The days of stodgy legal writing are over. Today’s Supreme Court casts aside formality in favor of approachable language—their opinions are dotted with pithy phrases, contractions, and pop-culture references. The Supreme Guide to Writing details a revolution in legal writing, with the justices progressing beyond the drab and technical for the deft and lyrical. With the first-ever analysis of 10,000 pages of opinions, this writing playbook shows you how to master modern writing style and grammar with the justices as your guide.
There’s a writing revolution at the U.S. Supreme Court.
Revolution: a dramatic and wide-reaching change in the way something works or is organized or in people's ideas about it.
Reviews
“Great legal writing needs great legal writers to show the way. The Supreme Guide to Writing does the hard work by combing the U.S. Reports for the latest trends and styles from our best legal writers—the Justices themselves. The result is an ideal guide to improve one’s legal writing. Learn when to follow conventional grammatical rules, and when to break them, and countless other tips to become a better writer. The secret to great legal writing is hard work, but this invaluable book makes it easier for us all.”
—Gregory G. Garre, Supreme Court practitioner and 44th Solicitor General of the United States
“Professor Barton’s book is stupendous. The book’s rigorously empirical approach makes her writing tips and insights even more compelling.”
— Ross Guberman, Founder, BriefCatch and author of Point Made
“Jill Barton applies a very careful lens to the U.S. Supreme Court justices’ writing style. With The Supreme Guide to Writing, she focuses with precision on writing mechanics and style in an accessible format, using relatable examples, with a conversational tone that is sure to gain readers’ interest. Barton has a strong, compelling, fresh voice. This book will appeal to a broad audience, including lawyers, law students, judges, and scholars—anyone studying, practicing, or interested in law.”
— Anne E. Ralph, Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, Morgan E. Shipman Professor of Law, The Ohio State University