Skip to content

CS Professional · Drafting, Pleadings and Appearances · General Principles of Drafting

Ritu is drafting a notice for Himalaya Pharma Ltd. She uses short sentences, avoids archaic words like 'hereinafter' where plain words work, and uses the active voice. A senior objects that the notice looks too simple to be legally valid. What is the correct view?

Plain and simple language is the preferred drafting practice. A document's legal validity rests on its substance, proper authority and compliance with law, not on archaic or complex wording, so Ritu's short, active-voice notice is acceptable.

  1. APlain, simple language is preferred; legal validity depends on substance and compliance, not on complexityCorrect
  2. BArchaic words are mandatory for validity
  3. CThe notice is invalid unless it contains Latin maxims
  4. DActive voice is prohibited in legal documents

Explanation

Modern drafting favours clear, simple and concise language. Validity depends on content, authority and statutory compliance, not on ornate wording. No rule requires archaic terms, Latin maxims or passive voice.

Did you get it right without looking?

One question tells you little. A timed set on General Principles of Drafting shows your real accuracy, how long you take and where you lose marks.

Practise General Principles of DraftingFree diagnostic mock

More General Principles of Drafting questions