Adoption by the House of Delegates

August 9–10, 1999

RESOLVED, That the American Bar Association urges agencies to use plain language in writing regulations, as a means of promoting the understanding of legal obligations, using such techniques as:

• Organizing them for the convenience of their readers;
• Using direct and easily understood language;
• Writing in short sentences, in the active voice; and
• Using helpful stylistic devices, such as question-and-answer formats, vertical lists, spacing that facilitates clarity, and
• tables.

To avoid problems in the use of plain language techniques, agencies should:

• Take into account possible judicial interpretations as well as user understanding;
• Clearly state the obligations and rights of persons affected, as well as those of the agency; and
• Identify and explain all intended changes when revising regulations.