legal memo 法律备忘录(5)

legal memo

Editing

After you are satisfied with the substance of your memo, check it carefully for substantive accuracy and mechanical errors. Editing your legal writing may take longer than you expect, so allow extra time in your project planning.

For substantive accuracy, check every statement of law or fact against your original source to confirm that your point is either stated in the source or follows from it. Be sure you have included a citation to legal authority after each statement of law.

Mechanical errors can include typos, grammar and punctuation errors, and citation format problems. Using the spell-checking function of your word processor is helpful for catching typos, but it will not catch all misspellings. Remember that a spell-checker will only review your document for the presence of words that are not in its dictionary. For example, it will no t catch a misspelling of “there” when you meant to say “their.” Also check carefully for grammar and punctuation errors. Use a style manual if your skills are rusty.

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