口语(化表达)
法律文书是一种正式的文书。其首要目的就是清楚而有效地沟通观点。偶尔运用修辞性的华丽词藻有助于强调观点,尤其在论述性文书中。但是千万不要因用了华丽的表达而丢掉或混淆了重要的法律观点。观点重要性远大于表达形式。同样,写作不要象说话一样。英语口语中我们经常用生动的或是口语化的短语,这在书面英语中是不合时宜的。写作中一定不要用这些短语,要代之以准确的语言。
Incorrect: On arriving at the scene of the crime, the officer tore up the stairs in search of the big enchilada.
Correct: On arriving at the scene of the crime, the officer ran up the stairs in search of the leader of the crime syndicate.
前述例子中,口语短语"tore up the stairs" 和"big enchilada"有多个意思。所以,越准确语言越恰当。
Incorrect: On December 12, 1992, Ms. DeWitt kicked the bucket.
Also Incorrect: On December 12, 1992, Ms. DeWitt passed on to her heavenly reward.
Better: Ms. DeWitt died on December 12, 1992.
前述例子中,第一个不恰当的句子含俚语,通常这在法律文书或其它正式文书中都不合时宜。第二个不恰当的例子避免了俚语,但走到另一个极端,有失简洁。