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Plain Language and the Art of Drafting Judgments

The art of handing down a judgment is complex. Among other skills, it takes an ability to transform a thought process into a clear text. This text, the judgment, becomes not only a source of law, but also the main tool judges use to communicate with the parties.

Who is the audience for judgments? Who needs to understand them? What are the challenges of using plain language in a communication tool that serves many masters? Are there limits to plain language in judgments?

We gathered together three people who are well aware of the importance of this issue and have taken it to heart: the Chief Justice of the Court of Quebec, the Associate Chief Justice of the Quebec Superior Court and a well-known legal columnist. They enthusiastically agreed to discuss the topic frankly and share their opinions.

This was a one-of-a-kind event!

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