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International Journal of Law and Management: Plain language in Mauritius: an empirical study of legal communication in Mauritius
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Abstract
Purpose – Irrespective of various forms of language existent worldwide, it is still imperative that recipients
of professional legal advice be communicated in clear terms to avoid a chaotic situation and to better fulfil
obligations and enjoy the rights to which they are entitled to appropriately. As such, the objectives of this
paper are twofold: firstly, this paper aims to assess the extent to which clients of the legal profession prefer
plain over traditional legal language in Mauritius, a country using a myriad of languages, and secondly, to
suggest recommendations for the legal stakeholders in Mauritius regarding guidelines and mechanisms on
plain language provisions.
Design/methodology/approach – This study will use a desk-based research methodology by analysing
existing literature on the importance of plain language in legal writing. In addition, an empirical study will be
conducted to gather information on clients’ preferences in legal communication.
Findings – The responses were received on a complete anonymous basis, and it was found that in general,
clients of the legal profession in Mauritius are more at ease when law practitioners use simple, direct and
straightforward terms, sentences structured in active voice rather than passive voice or the use of legal
jargons or complicated words. These clients also prefer when their legal advisers explain the legal meaning or
interpretation in a document or agreement even if these advices may be longer than shorter sentences with
only the legal jargons.
Originality/value – At present, there are few literature on the researched topic and this study will be
among the first academic writings on the effectiveness of using plain language in legal documentation in
Mauritius. The study is carried out with the aim of combining a large amount of empirical, theoretical and
factual information that can be of use to various stakeholders and not only to academics.
Ambareen Beebeejaun - Personal Name
NONE
Text
ENGLISH
EMERALD INSIGHT
2023
ENGLAND
JURNAL ILMU HUKUM
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APA Citation
Ambareen Beebeejaun. (2023).International Journal of Law and Management:
Plain language in Mauritius:
an empirical study of legal
communication in Mauritius.(Electronic Thesis or Dissertation). Retrieved from https://localhost/etd