Core Grammar for Lawyers Post Test Quiz & Flashcards

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?

The law student said, "My contracts professor is so wise. She said, 'Remember Justice Cardozo's statement, "Law never is, but is always about to be." Thus, you will never stop studying the law.'"

The law student said, "My contracts professor is so wise. She said, 'Remember Justice Cardozo's statement, 'Law never is, but is always about to be.' Thus, you will never stop studying the law.'" (correct)

The law student said, 'My contracts professor is so wise. She said, 'Remember Justice Cardozo's statement, 'Law never is, but is always about to be.' Thus, you will never stop studying the law.''

The law student said, "My contracts professor is so wise. She said, "Remember Justice Cardozo's statement, "Law never is, but is always about to be." Thus, you will never stop studying the law.""

Which of the following sentences is correctly punctuated for formal legal writing?

During his stay in Mill Valley California, he was working as an associate attorney.

During his stay in Mill Valley, California he was working as an associate attorney.

During his stay in Mill Valley California he was working as an associate attorney.

During his stay in Mill Valley, California, he was working as an associate attorney. (correct)

Which of the following sentences effectively uses a transitional word that shows a place in a sequence?

Third, some attorneys focus on property and real estate transactions. Signup and view all the answers

Which altered quotation is formatted correctly for legal documents?

"The world will little note, nor long remember what we say here, but it can never forget what [those who died] did here. It is for us the living, rather, to be dedicated here to the unfinished work which they who fought here have thus far so nobly advanced." Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following sentences communicates the state government's requirements clearly?

In order to be eligible for employment in state government, an applicant must present one of the following forms of identification: a passport, a valid driver's license, and a social security card. Signup and view all the answers

In which of the following sentences is the list of items structured correctly?

The chef cooks the chicken, prepares the salad, and bakes the cake. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is true about the use of italics in legal writing?

Italics may be used for foreign phrases that are not used commonly in legal writing. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following sentences is written correctly for formal legal writing?

Roger, part of a group of convicted felons, meets with his parole officer each week. Signup and view all the answers

Which sentence below would be preferred in formal legal writing?

The attorney argued that 'reasonable effort' should be construed as meaning what an average person would do. 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.

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?

You should put double quotation marks around the block quotation and single quotation marks around the internal quotation. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following reflects the recommended use of punctuation in formal legal writing?

The plaintiff does not claim that the defendant's actions constitute a breach of the agreement; the plaintiff only alleges unfair and deceptive trade practices on the part of the defendant. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is true about tabulated lists?

Once you have created your lead-in (introductory) stem, then all listed items come immediately below it, with no extra space after the stem, and justified to both the left-hand and the right-hand margins. Signup and view all the answers

Identify the correct string citation.

a. 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'?

c. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following sentences reflects the best choice of punctuation for formal legal writing?

Before the guests arrive, the following tasks must be completed: vacuuming the living room and, also, the hallway; cutting the grass in the front yard; and cooking dinner. 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.

'[T]he only thing we have to fear is fear itself—nameless, unreasoning, unjustified terror which paralyzes needed efforts to convert retreat into advance.' Signup and view all the answers

What numbering system would be best for including a list in a legal memorandum?

Crimes against persons include (1) murder, (2) rape, and (3) assault. 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?

Jim Warren, a constitutional law professor, sued Tom Baxter, a contracts professor. Signup and view all the answers

In which of the following sentences are the listed items structured correctly?

The witness raised his right hand, swore an oath, and told the truth. Signup and view all the answers

Which sentence is most correct for formal legal writing?

He paid $165 for his constitutional law textbook. Signup and view all the answers

In which of the following sentences are the listed items structured correctly?

Article I Section 8 of the Constitution gives Congress the power to raise armies, to borrow money, to coin money, and to regulate commerce. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a complete sentence (an independent clause)?

It was raining when she crossed the defendant's property as usual. Signup and view all the answers

Choose the answer in which each item in the series flows independently from the lead-in phrase.

The defense filed an answer with the court, responded to the plaintiff's complaint, and moved to suppress evidence. 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?

