Welcome to the first day of English For Lawyers, brought to you in collaboration with the Legal Writing Institute (LWI) and the India Justice Foundation (IJF), where we’ll explore the essential language of legal arguments.
Today’s lesson focuses on referring to pages and documents in court.
Making Your Case:
As a young lawyer, or a law student, you’ll hone your skills in crafting persuasive arguments. But just as important is how you deliver them in court. Addressing the judge with respect and clarity is key to making a strong impression.
Formality is Key:
Courtroom language is formal. Here are three proper ways to refer to a page or document while addressing the judge:
- May I refer to page number, My Lord…
This is a direct and polite way to ask permission to reference a specific page.
Example: “May I refer to page 15 of the witness statement, My Lord? It details the timeline of events.”
- I draw the court’s attention to, My Lord…
This phrase formally directs the judge’s attention to a specific document or section of evidence.
Example: “I draw the court’s attention to Exhibit B, My Lord. It is the signed contract in dispute.”
- With the court’s permission, I would like to cite, My Lord… This is a more formal way to request permission to reference a legal precedent or case law.
Example: “With the court’s permission, I would like to cite the case of Arnesh Kumar vs State of Bihar or The Arnesh Kumar Guidelines, My Lord. It establishes the legal principle of…”
Remember:
- Always replace “My Lord” with “Your Honor” in some jurisdictions.
- Maintain a respectful and professional tone throughout your arguments.
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Bonus Tip:
Practice these phrases out loud to get comfortable using them in court.
Stay tuned! Tomorrow, we’ll delve into another essential legal communication concept.
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