Questions and Answers
What did Justice Oliver Wendell Holmes state regarding the law?
The prophecies of what the courts will do are what I mean by the law.
Which of the following sentences is punctuated correctly for formal legal writing?
Which of the following sentences is correctly punctuated for formal legal writing?
Which of the following sentences effectively uses a transitional word that shows a place in a sequence?
Signup and view all the answers
Which altered quotation is formatted correctly for legal documents?
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following sentences communicates the state government's requirements clearly?
Signup and view all the answers
In which of the following sentences is the list of items structured correctly?
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following is true about the use of italics in legal writing?
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following sentences is written correctly for formal legal writing?
Signup and view all the answers
Which sentence below would be preferred in formal legal writing?
Signup and view all the answers
Identify the words and phrases that modify the verb phrase 'refused to speak' in the sentence: The young, female defendant refused to speak with her worried parents during visiting hours.
Signup and view all the answers
When formatting a block quotation in a legal memorandum containing an internal quotation, which of the following is true?
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following reflects the recommended use of punctuation in formal legal writing?
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following is true about tabulated lists?
Signup and view all the answers
Identify the correct string citation.
Signup and view all the answers
What resource or resources should you consult first to determine the appropriate legal writing abbreviation for 'Louisiana District Court'?
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following sentences reflects the best choice of punctuation for formal legal writing?
Signup and view all the answers
This question is based on the following quotation: 'So, first of all, let me assert my firm belief that the only thing we have to fear is fear itself—nameless, unreasoning, unjustified terror which paralyzes needed efforts to convert retreat into advance.' Choose the altered quotation that is punctuated correctly for formal legal writing.
Signup and view all the answers
What numbering system would be best for including a list in a legal memorandum?
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the choices below correctly revises the passive verb form in the following sentence: Jim Warren, a constitutional law professor, was sued by Tom Baxter, a contracts professor?
Signup and view all the answers
In which of the following sentences are the listed items structured correctly?
Signup and view all the answers
Which sentence is most correct for formal legal writing?
Signup and view all the answers
In which of the following sentences are the listed items structured correctly?
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following is a complete sentence (an independent clause)?
Signup and view all the answers
Choose the answer in which each item in the series flows independently from the lead-in phrase.
Signup and view all the answers
Choose the answer that displays an acceptable use of capitalization within an embedded (in-text) list.
Signup and view all the answers
Under which of the following circumstances should you not format a quotation in your writing as a block quotation?
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following sentences is correct?
Signup and view all the answers
Identify the prepositional phrase in the following sentence: We must quickly ensure that there are no easements or outstanding debts on the property.
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following is not true when creating a tabulated list?
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following sentences is best written for formal legal writing in the United States?
Signup and view all the answers
Identify all of the transitional words and phrases in the following passage: Furthermore, the officers entered without a warrant. Thus, the court concluded that the evidence the officers found had to be suppressed.
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following sentences is correctly punctuated for legal writing?
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following statements is true concerning the use of quotation marks in formal legal writing?
Signup and view all the answers
Which one of the following is correctly punctuated?
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following reflects the recommended use of punctuation to join compound words in formal legal writing?
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following sentences contains the correct plural form of the noun 'mass'?
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following sentences is punctuated correctly for formal legal writing?
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following examples properly distinguishes a word or phrase of special meaning (a term of art) from the rest of the text for formal legal writing?
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following reflects the recommended use of punctuation in formal legal writing?
Signup and view all the answers
Which sentence is correct?
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following sentences is correctly punctuated for formal legal writing?
Signup and view all the answers
In legal writing, which of the following correctly signals that the author is using the exact words of another person or document in a quotation of fewer than fifty words?
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following reflects the recommended use of punctuation in formal legal writing?
Signup and view all the answers
Choose the answer that best uses descriptive and concrete language:
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following sentences is written correctly?
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following sentences describes an event that occurred over a period of time in the past (and was not a singular occurrence)?
