The Party of the First Part

FOR BETTER OR FOR WORSE, THEINSTRUCTION MANUAL FOR TODAY'S WORLD IS WRITTEN BY LAWYERS IF ONLY THEY'D WRITE IT IN ENGLISH. Do you find yourself signing contracts and clicking the "accept terms" button with a sigh of resignation-knowing that you'll never really understand the legal mumbo- jumbo you just agreed to? Do you ever Wonder why the law insists on using Latin in the twenty-first century? Are you afraid to ask what all the fuss is about torts? In this witty, user-friendly discourse, Adam Freedman demystifies legal language, from its beguiling oxymorons (attractive) nuisance to its cautious redundancies (null and void). The Party of the First Part explores the origins of legalese, defines obscure terms, and sheds some much-needed light on the Non-Intercourse Act and other bizarre laws.

 Jumping into the debate on Plain vs. Precision English, Freedman demonstrates that archaic phrases like "witnesseth" have no place in a post-jousting world. Lively and informative, The Party of the First Part provides unique insight into the legalese that complicates our everyday lives.