ISO/PRF 24495-2
(Main)Plain language — Part 2: Legal communication
Plain language — Part 2: Legal communication
This proposed standard is for anybody who creates or help create legal and related documents. It builds, and relies, on the foundation for plain language in WD 24495-1, Plain Language — Part 1: Governing Principles and Guidelines. This standard, Plain Language — Part 2 Legal Writing and Drafting, will add guidance and techniques to help authors make sure that people affected by legal and related documents can readily understand, exercise, and carry out their rights and responsibilities. When readers cannot find, understand, or use legal information in a document, the consequences can be devastating, even life-threatening. For individuals, the inability to understand legal information—to access justice—interferes with the most basic human rights: the ability to earn a living, obtain housing, make sound medical and financial decisions, pursue and defend legal rights, and more. For governments and businesses, the problems of poor legal communication include increased costs, reduced efficiency, and reduced effectiveness and compliance. The widest use of plain legal language is for governing documents, like legislation and regulations; documents that govern personal or organizational relationships, like financial, housing, and medical agreements; and documents that cover other relationships, like powers of attorney, wills, privacy policies, and terms of use. But the standard will also apply to other legal communications, like advice letters, judicial opinions, jury instructions, forms, human resources (and other) policies, contracts (whether the contract is between an individual and an organization, or between organizations). The standard will explain how to apply principles from WD 24495-1 to legal situations that may require authors to • reach multiple audiences, with vastly different needs; • adhere to specific structural and design requirements; • explain complex and nuanced legal concepts; and • explain unfamiliar processes that readers must navigate as they exercise rights or carry out legal responsibilities. As is the case with Part 1, the aim is for the standard to work in most languages, in most sectors, and for most documents that communicate legal information. The standard will reflect the most recent research on plain legal language and the experience of plain-legal-language experts. To the extent possible, the standard will allow for differences due to different legal systems, for example systems based on British Common Law, French Civil Law, and South African Roman Law. The standard’s guidelines are recommendations. They do not establish requirements. When localizing the standard, national standards bodies can adapt and expand the standard to achieve the goals of plain language in their own languages and in the context of their own legal systems. While this Standard covers the essential elements of plain legal language, it has some intentional limits: • It does not cover all types of communication. It applies only to printed or digital information that is primarily in the form of text. However, creators of other types of communications, such as podcasts and videos, may find this standard useful. • It does not include existing technical guidance about accessibility and digital documents, although this standard’s guidance can apply to both. For guidance on accessibility, authors of digital documents are urged to consider the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines and EN 301 549: Accessibility requirements for ICT products and services. Later Parts of this standard may provide case studies, best practices, and other supporting information.
Langage clair et simple — Partie 2: Communication juridique
Preprost jezik - 2. del: Pravna komunikacija
General Information
Standards Content (Sample)
SLOVENSKI STANDARD
01-junij-2025
Preprost jezik - 2. del: Pravna komunikacija
Plain language — Part 2: Legal communication
Langage clair et simple — Partie 2: Communication juridique
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: ISO/DIS 24495-2
ICS:
01.140.10 Pisanje in prečrkovanje Writing and transliteration
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.
DRAFT
International
Standard
ISO/DIS 24495-2
ISO/TC 37
Plain language —
Secretariat: SAC
Part 2:
Voting begins on:
Legal communication 2024-11-28
Voting terminates on:
ICS: 01.140.10
2025-02-20
THIS DOCUMENT IS A DRAFT CIRCULATED
FOR COMMENTS AND APPROVAL. IT
IS THEREFORE SUBJECT TO CHANGE
AND MAY NOT BE REFERRED TO AS AN
INTERNATIONAL STANDARD UNTIL
PUBLISHED AS SUCH.
IN ADDITION TO THEIR EVALUATION AS
BEING ACCEPTABLE FOR INDUSTRIAL,
TECHNOLOGICAL, COMMERCIAL AND
USER PURPOSES, DRAFT INTERNATIONAL
STANDARDS MAY ON OCCASION HAVE TO
This document is circulated as received from the committee secretariat.
BE CONSIDERED IN THE LIGHT OF THEIR
POTENTIAL TO BECOME STANDARDS TO
WHICH REFERENCE MAY BE MADE IN
NATIONAL REGULATIONS.