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following is not an acceptable format for ordering a tabulated list in legal writing?
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following sentences is written correctly for formal legal writing?
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following sentences is correct for formal legal writing in the United States?
Signup and view all the answers
In which of the following passages is the author's meaning most clear?
Signup and view all the answers
Choose the sentence in which the adverb creates confusion.
Signup and view all the answers
Assuming that State v. Hobgood supports the entire sentence set forth below, choose the answer that displays correct placement, punctuation, and capitalization of a citation sentence.
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following reflects the recommended use of punctuation in formal legal writing?
Signup and view all the answers
Identify the sentence below that is punctuated correctly for formal legal writing.
Signup and view all the answers
Identify the sentence below that is punctuated correctly for formal legal writing.
Signup and view all the answers
Identify the sentence that is punctuated correctly for legal documents.
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following best reflects the recommended use of punctuation in formal legal writing to signal an interruption to which the writer would like to draw attention?
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following sentences is an appropriate paraphrase of the following quotation: 'I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.'
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following reflects the recommended use of punctuation in formal legal writing?
Signup and view all the answers
In the following sentence, which quoted words were said by someone other than Judge Smith? Judge Smith asserted that uncertain legal standards tempt citizens to 'steer far wider of the unlawful zone' than if the boundaries of the forbidden areas were clearly marked.
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following sentences is correct? Assume that the defendant has only one appeal that needs to be filed.
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following sentences is correctly punctuated for formal legal writing?
Signup and view all the answers
Which sentence is correct?
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following sentences is written correctly for formal legal writing?
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following is true about tabulated lists?
Signup and view all the answers
Choose the answer that best uses active and concrete verbs.
Signup and view all the answers
In which of the following sentences is the author's meaning most clear?
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following sentences is best written for formal legal writing?
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following reflects the recommended use of punctuation in formal legal writing?
Signup and view all the answers
Suppose you wish to format a block quotation correctly in a legal memorandum, and suppose that the block quotation contains an internal (nested) quotation. Which of the following is true?
Signup and view all the answers
Choose the answer that best uses active and concrete verbs.
Signup and view all the answers
Which sentence is correct?
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following sentences is written correctly for formal legal writing?
Signup and view all the answers
You are creating a block quotation and want to format it correctly. Which of the following statements is not true?
Signup and view all the answers
Which sentence is correct?
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following correctly transforms a noun into its base verb?
Signup and view all the answers
This question is based on the following quotation: 'We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.' Choose the altered quotation that is punctuated correctly for formal legal writing.
Signup and view all the answers
You are writing a legal memorandum and want to include the following list. Which numbering system would be your best option?
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following has the best punctuation to signal an interruption that is separate from the writer's point?
Signup and view all the answers
Assuming that State v. Salters supports only the first clause in the sentence set forth below, choose the answer that displays correct placement, punctuation, and capitalization of a citation clause (not a citation sentence).
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following examples properly distinguishes a word or phrase of special meaning (a term of art) from the rest of the text for formal legal writing?
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following passages is properly cited?
Signup and view all the answers
Identify all of the transitional words and phrases in the following passage: However, we will need time to prepare. Therefore, we will have to ask the court for an extension.
Signup and view all the answers
Choose the answer in which the list is punctuated correctly for legal documents.
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following best reflects the recommended use of punctuation in formal legal writing to signal an interruption to which the writer would like to draw attention?
Signup and view all the answers
Noelle would love to take all of the following classes, but she has room in her schedule for only one. Which sentence below communicates that idea clearly and correctly?
Signup and view all the answers
Identify the string citation that is correct:
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following sentences contains a modifying word or phrase that creates confusion?
Signup and view all the answers
You represent Mary, who had a number of drinks at a bar and was intoxicated. She took a taxi home but was mistakenly arrested the next day for driving drunk and causing an accident. Which sentence most effectively de-emphasizes the fact that Mary was drinking?
