Plain English and the law

Plain English and the law's story

We know that complex and bureaucratic language is a barrier to taking part in society, especially for people with low literacy. That’s why 26Ten is working with the Faculty of Law at the University of Tasmania and the Law Society of Tasmania to build momentum for plain English in the legal sector.

We encourage professionals working in the law to speak and write so that your clients are supported and have every chance of understanding what you are advising them. Evidence shows that using plain English boosts social justice because it makes it easier for people to comply, understand their responsibilities and make better decisions. It increases the chances that everyone will understand your message, including adults who have difficulty reading.

Discussion – Write for the people: Plain English and the law, recorded 5 May 2017, Hobart

Michael Kirby AC, CMG, Australian jurist and academic and former Justice of the High Court of Australia (30:15), Hamish Locke, State and Practice Manager of the Tasmanian Aboriginal Community Legal Centre (5:56), and Rowena Holder, the President of the Guardianship and Administration Board in Tasmania (16:56) discuss plain English. Rohan Foon, President, Law Society of Tasmania introduces the discussion and Anita Planchon, Manager Literacy Services and 26Ten, Libraries Tasmania is the MC. This video is presented by 26Ten, the Faculty of Law at the University of Tasmania and the Law Society of Tasmania.

Glenorchy 26Ten Community

“There are several businesses and organisations in Glenorchy who have recently formed partnerships to help support adult literacy in the community. We’re already seeing the development of new learning programs in Glenorchy as a result of this project. I’m looking forward to seeing what comes next.”

Scott's digital literacy journey

"I was so proud of myself because I sent five words to her to say how was she going, or how are you ... and now, you just do the motions on it, and you don't even know you've sent it. Yeah, thumbs up, go for it. It sounds scary, some of it still is scary for me, but go outside your comfort zone, just get into it."

Acknowledgement of Country

26Ten recognises the deep histories and cultures of the Aboriginal people of Lutruwita/Tasmania, the land’s first storytellers. We acknowledge Tasmanian Aboriginal people as the traditional and continuing custodians of the land, waters and sky. We pay respect to the Elders, past and present, who hold the memories, traditions, culture and knowledge of Country. We extend our respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, whose Countries were never ceded.

Success story: Plain English and the law