Use of court language

Do you think that the language and description used by legal professionals in court needs to change?

Many people would agree that the current language used in court encourages conflict and we should therefore avoid the use of what could be looked at as “old fashioned” legal jargon.

The following is a short list of examples of court language currently in regular use and alternative (non-confrontational) options:-

Smith versus (v) Smith could be John Smith and Jane Smith

Parties could be parents or participants

Dispute could be issue or the problem to be solved

Vacate could be to cancel

Adjourn could be to re-schedule

Final or contested hearing could be decision hearing

Conflict could be disagreement

Would you prefer for the current language to be maintained or the alternative words?

There are many other examples of court language that may need to change but any change may in fact take generations to implement.

Stephen Warburton is a Family Law solicitor with 27 years experience. If you require any advice or assistance on any Family Law matter or representation at court then feel free to contact our Northwich office on (01606) 74301.