RECIPIENTS OF THIS DRAFT ARE INVITED
TO SUBMIT, WITH THEIR COMMENTS,
NOTIFICATION OF ANY RELEVANT PATENT
RIGHTS OF WHICH THEY ARE AWARE AND TO
PROVIDE SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION.
Reference number
ISO/DIS 24495-2:2024(en)
DRAFT
ISO/DIS 24495-2:2024(en)
International
Standard
ISO/DIS 24495-2
ISO/TC 37
Plain language —
Secretariat: SAC
Part 2:
Voting begins on:
Legal communication
Voting terminates on:
ICS: 01.140.10
THIS DOCUMENT IS A DRAFT CIRCULATED
FOR COMMENTS AND APPROVAL. IT
IS THEREFORE SUBJECT TO CHANGE
AND MAY NOT BE REFERRED TO AS AN
INTERNATIONAL STANDARD UNTIL
PUBLISHED AS SUCH.
IN ADDITION TO THEIR EVALUATION AS
BEING ACCEPTABLE FOR INDUSTRIAL,
© ISO 2024
TECHNOLOGICAL, COMMERCIAL AND
USER PURPOSES, DRAFT INTERNATIONAL
All rights reserved. Unless otherwise specified, or required in the context of its implementation, no part of this publication may
STANDARDS MAY ON OCCASION HAVE TO
be reproduced or utilized otherwise in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, or posting on
This document is circulated as received from the committee secretariat. BE CONSIDERED IN THE LIGHT OF THEIR
the internet or an intranet, without prior written permission. Permission can be requested from either ISO at the address below
POTENTIAL TO BECOME STANDARDS TO
WHICH REFERENCE MAY BE MADE IN
or ISO’s member body in the country of the requester.
NATIONAL REGULATIONS.
ISO copyright office
RECIPIENTS OF THIS DRAFT ARE INVITED
CP 401 • Ch. de Blandonnet 8
TO SUBMIT, WITH THEIR COMMENTS,
CH-1214 Vernier, Geneva
NOTIFICATION OF ANY RELEVANT PATENT
Phone: +41 22 749 01 11
RIGHTS OF WHICH THEY ARE AWARE AND TO
PROVIDE SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION.
Email: copyright@iso.org
Website: www.iso.org
Published in Switzerland Reference number
ISO/DIS 24495-2:2024(en)
ii
ISO/DIS 24495-2:2024(en)
Contents Page
Foreword .iv
Introduction .v
1 Scope . 1
2 Normative references . 1
3 Terms and definitions . 1
4 Governing principles . 2
5 Guidelines . 2
5.1 Guidelines for Principle 1: Readers get what they need (relevant) .2
5.1.1 Initial steps .2
5.1.2 Use a collaborative writing process from the start.3
5.1.3 Layer information for multiple readers .3
5.1.4 Identify necessary related content .4
5.1.5 Use templates and other existing documents with caution .4
5.2 Guidelines for Principle 2: Readers can easily find what they need (findable) .4
5.2.1 Initial steps .4
5.2.2 Use headings that convey meaning to the reader .4
5.2.3 Use introductions to help the reader understand scope and purpose .4
5.2.4 Use design techniques to highlight information from multiple perspectives .4
5.2.5 Evaluate the consequences of readers missing important information .5
5.2.6 Minimize the need for knowledge of other documents .5
5.2.7 Use numbering systems for easy cross-referencing .5
5.3 Guidelines for Principle 3: Readers can easily understand what they find
(understandable) .5
5.3.1 Initial steps .5
5.3.2 Choose familiar, legally accurate words .6
5.3.3 Define or explain words and phrases that can be unfamiliar or confusing to
readers .6
5.3.4 Use graphics where they clarify content.7
5.3.5 Use consistent terms and concepts .7
5.3.6 Use an appropriate degree of precision .7
5.3.7 Eliminate ambiguity .7
5.4 Guidelines for Principle 4: Readers can easily use the information (usable).8
Annex A Overview of plain language guidelines . 9
Annex B Sample checklist for authors of legal documents .11
Bibliography .13
iii
ISO/DIS 24495-2:2024(en)
Foreword
ISO (the International Organization for Standardization) is a worldwide federation of national standards
bodies (ISO member bodies). The work of preparing International Standards is normally carried out through
ISO technical committees. Each member body interested in a subject for which a technical committee
has been established has the right to be represented on that committee. International organizations,
governmental and non-governmental, in liaison with ISO, also take part in the work. ISO collaborates closely
with the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) on all matters of electrotechnical standardization.
