What is the impact of using the active voice in legal writing?

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What is the impact of using the active voice in legal writing?

The use of active voice in legal writing has several impacts. Firstly, it enhances clarity and precision in conveying information. By using active voice, the subject of the sentence performs the action, making it clear who is responsible for what. This helps to avoid ambiguity and confusion, which is crucial in legal documents where precision is of utmost importance.

Secondly, active voice adds strength and conviction to the statements made in legal writing. It creates a direct and assertive tone, making the arguments or assertions more persuasive. This is particularly important in legal documents such as contracts, pleadings, or legal opinions, where the writer aims to present a strong and convincing case.

Furthermore, active voice promotes brevity and conciseness in legal writing. It allows for shorter sentence structures and eliminates unnecessary words or phrases, making the text more concise and to the point. This is essential in legal writing, where the use of complex language or excessive verbiage can lead to confusion or misinterpretation.

Lastly, the use of active voice in legal writing helps to establish accountability and responsibility. By clearly identifying the subject performing the action, it becomes easier to attribute legal consequences or obligations to specific parties. This is crucial in legal documents, as it ensures that the rights and responsibilities of each party are clearly defined and enforceable.

In summary, the impact of using active voice in legal writing includes enhanced clarity, strength of arguments, brevity, and accountability. It contributes to the effectiveness and precision of legal documents, ensuring that the intended message is conveyed accurately and convincingly.