Write for the Judge and Jury

    第四部分：要为法官和陪审团考虑

    31. Assume the reader is a knowledgeable layman. If your writing is so clear that a layman could understand it， then it is less likely it will end up in court.

    要假设合同的读者是一个受过教育的外行，如果你书写的合同简明得连一个外行都能理解，那么即使到了法庭上，，你也不用害怕。

    32. Define a word by capitalizing it and putting it in quotes. Capitalizing a word indicates that you intend it to have a special meaning. The following are two sample clauses for defining terms：

    Wherever used in this contract， the word "Goods" shall mean the goods that Buyer has agreed to purchase from Seller under this contract.Buyer hereby agrees to purchase from Seller ten （10） frying pans， hereinafter called the "Goods."

    强调一个合同术语可以这样做：加上双引号并将其开头的字母大写。将一个词语的开头字母大写表明你想让它有一个特别的意思。下面有两个定义术语的例子：

    一。本合同中使用的“货物”（"Goods"）是指买方已经同意向卖方购买的货物；

    二。本合同中买方同意向卖方购买的拾（10）只平底锅，即下文中的“货物”（"Goods"）。

    33. Define words when first used. Instead of writing a section of definitions at the beginning or end of a contract， consider defining terms and concepts as they first appear in the contract. This will make it easier for the reader to follow.

    第一次使用某个术语时就要下定义。定义合同术语不是在合同的开头，也不是在合同的结尾，而是在这个术语第一次出现的时候，这样做，有利于读者更好地理解合同。

    34. Explain technical terms and concepts. Remember that the parties might understand technical jargon， but the judge and jury who interpret and apply the contract do not. Therefore， explain the contract‘s terms and concepts within the contract itself. Let the contract speak for itself from within its four corners.

    勤于解释合同中的术语和概念。要记住合同双方的当事人可能会理解合同中某些专用术语，但法官和陪审团却可能一无所知。所以撰写合同时要让合同自己为自己释义。