The procedures used to develop this document and those intended for its further maintenance are described
in the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 1. In particular, the different approval criteria needed for the different types
of ISO documents should be noted. This document was drafted in accordance with the editorial rules of the
ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2 (see www.iso.org/directives).
ISO draws attention to the possibility that the implementation of this document may involve the use of (a)
patent(s). ISO takes no position concerning the evidence, validity or applicability of any claimed patent
rights in respect thereof. As of the date of publication of this document, ISO had not received notice of (a)
patent(s) which may be required to implement this document. However, implementers are cautioned that
this may not represent the latest information, which may be obtained from the patent database available at
www.iso.org/patents. ISO shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
Any trade name used in this document is information given for the convenience of users and does not
constitute an endorsement.
For an explanation of the voluntary nature of standards, the meaning of ISO specific terms and expressions
related to conformity assessment, as well as information about ISO's adherence to the World Trade
Organization (WTO) principles in the Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT), see www.iso.org/iso/foreword.html.
This document was prepared by Technical Committee ISO/TC 37, Language and terminology.
A list of all parts in the ISO 24495 series can be found on the ISO website.
Any feedback or questions on this document should be directed to the user’s national standards body. A
complete listing of these bodies can be found at www.iso.org/members.html.
iv
ISO/DIS 24495-2:2024(en)
Introduction
This document addresses international recognition of the benefits of using plain language in legal
communication.
The ability to understand legal information helps individuals and organizations protect their rights. For
individuals, these include the ability to earn a living, obtain housing, make sound medical and financial
decisions, and pursue and defend legal rights. Understandable legal information also makes it easier for
individuals and organizations to meet their legal obligations and participate in legal processes.
Good legal communication reduces costs, increases efficiency and improves effectiveness and compliance
(see Reference [2]). Other benefits include increased trust, reduced litigation as well as easier digitalization
and translation.
Legal communication practices vary widely, from author to author, across legal systems, within legal
specialities and within pockets of the profession. But too often, the profession communicates in ways
that can unintentionally leave the most important stakeholders on the outside and interfere with the
communicators’ goals. While many legal professionals communicate effectively within their own area of
practice, the profession lacks consistent standards to also communicate effectively with clients, the public
and other professionals.
This document helps authors communicate in plain legal language. Even complex legal information can be
expressed clearly, effectively and accurately. Plain language makes information accessible to both legal
professionals and non-expert readers.
v
DRAFT International Standard ISO/DIS 24495-2:2024(en)
Plain language —
Part 2:
Legal communication
1 Scope
This document addresses legal communication, and it builds on the foundation for plain language in
ISO 24495-1. It provides guidelines and techniques to help authors make sure that readers can readily
understand legal communication in order to exercise their legal rights and fulfil their legal obligations.
This document explains how to apply principles from ISO 24495-1 in legal contexts that require authors to
achieve these goals:
— reach multiple audiences with different needs;
— adhere to specific structural and design requirements;
— explain complex and nuanced legal concepts;
— explain processes that readers must navigate to exercise legal rights and obligations.
This document applies to legal docum
...
International
Standard
ISO 24495-2
First edition
Plain language —
Part 2:
Legal communication
Langage clair et simple —
Partie 2: Communication juridique
PROOF/ÉPREUVE
Reference number
ISO 24495-2:2025(en) © ISO 2025
ISO 24495-2:2025(en)
© ISO 2025
All rights reserved. Unless otherwise specified, or required in the context of its implementation, no part of this publication may
be reproduced or utilized otherwise in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, or posting on
the internet or an intranet, without prior written permission. Permission can be requested from either ISO at the address below
or ISO’s member body in the country of the requester.