Signup and view all the answers
Which one of the following pairs of sentences is written correctly for formal legal writing?
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following sentences is written correctly for formal legal writing?
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following sentences is correctly punctuated for formal legal writing?
Signup and view all the answers
What noun (person, place, or thing) does the pronoun 'its' refer to in the following sentence? The company may decide to accept a settlement in its lawsuit against the consultant.
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following sentences is punctuated correctly for formal legal writing?
Signup and view all the answers
Study Notes
Capitalization in Embedded Lists
- Capitalization rules are essential for clarity in embedded (in-text) lists.
Quotation Formatting
- Do not use block quotations for normal quotes containing fewer than forty-nine words unless special emphasis is needed.
Sentence Structure
- Use "which" for non-restrictive clauses. Example: "The Stravinsky brief, which is important, will take all day."
Prepositional Phrases
- Prepositional phrases provide essential context, such as "on the property" in legal documents.
Tabulated Lists
- Tabulated lists should not consistently require commas between items; separation guidelines allow for varied formatting.
Formal Legal Style
- Maintain consistency in pronouns; "Everyone in the conspiracy were present" is incorrect; use "was" for singular agreement.
Transitional Words
- Recognize transitional phrases like "Furthermore" and "Thus" to enhance the flow and clarity of legal writing.
Punctuation in Quotes
- Correctly punctuate possessive forms in phrases like "This eyewitness's account..." to denote ownership accurately.
Use of Quotation Marks
- Employ quotation marks to emphasize colloquialisms, "so-called" phrases, and nicknames appropriately.
Punctuation and Sentence Structure
- Follow strict punctuation rules around quotes, ensuring all internal punctuation adheres to standard styles in legal writing.
Compound Words
- Properly hyphenate compound adjectives, e.g., "twelve-year-old" to maintain clarity in legal documents.
Plural Nouns
- Recognize correct plural forms in context, ensuring clarity in terms like "stellar masses" without incorrect apostrophes.
Effective Distinction of Terms
- Use quotation marks for legal phrases that hold particular meanings to clarify the text's intent.
Proper Use of Commas
- Employ commas appropriately, especially in conjunctions to separate clauses, enhancing readability in legal writing.
Descriptive Language
- Use specific, vivid language for clarity, such as "two-hundred-year-old live oak" instead of vague descriptors.
Historical Context in Writing
- Use past progressive tense ("were interviewing") to indicate ongoing actions in the past, preferable in legal contexts.
List Formatting
- Recognize varied acceptable formats for listing items (e.g., bullets vs. numbers) according to legal documents.
Subject-Verb Agreement
- Ensure agreement between subjects and verbs; a singular subject requires a singular verb form.
Clarity in Legal Statements
- Strive for succinctness and clarity in conveying meaning, particularly in discussing legal liability or responsibility.
Adverb Placement
- Be mindful of adverb placement to avoid confusion; for instance, "Mary realized quickly" vs. "Mary quickly realized."
Signal Conclusions
- Use transitional phrases effectively to signal conclusions to enhance coherence in argumentation.
Citation Placement and Format
- Properly format legal citations to conform with legal standards, ensuring clarity and authority in referenced works.
Use of Dashes
- Distinguish interruptions in thoughts clearly with em dashes for improved readability and emphasis in legal contexts.
Phrasing and Paraphrasing
- Paraphrase effectively while retaining the original meaning, critical in legal writing to avoid misinterpretation.
Accuracy in Legal Filings
- Use precise language in legal documents, particularly concerning noun possessives, to avoid ambiguity.
Final Clarity in Legal Writing
- Foster clarity and correctness in punctuation throughout legal writing to maintain professionalism and authority.### Formal Legal Writing
- Correct sentence structure: "All relevant memos and briefs are in the case file" emphasizes proper grammar.
- Active voice: "The plaintiff sued to hurt the defendant" is preferred for clarity and directness.
- Proper punctuation enhances understanding: Sentences should avoid unnecessary interruptions or awkward phrasing.
