Plain language standard part 2: Legal communication

ISO is a non-governmental organisation that consults with experts from around the world to agree on the best way of doing things.

Part 2 of the standard sets out tips for authors to use to help readers understand legal communication and exercise their legal rights and responsibilities. It also builds on the foundation for plain language in part 1 of the standard.

Who’s the standard for?

The standard is for writers and readers of legal communication.

The standard steps out how authors can write in plain legal language. This is legal communication that is written, structured and designed in a way that means readers can easily:

• find what they need
• understand what they find
• use that information.

Overview of the standard

The guidelines in this standard are based on the 4 principles from part 1. These principles are:

1. Relevant – readers get what they need
2. Findable – readers can easily find what they need
3. Understandable – readers can easily understand what they find
4. Usable – readers can easily use the information.

The standard explains how authors can apply principles from part 1 in legal contexts that require them to:

• reach multiple audiences with different needs
• legally meet structural and design requirements
• explain complex and nuanced legal ideas
• explain processes that readers must navigate to exercise their legal rights and responsibilities.

Within these principles, the standard provides guidelines for:

• collaborating with all experts from the start
• minimising the need for readers to refer to other documents
• using consistent terms for the same concepts
• reviewing your content and getting feedback from your audience.

Part 2 of the standard also includes a checklist to use when you’re developing content in plain legal language. The checklist is organised by the plain language principles and asks questions to help authors apply the guidelines.

Who does plain language benefit?

Plain language is for everyone. It makes communication accessible for more people, whether your audience is specialists, colleagues, clients or friends.

Writing in plain language allows your audience to understand your content the first time they read it. This is particularly important in legal contexts, where you might require your reader to act on what you’ve written or understand their obligations.

Plain language helps you meet these aims. It can improve your relationship with your audience as well as save you time and resources.

Plain language training

Do you want to learn how to write and edit in plain language? Our interactive training will give you the practical skills to make your writing clear, concise and easy to understand.

The training covers:

• understanding and writing for your audience
• writing clear, direct sentences
• choosing your words and avoiding jargon
• being aware of passive voice versus active voice
• using correct and consistent grammar
• creating a plain language document.

Throughout the workshop, you’ll be able to practise your new skills and get feedback.

Learn more about our plain language training.

Where to learn more

Read more about the international plain language standard for legal communication and buy the full standard on the ISO website.