ISO copyright office
CP 401 • Ch. de Blandonnet 8
CH-1214 Vernier, Geneva
Phone: +41 22 749 01 11
Email: copyright@iso.org
Website: www.iso.org
Published in Switzerland
PROOF/ÉPREUVE
ii
ISO 24495-2:2025(en)
Contents Page
Foreword .iv
Introduction .v
1 Scope . 1
2 Normative references . 1
3 Terms and definitions . 1
4 Governing principles . 2
5 Guidelines . 2
5.1 Guidelines for Principle 1: Readers get what they need (relevant) .2
5.1.1 Initial steps .2
5.1.2 Use a collaborative writing process from the start.3
5.1.3 Layer information for multiple readers .3
5.1.4 Identify necessary related content .4
5.1.5 Use templates and other existing documents carefully .4
5.2 Guidelines for Principle 2: Readers can easily find what they need (findable) .4
5.2.1 Initial steps .4
5.2.2 Use headings that convey meaning to the reader .4
5.2.3 Use introductions to help readers understand scope and purpose .4
5.2.4 Use design techniques to highlight information from multiple perspectives .4
5.2.5 Evaluate the consequences of readers missing important information .5
5.2.6 Minimize the need for knowledge of other documents .5
5.2.7 Use numbering systems for easy cross-referencing .5
5.3 Guidelines for Principle 3: Readers can easily understand what they find
(understandable) .5
5.3.1 Initial steps .5
5.3.2 Choose familiar, legally accurate words .6
5.3.3 Define or explain words and phrases that can be unfamiliar or confusing to
readers .6
5.3.4 Use graphics where they clarify content.7
5.3.5 Use consistent terms for the same concepts .7
5.3.6 Use an appropriate degree of precision .7
5.3.7 Eliminate ambiguity .8
5.4 Guidelines for Principle 4: Readers can easily use the information (usable).8
Annex A (informative) Overview of plain language guidelines . 9
Annex B (informative) Sample checklist for authors of legal documents .11
Bibliography .13
PROOF/ÉPREUVE
iii
ISO 24495-2:2025(en)
Foreword
ISO (the International Organization for Standardization) is a worldwide federation of national standards
bodies (ISO member bodies). The work of preparing International Standards is normally carried out through
ISO technical committees. Each member body interested in a subject for which a technical committee
has been established has the right to be represented on that committee. International organizations,
governmental and non-governmental, in liaison with ISO, also take part in the work. ISO collaborates closely
with the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) on all matters of electrotechnical standardization.
The procedures used to develop this document and those intended for its further maintenance are described
in the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 1. In particular, the different approval criteria needed for the different types
of ISO document should be noted. This document was drafted in accordance with the editorial rules of the
ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2 (see www.iso.org/directives).
ISO draws attention to the possibility that the implementation of this document may involve the use of (a)
patent(s). ISO takes no position concerning the evidence, validity or applicability of any claimed patent
rights in respect thereof. As of the date of publication of this document, ISO had not received notice of (a)
patent(s) which may be required to implement this document. However, implementers are cautioned that
this may not represent the latest information, which may be obtained from the patent database available at
www.iso.org/patents. ISO shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
Any trade name used in this document is information given for the convenience of users and does not
constitute an endorsement.
For an explanation of the voluntary nature of standards, the meaning of ISO specific terms and expressions
related to conformity assessment, as well as information about ISO’s adherence to the World Trade
Organization (WTO) principles in the Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT), see www.iso.org/iso/foreword.html.
This document was prepared by Technical Committee ISO/TC 37, Language and terminology.
A list of all parts in the ISO 24495 series can be found on the ISO website.
Any feedback or questions on this document should be directed to the user’s national standards body. A
complete listing of these bodies can be found at www.iso.org/members.html.
PROOF/ÉPREUVE
iv
ISO 24495-2:2025(en)
Introduction
This document helps authors communicate in plain legal language so that even complex legal information
can be expressed clearly, effectively and accurately. Plain language makes information accessible to both
legal professionals and non-expert readers.
This document builds on international recognition of the benefits of using plain language in legal
communication.
The ability to understand legal information helps individuals and organizations protect their rights. For
individuals, these include the ability to earn a living, obtain housing, make sound medical and financial
decisions, and pursue and defend legal rights. Understandable legal information also makes it easier for
individuals and organizations to meet their legal obligations and participate in legal processes.