Tabulated Lists
- Lead-in stems for lists must start on a new line, be indented one tab from the left margin, and should not interject line spacing before the first listed item.
Quotation Formatting
- Block quotations should have a line space before and after, should be formatted with appropriate indentation, and if including an internal quotation, single quotes should be used.
Punctuation Rules
- Attention to detail is crucial: Commas, semicolons, and colons should be correctly applied to delineate complex ideas or separate list items effectively.
- Interruptions in sentences must be clearly marked with dashes or parentheses as per formal writing standards.
Citation Clarity
- Accurate citation formatting is essential: Ensure that citations are correctly placed, punctuated, and follow recognized guidelines in legal texts.
- Direct quotes must retain the original meaning and punctuation, ensuring the citation reflects the author's exact words.
Lists and Numbering
- Legal documents favor specific numbering formats for clarity. For example, using numbers (1) for lists followed by colons ensures that the reader can easily digest each element presented.
Transitional Phrases
- Use transitional words effectively to indicate sequence or contrast, enhancing the logical flow of arguments or narratives in legal documents.
Distinguishing Terms of Art
- Clear distinction of specialized legal terminology is necessary for proper understanding and interpretation in formal writing. Terms should be emphasized or defined properly.
Sample Sentences and Corrections
- Correct examples demonstrate adherence to punctuation norms and the structure required in formal legal writing, including positioning of quotation marks and comma usage.
- Clarity and precision in conveying ideas are paramount: Simple constructions that eliminate ambiguity are always preferred.
Additional Notes
- Maintaining proper tense and subject-verb agreement is essential; errors can lead to misunderstandings in legal contexts.
- Consistent formatting and grammar usage contribute to a more professional and credible presentation of legal documents.### Eligibility for Employment in State Government
- Applicants must present one of the following identification forms: passport, valid driver's license, or social security card.
Sentence Structure in Legal Writing
- Correct structuring of items is important; use consistent verb forms.
- The sentence "The chef cooks the chicken, prepares the salad, and bakes the cake" represents proper parallel structure.
Use of Italics in Legal Writing
- Italics can denote foreign phrases not commonly used in legal contexts.
Formal Legal Writing Rules
- Use "meets" instead of "meet" for subject-verb agreement: "Roger... meets with his parole officer each week."
- Preferred wording includes clear arguments, e.g., "The attorney argued that 'reasonable effort' should be construed..."
Identifying Modifiers
- The phrase "with her worried parents" modifies "refused to speak" in the sentence about the defendant.
Quotation Formatting in Legal Memoirs
- For block quotations containing internal quotes, use double quotation marks for the block and single for the internal quote.
Punctuation in Legal Writing
- Utilize semicolons to separate independent clauses for clarity: e.g., "The plaintiff does not claim...; the plaintiff only alleges..."
Tabulated Lists
- The lead-in for a tabulated list should be flush with the left margin and followed immediately by listed items.
String Citations
- Ensure proper citation formatting based on jurisdiction standards.
Punctuation Preference
- In formal writing, ensure consistent and visually clear punctuation: "Before the guests arrive, the following tasks must be completed..."
Quotation Alterations
- When quoting, alterations must be punctuated correctly: using brackets for alterations is preferred.
Legal Memorandum Structure
- The use of numbered lists in legal memoranda should maintain clarity and order.
Passive to Active Voice
- Revising sentences from passive to active voice improves clarity: "Jim Warren, a constitutional law professor, sued Tom Baxter..."
Sentence Completeness
- A complete sentence must have a subject and predicate, exemplified by "It was raining when she crossed the defendant's property..."
Consistent Flow in Series
- Ensure each item in the series is independent from the lead-in phrase for clarity and grammatical accuracy.
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
Description
Test your understanding of essential grammar rules tailored for the legal profession. This quiz focuses on capitalization in lists and proper formatting for quotations. Enhance your legal writing skills with these challenging questions.