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I've been in love with Mark Twain for a long time now.  In fact, if I didn't rely on The Simpsons or The Big Lebowski as tools of communication, I'm sure I would use Twain.  This is just an excuse for introducing one of his most brilliant essays titled "Ye Sentimental Law Student."  Please take the five minutes to read it.  Best line?

And about said sun, and the said cluds, and the said mountains, and over the plain and the river aforesaid, there floats a purple glory--a yellow mist--as airy and beautiful as the  bridal veil of a princess, about to be wedded according to the rites and ceremonies pertaining to, and established by, the laws or edicts of the kingdom or principality wherein she doth reside, and whereof she hath been and doth continue to be, a lawful sovereign or subject.

When it comes to writing, our profession does not really have the best record in history.  On top of that, most public schools in California have stopped teaching grammar and other basics of the English language.  Pile on top of all of this various technological advancements that are destroying language as we know it.  But hyperbole aside, beginning with law school and continuing through practice, I've learned effective writing in two distinct ways.  The first is simply learning the lessons that used to be taught in grammar school.  See e.g., Brian Garner.  The second is learning to ignore all my prejudices and stereotypes about legal writing.  And as history has taught us, getting people to disregard their prejudices is one of the easiest tasks performed. 

Full post as published by Nuts & Boalts on January 04, 2010 (boomark / email).