Good legal communication reduces costs, increases efficiency and improves effectiveness and compliance
(see Reference [2]). Other benefits include increased trust, reduced litigation as well as easier digitalization
and translation.
Legal communication practices vary widely, from author to author, across legal systems, within legal
specialities and within segments of the profession. But too often, the profession communicates in ways
that can unintentionally leave the most important stakeholders on the outside and interfere with the
communicators’ goals. While many legal professionals communicate effectively within their own area of
practice, the profession lacks consistent standards to also communicate effectively with clients, the public
and other professionals.
PROOF/ÉPREUVE
v
International Standard ISO 24495-2:2025(en)
Plain language —
Part 2:
Legal communication
1 Scope
This document deals with legal communication, and it builds on the foundation for plain language in
ISO 24495-1. It establishes guidelines and techniques to help authors make sure that readers can readily
understand legal communication and exercise their legal rights and obligations.
This document explains how to apply principles from ISO 24495-1 in legal contexts that require authors to
achieve these goals:
— reach multiple audiences with different needs;
— adhere to legally required structural and design requirements;
— explain complex and nuanced legal concepts;
— explain processes that readers must navigate to exercise legal rights and obligations.
This document applies to legal documents in all sectors, including the legal, governmental, non-governmental
and health sectors. Similarly to ISO 24495-1, it aims to work for most languages, but it provides examples
only in English. It reflects research on plain legal language and the experience of experts in the field (see
Reference [3]). To the extent possible, this document allows for differences in legal systems.
Although this document applies mainly to written communication, it can apply to oral communication in
some contexts, such as discussions with clients and explanations in court proceedings.
2 Normative references
The following documents are referred to in the text in such a way that some or all of their content constitutes
requirements of this document. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For undated references,
the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.
ISO 24495-1, Plain language — Part 1: Governing principles and guidelines
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the terms and definitions given in ISO 24495-1 and the following apply.
ISO and IEC maintain terminology databases for use in standardization at the following addresses:
— ISO Online browsing platform: available at https:// www .iso .org/ obp
— IEC Electropedia: available at https:// www .electropedia .org/
3.1
plain legal language
legal communication (3.2) in which wording, structure and design are so clear that intended readers can easily
— find what they need,
PROOF/ÉPREUVE
ISO 24495-2:2025(en)
— understand what they find, and
— use that information
[SOURCE: ISO 24495-1:2023, 3.1, modified — “legal” added before “language” in the term and before
“communication” in the definition.]
3.2
legal communication
transmission or exchange of information in the form of a legal document (3.3) or oral information that
concerns a legal matter
3.3
legal document
document about a legal matter that establishes or explains legal rights or obligations
EXAMPLE Treaty, code, act, directive, judicial or tribunal decision, contract, will, consumer guidelines,
correspondence, agency guidance.
3.4
legal term of art
word or phrase that has a distinct technical meaning when used in a legal document (3.3), which can be
different from the ordinary meaning of the word or phrase
3.5
legal design
application of design principles and methods to create more human-centric legal products and services
4 Governing principles
The guidelines in this document are based on the four governing principles in IS
...
ISO/DIS PRF 24495-2:2024(en)
ISO/TC 37/WG 11
Secretariat: SAC
Date: 2025-04-1407-08
Plain language —
Part 2:
Legal communication
Langage clair et simple —
Partie 2: Communication juridique
PROOF
All rights reserved. Unless otherwise specified, or required in the context of its implementation, no part of this publication
may be reproduced or utilized otherwise in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying,
or posting on the internet or an intranet, without prior written permission. Permission can be requested from either ISO
at the address below or ISO’s member body in the country of the requester.
