What does semicolon mean in law?

Generally, semicolons are used to connect two or more related, but independent, clauses in the same sentence. For example: Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers; pickled peppers that just so happened to be in Queen Grimhilde's pantry.

What Does a colon mean in law?

In legal writing, colons are typically used to introduce list items. After all, law is a series of elemental lists. Where lawyers often go astray with colons, however, is failing to make the introductory clause a complete independent clause.

What's the purpose of a semicolon?

A semicolon has two general uses: to clarify a series and to indicate two closely related sentences. Series—If one or more elements in a series contain a comma, use semicolons to separate them. Include a semicolon before the final conjunction.

Is a semicolon the same as a period Act?

For the purposes of the ACT, a semicolon is completely interchangeable with a period. The more grammatical way to say this is that a semicolon comes between two independent clauses. It's that simple. If you want to test if a semicolon has been used correctly, cover it up and read on both sides of it.

What does a comma mean in law?

Lawyers should use the Oxford comma to help avoid ambiguity. Three ambiguities may arise without this comma: Whether the two final items in a list are one combined element or separate. Whether one noun phrase modifies the others when there are two or more noun phrases next to each other in a list.

How to use a semicolon - Emma Bryce

Why do lawyers not use punctuation?

It makes a document easier to read and can also convey meaning. The use in legal documents is usually only for the former so that the removal of the punctuation will not alter the meaning of the document.

Why do solicitors not use punctuation?

The prevailing view in common law jurisdictions was that the meaning of legal documents should be ascertained from the words of the document and their context rather than from punctuation. Accordingly, old-fashioned legal drafting tends to involve little or no punctuation.

What is semicolon example?

A semicolon may be used between independent clauses joined by a connector, such as and, but, or, nor, etc., when one or more commas appear in the first clause. Example: When I finish here, and I will soon, I'll be glad to help you; and that is a promise I will keep.

Is a semi colon a pause?

The semicolon is used to indicate a pause, usually between two main clauses, that needs to be more pronounced than the pause of a comma. The hybrid between a colon and a comma, it is often considered one of the more pompous punctuation marks.

How do you use a semicolon example?

A semicolon (;) is a punctuation mark that has two main functions: Semicolons separate items in a complex list. For example, The Council is comprised of ten members: three from Sydney, Australia; four from Auckland, New Zealand; two from Suva, Fiji; and one from Honiara, Solomon Islands.

What does semicolon tattoo mean?

A semicolon tattoo is a tattoo of the semicolon punctuation mark (;) used as a message of affirmation and solidarity against suicide, depression, addiction, and other mental health issues.

When should you use a semicolon instead of a comma?

The semicolon is used when connecting two sentences or independent clauses. Unlike the comma, you do not use coordinating conjunctions, e.g., and, or, but, etc. A semicolon can also be used when connecting two independent clauses with conjunctive adverbs, e.g., however, therefore, thus, otherwise, etc.

How do you punctuate a list in legal writing?

Legal writing tends to use more punctuation than technical writing (list items often end in semicolons and the final item is introduced by an “and”). In technical documents, because this style favours simplicity, you typically place a period only after the final item in your list.

How do you write a list in legal writing?

Introduce the list with a lead-in phrase or clause (the lead-in need not be a complete sentence; the list items can complete the grammar started by the lead-in). Punctuate the lead-in with a colon. 2. Use bulleted lists when the list items are in no necessary order but you want to emphasize the items in the list.

Where do you use a colon and semicolon?

Colons introduce or define something. The primary use of semicolons is to join two main clauses. The difference between semicolons and colons is that colons can combine two independent clauses, but their primary use is to join independent clauses with a list or a noun.

What is the incorrect way to use a semicolon?

Semicolons are often misused. Some writers seem to think that semicolons are fancy commas that create longer pauses that commas. This is not true. A semicolons NEVER should be used to try to create a "pause" longer than that achieved by a comma.

When using a semicolon is wrong?

Perhaps the most common semicolon mistake is using the punctuation mark when it is not needed. Use Semicolons as Follows: Link two or more related independent clauses with a semicolon unless they are already joined by a coordinating conjunction (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so).

What is the semicolon symbol?

The semicolon is a punctuation mark and symbol. It resembles like a period above a comma (;). It is on the same key as the colon (:) on standard United States QWERTY keyboard.

Why does the usage of punctuation consider to be one of the important factors in legal English?

Writing formally in English is more than just choosing the right words in the right order. Using punctuation in your writing helps the reader to clearly understand the message that is being conveyed. A wrongly used punctuation or a missing punctuation can change the entire meaning of a sentence.

How does a comma cost a million?

For those of you who don't believe punctuation matters, here's a news flash; indeed, it does. In one particular case a comma cost Maine's Oakhurst Dairy $5 million dollars at the conclusion of a $10 million dollar lawsuit that hinged on overtime pay.

Why is proper grammar necessary in legal writing?

Lawyers work with the written word and are obligated to handle the language with mastery, accuracy and precision. Their main duty is to adequately articulate the positions and the arguments of their clients, and know how to clearly communicate their ideas.

What signals an interruption in legal writing?

Use an em dash (the longer dash symbol) to indicate an interruption or an abrupt change in thought or to insert supplemental information. If the interruption or insertion comes in the middle of a sentence, add a closing dash to signal the end of the interruption.

How do you write a legal quote?

How a comma can change the law?

The placement of a comma in a sentence can in fact change its whole meaning. Let's look at the following example: The defendant, who looked apologetic, was found guilty. The defendant who looked apologetic was found guilty.