![Bracket [ ]
A pair of symbols used to enclose written or
printed material which has been changed from its
original writing or printing. i.e.,
For example, “[a] pair of symbols [which are] used
to [surround words] which ha[ve] been changed
from [their] original [format].”](https://image.slidesharecdn.com/tipsforreadingandunderstandinglegaldocuments-140708153339-phpapp02/85/Tips-for-Reading-and-Understanding-Legal-Documents-9-320.jpg)
Tips for Reading and Understanding Legal Documents
- 1. Tips for Reading and Understanding Legal Documents
- 2. This short presentation is designed to visually reinforce the concepts related to comprehension of legal documents. We will start by referencing an actual case – Brady vs. Maryland.
- 3. Brady v. Maryland 83 S.Ct. 1194, 373 U.S. 83 (1963)
- 4. What do all these numbers mean? 83 S.Ct. 1194, 373 U.S. 83 (1963)
- 5. 83 S.Ct. 1194, 373 U.S. 83 (1963) Vol. Page Reporter Year
- 6. 83 S.Ct. 1194, 373 U.S. 83 (1963) Vol. Page Reporter (Parallel Citation)
- 7. Here are some examples. . . Remember to master “legalese” too! It’s not just numbers…
- 8. Ellipsis (. . . or ***) The omission of a word or phrase required for a complete syntactical construction, but not necessary for understanding. i.e., “The omission of a word . . . required for a complete syntactical construction, but not necessary for understanding.
- 9. Bracket [ ] A pair of symbols used to enclose written or printed material which has been changed from its original writing or printing. i.e., For example, “[a] pair of symbols [which are] used to [surround words] which ha[ve] been changed from [their] original [format].”
- 10. Sic Used in written texts to indicate that a surprising or paradoxical word, phrase, or fact is not a mistake and is to be read as it stands. i.e., “Holy s***! (sic),” exclaimed Sergeant Furr, “Did you see what he wrote in that report?”
- 11. Headnotes A summary of the points decided in the case, which are placed at the beginning of the report (and refer to like-numbered sections in the body of the case). Note: You can not quote from headnotes.
- 12. Syllabus A brief statement of the facts, combined with the rulings of the court upon the point, or points, decided in the case. Note: Sometimes written by the court, but usually written by a Westlaw attorney. You can not quote from the syllabus.
- 13. Opinion The official written statement by a judge or court of the decision reached in regard to a cause tried or argued before them, expounding the law as applied to the case, and detailing the reasons upon which the judgment is based. Note: You can quote from any part of the opinion.
- 14. Understanding legal writing is not easy at first, but it gets easier with practice. Read a few case opinions, and refer to these tips when needed!