ISO copyright office
CP 401 • Ch. de Blandonnet 8
CH-1214 Vernier, Geneva
Phone: + 41 22 749 01 11
E-mail: copyright@iso.org
Website: www.iso.org
Published in Switzerland
ii
Contents
Foreword . iv
Introduction . v
1 Scope . 1
2 Normative references . 1
3 Terms and definitions . 1
4 Governing principles . 2
5 Guidelines . 2
5.1 Guidelines for Principle 1: Readers get what they need (relevant) . 2
5.2 Guidelines for Principle 2: Readers can easily find what they need (findable) . 4
5.3 Guidelines for Principle 3: Readers can easily understand what they find
(understandable) . 6
5.4 Guidelines for Principle 4: Readers can easily use the information (usable) . 9
Annex A (informative) Overview of plain language guidelines . 10
Annex B (informative) Sample checklist for authors of legal documents . 12
Bibliography . 14
iii
Foreword
ISO (the International Organization for Standardization) is a worldwide federation of national standards
bodies (ISO member bodies). The work of preparing International Standards is normally carried out through
ISO technical committees. Each member body interested in a subject for which a technical committee has been
established has the right to be represented on that committee. International organizations, governmental and
non-governmental, in liaison with ISO, also take part in the work. ISO collaborates closely with the
International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) on all matters of electrotechnical standardization.
The procedures used to develop this document and those intended for its further maintenance are described
in the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 1. In particular, the different approval criteria needed for the different types of
ISO document should be noted. This document was drafted in accordance with the editorial rules of the
ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2 (see www.iso.org/directives).
ISO draws attention to the possibility that the implementation of this document may involve the use of (a)
patent(s). ISO takes no position concerning the evidence, validity or applicability of any claimed patent rights
in respect thereof. As of the date of publication of this document, ISO had not received notice of (a) patent(s)
which may be required to implement this document. However, implementers are cautioned that this may not
represent the latest information, which may be obtained from the patent database available at
www.iso.org/patents. ISO shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
Any trade name used in this document is information given for the convenience of users and does not
constitute an endorsement.
For an explanation of the voluntary nature of standards, the meaning of ISO specific terms and expressions
related to conformity assessment, as well as information about ISO’s adherence to the World Trade
Organization (WTO) principles in the Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT), see www.iso.org/iso/foreword.html.
This document was prepared by Technical Committee ISO/TC 37, Language and terminology.
A list of all parts in the ISO 24495 series can be found on the ISO website.
Any feedback or questions on this document should be directed to the user’s national standards body. A
complete listing of these bodies can be found at www.iso.org/members.html.
iv
Introduction
This document helps authors communicate in plain legal language so that even complex legal information can
be expressed clearly, effectively and accurately. Plain language makes information accessible to both legal
professionals and non-expert readers.
This document builds on international recognition of the benefits of using plain language in legal
communication.
The ability to understand legal information helps individuals and organizations protect their rights. For
individuals, these include the ability to earn a living, obtain housing, make sound medical and financial
decisions, and pursue and defend legal rights. Understandable legal information also makes it easier for
individuals and organizations to meet their legal obligations and participate in legal processes.
Good legal communication reduces costs, increases efficiency and improves effectiveness and compliance (see
Reference [2]). Other benefits include increased trust, reduced litigation as well as easier digitalization and
translation.
Legal communication practices vary widely, from author to author, across legal systems, within legal
specialities and within segments of the profession. But too often, the profession communicates in ways that
can unintentionally leave the most important stakeholders on the outside and interfere with the
communicators’ goals. While many legal professionals communicate effectively within their own area of
practice, the profession lacks consistent standards to also communicate effectively with clients, the public and
other professionals.
v
Plain language —
Part 2:
Legal communication
1 Scope
This document deals with legal communication, and it builds on the foundation for plain language in ISO
24495-1. It establishes guidelines and techniques to help authors make sure that readers can readily
understand legal communication and exercise their legal rights and obligations.
This document explains how to apply principles from ISO 24495-1 in legal contexts that require authors to
achieve these goals:
— reach multiple audiences with different needs;
— adhere to legally required structural and design requirements;
— explain complex and nuanced legal concepts;
— explain processes that readers must navigate to exercise legal rights and obligations.
This document applies to legal documents in all sectors, including the legal, governmental, non-governmental
and health sectors. Similarly to ISO 24495-1, it aims to work for most languages, but it provides examples only
in English. It reflects research on plain legal language and the experience of experts in the field (see
Reference [3]). To the extent possible, this document allows for differences in legal systems.
Although this document applies mainly to written communication, it canapplycan apply to oral
communication in some contexts, such as discussions with clients and explanations in court proceedings.
