Lawyers should use the Oxford comma to help avoid ambiguity. Three ambiguities may arise without this comma: Whether the two final items in a list are one combined element or separate.
Are commas used in legal documents?
According to Cuny School of Law, commas must separate independent clauses whenever they are joined together by coordinating conjunctions, such as and, for, but, or, yet and nor. You should also use commas to separate three or more phrases, clauses or words within a sentence (eg:phrases, clauses or words).
Is Oxford comma used in formal writing?
Generally, whether to include the Oxford comma or not is up to the writer. However, not including the Oxford comma can sometimes lead to misunderstandings caused by ambiguity. For example: This research is dedicated to my professors, Angela and Samuel.
Why are commas not used in legal documents?
Commas are softer in effect than full stops and semi-colons, and are therefore unsuitable for long lists. They should not be used simply as an alternative to using short sentences or if there is any risk of ambiguity.
Is the Oxford comma always necessary?
The Oxford comma has been around for centuries, but is entirely optional: the rules of punctuation do not demand its use. Technically it’s never wrong, but it may not always be necessary.
Do law firms use Oxford comma?
The Oxford comma can be controversial for many writers and readers, but there’s one industry where its use is not up for debate: the legal industry. When it comes to laws, contracts, and other legal documents, clarity is key.
What is the standard format for legal documents?
8.5 x 11 inches
So, stick to standard size paper (8.5 x 11 inches) double-spaced in a readable, professional font. If your firm has a preferred font, it’s fine to use it here. All chapters, pages, appendixes, and exhibits should be kept in order. Number pages consecutively from start to finish (as opposed to chapter-by-chapter).
When should you not use an Oxford comma?
The use of the Oxford comma is stylistic, meaning that some style guides demand its use while others don’t. AP Style—the style guide that newspaper reporters adhere to—does not require the use of the Oxford comma.
Is the Oxford comma still acceptable?
Contrary to what most students believe, the Oxford comma isn’t grammatically correct. But that doesn’t mean it’s wrong to use it. Instead, it’s grammatically optional.
Is Oxford comma more professional?
The argument for the Oxford comma
If you’re following a stylebook to write a paper or article, be sure to check its policy for commas. The Chicago Manual of Style is pro-Oxford comma, while the Associated Press Stylebook is decidedly against it as a rule—but will allow it for the sake of clarity.
Do law firm names have commas?
” In the 20th century, most law firm names were designed to emphasize the individuality of the lead partners, hence the commas separating their names,” he wrote in an email.
What does a comma mean legally?
a pause between
The Concise Oxford Dictionary Twelfth Edition states that ‘comma’ is a punctuation mark which indicates a pause between parts of sentence or which is used for separating items in a list. The Major Law Lexicon defines ‘comma’ as the smallest division of a sentence in language.
Why is correct grammar important in legal documents?
Lawyers work with the written word and are obligated to handle the language with mastery, accuracy and precision. Their main duty is to adequately articulate the positions and the arguments of their clients, and know how to clearly communicate their ideas.
Why don t lawyers use the Oxford comma?
Use of the Oxford comma is mostly a matter of preference and varies by region and profession. Lawyers should use the Oxford comma to help avoid ambiguity. Three ambiguities may arise without this comma: Whether the two final items in a list are one combined element or separate.
Why is the Oxford comma so controversial?
This practice is controversial and is known as the serial comma or Oxford comma, because it is part of the house style of Oxford University Press.” There are cases in which the use of the serial comma can avoid ambiguity, and also instances in which its use can introduce ambiguity.
Why do journalists not use the Oxford comma?
The Associated Press Stylebook, the grammar stylebook commonly used by journalists, says not to use the comma UNLESS omitting it can lead to confusion or misinterpretation.
Is Oxford the best for law?
Oxford University and Cambridge University, but which university is better? Oxford and Cambridge are famous for having law schools with world-class legal experts as teaching staff. Both universities are ranked second and third in the world rankings of law and legal studies universities.
Is there a comma before and in legal writing?
“In legal writing, place a comma at the end of each item listed, including the item listed immediately before the and.” Mary Barnard Ray & Jill J. Ramsfield, Legal Writing: Getting It Right and Getting It Written 86 (4th ed., West Group 2005).
Is Oxford good in law?
Oxford’s Law Faculty consistently ranks among the top three worldwide.
What writing format do lawyers use?
The Bluebook: A Uniform System of Citation, print. The style most commonly used by lawyers and legal scholars.
What type of format do lawyers use?
Most lawyers use WordPerfect and Microsoft Word.