What numbers do you spell out in legal writing?

The Chicago Manual of Style, The Bluebook and the ALWD Guide to Legal Citation all suggest spelling out numbers from zero to ninety-nine. The Oregon Appellate Courts Style Manual says to spell out numbers from zero to nine (as does the Bulletin), and Chicago recognizes this alternative as popular in some publications.

Why do lawyers spell out numbers?

If you ask most attorneys why they do it this way, they don’t have an answer. The advantages of simply writing the numerals only are obvious. Only one number needs to be inserted or changed. It also takes up less space, and makes a document look less “legal”.

What is the difference between a key number and a headnote?

Headnotes and Key Numbers are editorial enhancements that you can use to find additional cases addressing similar issues. Headnote: A brief summary of a legal rule or significant facts in a case. Key Number: It is an indexing system devised for American case law, developed by West (now Thomson Reuters).

What is the key number system?

A key number system is a legal research indexing system introduced by West Publishing Company to catalogue American case law with head notes. In this system, a number designates a point of law and helps a researcher to find all reported cases addressing a particular issue by referring to its number.

Should 10 be spelled out?

Numerals should be used for numbers 10 and above, but numbers nine and below should be spelled out. Spell out numbers at the beginning of a sentence. A number that begins a sentence should be spelled out rather than noted as a numeral, even if the number is below 10.

What is the correct way to write a number?

Writing Small and Large Numbers A simple rule for using numbers in writing is that small numbers ranging from one to ten (or one to nine, depending on the style guide) should generally be spelled out. Larger numbers (i.e., above ten) are written as numerals.

Why are numbers written twice?

Bolding of certain phrases for emphasis, And of course writing numbers twice (2x) so they are more easily seen.

Why do lawyers write numbers twice?

Many lawyers love to write numbers twice For example: Some lawyers say it provides clarity. Some say it helps to identify the numbers as numbers (really?). Some do it because “it’s always been done that way.” And others do it to make themselves look important.

What information can you find from the headnote of a case?

Headnotes are summaries of the issues in a case. They are not actually part of the opinion. Each headnote is numbered. Headnotes in a West reporter address a specific point of law in the case, including the relevant facts regarding that point of law.

How do you write a headnote for a case?

1. Area of Law. We start off the headnote with the general area of law that the case is dealing with.
2. Legislations. We draft the headnotes inclusive of the references to the important legislation bearing on the decision in the case.
3. Keywords.
4. Facts.
5. Issues.
6. Submissions/arguments.
7. Decision.
8. Ratio.

What is a legal key?

KEY. An instrument made for shutting and opening a lock. 2. The keys of a house are considered as real estate, and descend to the heir with the inheritance. But see 5 Blackf.

What is a headnote in law?

Headnotes are summaries of a point of law that appear at the beginning of a case. Headnotes are written by editors at Westlaw and Lexis (sometimes the language is verbatim from the text of the opinion).

Do lawyers remember all the laws in the world?

Being a lawyer is not about remembering all the laws. It’s about understanding the principles and rationale behind them. And knowing where and what to look for in a particular case. Although if you practice long enough, you remember those laws you regularly come across regardless. 8 clever moves when you have $1,000 in the bank.

What is the correct way to memorize numbers?

The correct way to go about memorizing is by reading the words backwards. Here’s a demonstration. Look at this number: Cover up everything with a sheet of paper except the last digit, 8. Now slowly say, “eight,” aloud three times. Next, slide the paper over one digit and slowly say, “five-eight,” three times.

Do you know the basics of law in multiple fields?

Because most subjects are elective, it is possible to graduate law school and become a licensed lawyer without ever learning anything about a number of legal subjects. Bottom line, when you graduate from law school, you know the basics of law in multiple fields.

Why is memorization important in certain law classes?

Memorization is important in certain law classes because so much of the material is fact-based. I’m sure that when you were younger, you were required to memorize Shakespearean monologues or the capitals of U.S. states.