2 Normative references
The following documents are referred to in the text in such a way that some or all of their content constitutes
requirements of this document. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For undated references,
the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.
ISO 24495-1, Plain language — Part 1: Governing principles and guidelines
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the terms and definitions given in ISO 24495-1 and the following apply.
ISO and IEC maintain terminology databases for use in standardization at the following addresses:
— ISO Online browsing platform: available at https://www.iso.org/obp
— IEC Electropedia: available at https://www.electropedia.org/
3.1
plain legal language
legal communication (3.2) in which wording, structure and design are so clear that intended readers can easily
— find what they need,
— understand what they find, and
— use that information
[SOURCE: ISO 24495-1:2023, 3.1, modified — “legal” added before “language” in the term and before
“communication” in the definition.]
3.2
legal communication
transmission or exchange of information in the form of a legal document (3.3) or oral information that
concerns a legal matter
3.3
legal document
document about a legal matter that establishes or explains legal rights or obligations
EXAMPLE Treaty, code, act, directive, judicial or tribunal decision, contract, will, consumer guidelines,
correspondence, agency guidance.
3.4
legal term of art
word or phrase that has a distinct technical meaning when used in a legal document (3.3), which can be
different from the ordinary meaning of the word or phrase
3.5
legal design
application of design principles and methods to create more human-centric legal products and services
4 Governing principles
The guidelines in this document are based on the four governing principles in ISO 24495-1:
— Principle 1: Readers get what they need (relevant).
— Principle 2: Readers can easily find what they need (findable).
— Principle 3: Readers can easily understand what they find (understandable).
— Principle 4: Readers can easily use the information (usable).
The principles and guidelines in ISO 24495-1 apply to creating all documents, including legal documents, in
plain language. Clause 5 adds guidelines that are specific to legal communication. When creating plain legal
documents, authors should follow ISO 24495-1 and Clause 5.
Annex A provides a visual overview of the principles and all guidelines. Annex B provides a checklist to help
authors apply this document.
5 Guidelines
5.1 Guidelines for Principle 1: Readers get what they need (relevant)
5.1.1 Initial steps
Principle 1 focuses on what authors should do before they start writing. Authors should consider the following
general guidelines outlined in ISO 24495-1:2023, 5.1:
— Identify the readers.
— Identify the readers’ purpose.
— Identify the context in which readers will read the document.
— Select the document type or types.
— Select content that readers need.
In addition to these general guidelines, authors should consider the specific guidelines for legal
communication that are in this document.
5.1.2 Use a collaborative writing process from the start
Authors should consider who needs to be involved in the writing process. Legal professionals should work
closely with experts from the start of the writing process. This work can involve experts in plain language,
legal design, legislative drafting and the subject matter. They should discuss the content of each document so
that it is both legally correct and easy to understand.
A collaborative approach from the start can be more efficient for the writing team and can produce a more
effective document.
5.1.3 Layer information for multiple readers
Legal documents usually have readers with diverse backgrounds and needs. Many readers do not have legal
training. Too much detail can make legal documents confusing.
Layering is a way for authors to present information that suits different readers in the same document.
EXAMPLE 1 A business contract is read by lawyers responsible for protecting their clients from risk, and also by
managers who need to implement specific provisions concerning quality assurance, pricing, personnel and other
practical matters.
The same person can have different needs at different times when reading a document, depending on the
circumstances. One reader can be therefore considered as multiple readers of the same document. A reader’s
emotional state can impact when and how they seek or select information and how well they understand it.
EXAMPLE 2 When choosing car insurance, a customer focuses on price and what is covered. Occasionally they refer
to the policy to check its rules, such as who can drive their car. Later they need to make a claim.
EXAMPLE 3 When first seeking legal advice, a person is experiencing stress, fear or confusion. Later they feel more
confident and revisit the document to answer specific questions.
When drafting requirements permit, authors should consider providing information in layers, with each
having a specific reader or purpose. This way they can avoid having different versions of the same document
for different readers.
The layers are part of the same document, so they are written, approved and maintained together. They should
be visibly different, so each reader can find the information they need. Examples of visible differences are:
— separate columns;
— panels, footnotes, side-notes;
— colour-coding, icons;
— separate sections with c
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