The quotation contains forty-eight words and spans three lines of text, and the author does not need to draw special attention to it. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following sentences is correct?

I am going back to my office to work on the Stravinsky brief, which is going to take most of the day to finish. 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.

on the property Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is not true when creating a tabulated list?

Each item must always be separated by a comma. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following sentences is best written for formal legal writing in the United States?

Everyone in the conspiracy was present when the FBI raided the house. 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.

Furthermore, Thus Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following sentences is correctly punctuated for legal writing?

This eyewitness's account does not match the Defendant's story. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements is true concerning the use of quotation marks in formal legal writing?

Quotation marks may be used to separate a nickname from a proper name (like Senator Edward 'Ted' Kennedy). Signup and view all the answers

Which one of the following is correctly punctuated?

Did you hear the defendant say, 'I will go to court in a suit'? Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following reflects the recommended use of punctuation to join compound words in formal legal writing?

Gordon Smith, a twelve-year-old boy from Minnesota, was entitled to reasonable accommodations on his entry examination. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following sentences contains the correct plural form of the noun 'mass'?

Stellar masses cannot be determined by the unaided eye. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following sentences is punctuated correctly for formal legal writing?

While we acknowledge the two defendants' rights, it is clear that those rights were deliberately waived. 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?

The court said the standard of behavior is that of a 'reasonably prudent person.' Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following reflects the recommended use of punctuation in formal legal writing?

While the rules governing plagiarism in scholarly settings are stable across most academic disciplines, the conventions regarding the use of another's words in the practice of law are somewhat unique. Signup and view all the answers

Which sentence is correct?

The firm employs over 10,000 associates internationally. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following sentences is correctly punctuated for formal legal writing?

On December 2, 2000, Fisher and Watkins arrived at Winston's building. 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?

Double quotation marks ('...') on each end of the material. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following reflects the recommended use of punctuation in formal legal writing?

Without a relevant precedent, this Court must consider each of the elements of a public disturbance. Signup and view all the answers

Choose the answer that best uses descriptive and concrete language:

The defendant built a tree house in the plaintiff's two-hundred-year-old live oak. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following sentences is written correctly?

The university is facing a lawsuit by one of its students. 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)?

The Supreme Court Justices were interviewing new clerks. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is not an acceptable format for ordering a tabulated list in legal writing?

1.item Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following sentences is written correctly for formal legal writing?

The firm, having lost a suit brought by its employees, files for bankruptcy. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following sentences is correct for formal legal writing in the United States?

The team sued its manager, and the stadium moved to intervene because it felt it had an unrepresented stake in the conflict. Signup and view all the answers

In which of the following passages is the author's meaning most clear?

Clara's accident was caused by her negligence in the operation of her vehicle and in its maintenance. That is the reason my client is not liable for the accident. Signup and view all the answers

Choose the sentence in which the adverb creates confusion.

Mary realized quickly that she failed to sign the addendum. 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.

A basement that is used as a sleeping quarters meets the requirements of a sleeping apartment, even if it is used only occasionally., 434 S.E.2d 881 (N.C.Ct.App. 1993). Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following reflects the recommended use of punctuation in formal legal writing?

Consequently, Mr. Andrews was issued a citation and fined. Signup and view all the answers

Identify the sentence below that is punctuated correctly for formal legal writing.

He hit Mr. Edwards in the head with the butt of the gun, and then both he and Watkins fled. Signup and view all the answers

Identify the sentence below that is punctuated correctly for formal legal writing.

He hit Mr. Edwards in the head with the butt of the gun, and then both he and Watkins fled. Signup and view all the answers

Identify the sentence that is punctuated correctly for legal documents.

The defendant owns real estate in the following cities: Atlanta, Georgia; Raleigh, North Carolina; and Richmond, Virginia. 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?

Although the document was in an obvious place—in the case file on the floor next to her desk—Ms. Jones could not locate the document for several months. 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.'

Martin Luther King, Jr., believed that the United States could someday become a country where all people would be judged not '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?

