Arkansas judges surveyed on legal writing

Rodney P. Moore has written a nice article in this summer's issue of the Arkansas Lawyer summarizing the results of his survey of  Arkansas judges on legal writing. Although it is not online yet, I assume it will be soon. Judges are the primary readers of our work, so it may be productive to review Mr. Moore's summary of his survey.

1. Too long, too long, too long. "More is less."
2. "Get to the point and stay there."
3. "Introductions and substantive headings are helpful."  This helps judges get their arms around the issues.
4. No vitriol. To paraphrase Justice Ginsburg in her Lawprose interview, if a lawyer is a stinker, the judges will get that. Just don't go there.
5. "Circuit judges like bullet points." (As I'm doing here.)
6. "Don't just cite--explain."
7. "Follow the rules."
8. Judges like plain English. Again, more is less. Does that adjective or adverb add anything?
9. Proofread. (Hint, read out loud. I once sent out a document opining on  "Pubic Act 93-242." Spelled correctly, yes?)
10. "Organize your writing." Again, this helps readers get their arms around what you're saying.

Mr. Moore's article is worth reading once it is online.