Oxford University Press, USA The Elements of Legal Style

O autor é o editor-chefe do Black’s Law Dictionary, dicionário jurídico referência nos EUA. Como também de outras obras que tratam de temas correlatos à redação jurídica, como “Legal Writing in Plain English” e “The Winning Brief”. O livro em questão — “The Elements of Legal Style”, em particular, é um manual precioso para estudantes de Direito e profissionais da área, que preferem o estilo claro, objetivo, direto, sucinto, como ele diz, em “plain English”. É didático, inclui diversos exemplos interessantes, textos reais que utiliza para comparar e criticar, propõe conceitos que incluem escolha de palavras a tempos verbais, desafia o uso de jargões e lugares-comuns, entre outros pontos. Por fim, observo que, apesar de não haver tradução, o estilo da linguagem condiz com a proposta e conceitos que o autor defende, o que estimula a leitura e facilita a compreensão, e, consequentemente, o aproveitamento do conteúdo. Seria muito bom e oportuno se tivéssemos maior produção de obras específicas e qualificadas sobre esse assunto tão importante.

Very useful

An excellent book, the best on the market in this genre. Good examples, very well written, just a perfect book.

First introduced to Bryan A. Garner at one of his brief writing seminar, several years ago, I have since been a loyal reader of his works.This book is (1) a reference book, (2) an invaluable resource, (3) more than just a grammar or style book ever thought of being, (4) chocked full of historical information and legal literary quotes, (5) presented in a humorous and accessible manner, and (6) the standard to which all legal writers should aspire.Poor writing and the use of legalese have always been bug-a-boos of mine. And, over the lifetime of my legal practice, having to slave over thousands of statutes, briefs, decisions, motions, etc., has only intensified my belief that too few lawyers know how to write well, and that the legal profession should abolish the use of legalese from the practice of law.In Mr. Garner, I have found a champion. In "The Elements of Legal Style", writers wishing to take their craft beyond the stars will find a valuable cache of information that will lay the foundations to improve their writing and persuading skills. He shows you how to remove the legalese from your writing, how to make your writing dynamic and exciting, and how to use your writing to better persuade. This book, along with "The Winning Brief", should be the foundation of your arsenal of writing tools.

A great guide to writing plain language, designed especially for lawyers. Plenty of practical advice and detailed grammar sections to improve your knowledge too.