Fisher's actions may satisfy both elements of the statute, and this charge should be brought against him. 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.

Steer far wider of the unlawful zone 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.

This is the defendant's appeal that I will file with the Wisconsin Supreme Court on Tuesday. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following sentences is correctly punctuated for formal legal writing?

The associate attorney is grateful for her highly efficient, organized legal assistant. Signup and view all the answers

Which sentence is correct?

The United States Supreme Court reversed the decision of the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following sentences is written correctly for formal legal writing?

All relevant memos and briefs are in the case file. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is true about tabulated lists?

The lead-in stem of a tabulated list should be separated from any preceding text and must be indented one tab from the left margin. Signup and view all the answers

Choose the answer that best uses active and concrete verbs.

The plaintiff sued to hurt the defendant. Signup and view all the answers

In which of the following sentences is the author's meaning most clear?

I want the file box on my desk by nine tomorrow; clear it first and then clip related documents together inside it. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following sentences is best written for formal legal writing?

Who among the parties will our firm be representing? Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following reflects the recommended use of punctuation in formal legal writing?

Meanwhile, the defendant watched the victim eyeing a designer handbag in the boutique window. 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?

You should put quotation marks at the beginning and end of the block quotation and use single quotation marks around the internal quotation. Signup and view all the answers

Choose the answer that best uses active and concrete verbs.

The plaintiff decided to bring a lawsuit against the defendant. Signup and view all the answers

Which sentence is correct?

Seven hundred plaintiffs joined the class action suit. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following sentences is written correctly for formal legal writing?

In practice, a group of agencies handles much of the legal rule-making in the United States. 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?

A block quotation should be right-hand justified but only if the document in which it is included is right-hand justified. Signup and view all the answers

Which sentence is correct?

Tomorrow will be the twenty-second anniversary of the judge's graduation from law school. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following correctly transforms a noun into its base verb?

Payment: pay 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.

'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....' 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?

The State brought three charges against the defendant: 1) murder, 2) rape, and 3) arson. 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?

The proliferation of informal writing (via email, text message, Twitter, and blogs) has caused some scholarly and legal publications to relax their standards. 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).

Intent to commit the felony of second-degree burglary is usually proven by circumstantial evidence, 308 S.E.2d 512 (N.C.Ct.App. 1983), absent a confession or a completed larceny. 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?

The court used Black's Law Dictionary to define 'practicable' as 'that which is performable.' Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following passages is properly cited?

'Such a comparison promotes the court's 'central' responsibility to 'make the assessment of what is a reasonable fee under the circumstances of the case.' 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.

However / Therefore Signup and view all the answers

Choose the answer in which the list is punctuated correctly for legal documents.

Law enforcement officers may not use deadly force to effect an arrest unless one of these requirements is satisfied: (1) the officer is threatened with death or serious bodily harm or (2) a third party is threatened with death or serious bodily harm. 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?

Courts have expanded the meaning of 'diversity' as a legal concept so that its original meaning—a 'doorway' for racial integration—is now far too limited. 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?

Although Noelle would like to take all of the following classes, she can only fit one into her schedule: International Law, Business Associations, or Advanced Legal Writing. Signup and view all the answers

Identify the string citation that is correct:

No option provided. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following sentences contains a modifying word or phrase that creates confusion?

The defendant hid the knife after robbing the liquor store in a coffee can. 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?

Although Mary was drinking, she did not drive. Signup and view all the answers

Which one of the following pairs of sentences is written correctly for formal legal writing?

The Bar Association convention was deemed 'a success.' The President said, 'It will be hard to match this one.' Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following sentences is written correctly for formal legal writing?

If the suspect were to run, she would be pursued. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following sentences is correctly punctuated for formal legal writing?

Our client, Mr. James Fisher, has been a real estate broker in this town for fifteen years. 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.

Company Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following sentences is punctuated correctly for formal legal writing?

At his retirement banquet, the Justice said, 'We can do no better than to remember Justice Oliver Wendell Holmes's observation that the prophecies of what the courts will do...are what I mean by the law.' 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.

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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.