One of the seminal points in the development of plain statutory language is the change from the imperative “shall” to “must.” Although apparently small, this has proved to be a key marker of the adoption of plain language legislation.
Nutrition educators who choose and develop print materials need to learn plain language skills. However, distance, budgets, and time can limit attendance at trainings. To address these challenges, nutrition educators with the Oregon State University Extension Service developed Web-based information modules. Ellen described this exciting project and the positive reaction it has received from users.
Jean talked about how teams of people with developmental disabilities create plain documents. She described how they do it and how this work has changed her as a person. Janet discussed some of the problems of producing materials for people who have more difficulty reading and understanding. She gave suggestions based on experience and talked about the effects of the plain language movement on the rehabilitation profession.
This session is of special interest to plain language professionals who are increasingly asked about issues of clarity in translation. Do the syntax and vocabulary of romance languages require techniques different from those used in English to achieve clarity? What are the differences, and what principles hold true across languages?
Health care practitioners are increasingly aware of the need for easier-to-read, plain language materials for patients and their families. If people working in health care are responsible for choosing and developing appropriate print materials, they need to learn some new skills.
A training and consulting project with a recently merged accountancy firm in New Zealand provided Jacquie with some interesting insights into the increasing relevance of plain language to intensely competitive commercial environments. She worked with people from a range of levels within the firm to redesign the monthly reports they made to their clients.
Traditionally, a statute is a message of the sovereign to the people (at least in Canada!). The accent is not on communicating the information it contains. Philippe described a prototype project of Justice Canada to develop a more accessible act. If this prototype is approved by Parliament, all federal legislation in Canada would be drafted using some or all of the features developed for the Employment Insurance Act.
In a panel discussion chaired by Joseph Kimble, Brian Hunt and Peter Butt argued the assumptions behind the use of plain legal language. Brian posed the questions: Is there really a demand for plain language legislation? Would plain language legislation function as intended? Peter presented evidence from recent research supporting the claim that plain language benefits legal documents and statutes.
Some thoughts for the PLAIN conference, Toronto 2002
In a panel discussion chaired by Joseph Kimble, Brian Hunt and Peter Butt argued the assumptions behind the use of plain legal language. Brian posed the questions: Is there really a demand for plain language legislation? Would plain language legislation function as intended? Peter presented evidence from recent research supporting the claim that plain language benefits legal documents and statutes.
Joyce and the British Columbia Securities Commission firmly believe that securities regulations should be clear and understandable to all investors, regardless of their sophistication, as soon as possible. She described their ambitious program to train 200 staff in the principles and practice of plain language. They did not stop there, however. While BCSC's jurisdiction is provincial, its capital markets are essentially national.
