommended when beginning to study Legalese.

Q & A

What is 'Legalese' and why is it considered complicated?

Legalese is the specialized language used by lawyers and in legal documents, characterized by its complexity and use of Latin terms and old-fashioned words, making it difficult for ordinary people to understand.

Why do legal documents often include Latin terms and old-fashioned words?

Legal documents use Latin terms and old-fashioned words to maintain a level of precision and formality that is traditionally associated with the legal profession.

According to the Cambridge Dictionary, what is the definition of Legalese?

The Cambridge Dictionary defines Legalese as 'language used by lawyers and in legal documents, that is difficult for ordinary people to understand'.

Is understanding Legalese challenging even for native English speakers?

Yes, understanding Legalese can be challenging even for native English speakers due to its specialized vocabulary and complex sentence structures.

What is the reason some lawyers give for the complexity of Legalese?

Some lawyers argue that the complexity of Legalese is necessary to make legal documents as precise as possible, eliminating any ambiguity.

Are there opinions within the legal profession that Legalese could be simplified?

Yes, there are opinions within the legal profession that suggest Legalese could be simplified to make it more accessible to the general public.

What is the suggested benefit of learning key phrases from Legalese?

Learning key phrases from Legalese can help make one a better English speaker and potentially assist in understanding one's rights.

Why is it recommended to be sitting comfortably before beginning to learn Legalese?

It is recommended to be sitting comfortably before beginning to learn Legalese as a way to acknowledge the complexity and effort required to understand this specialized language.

What does the script suggest about the general public's ability to understand legal documents?

The script suggests that the general public may struggle to understand legal documents due to the complexity of Legalese.

What is the purpose of using long sentences in legal documents according to the script?

The script does not explicitly state the purpose of using long sentences, but it implies that they contribute to the complexity and precision of Legalese.

How does the script describe the relationship between learning Legalese and understanding one's rights?

The script suggests that learning the language of law, specifically Legalese, may help individuals better understand their rights.