Must and Shall: A Statutory Distinction
by Thomas Morris You may have noticed that some of the bills recently drafted by the Office of Legislative Legal Services have begun to use the word “must” in some […]
Bill Drafting
OLLS Implementing Drafting Changes to Improve the Use of Present Tense, Active Voice, and Authority Verbs
by Thomas Morris Open your statute book to any statutory section and you’re likely to find a sentence something like the following: “The fine shall be imposed by the court […]
What Is Your Purpose?
by Ed DeCecco What is your purpose? It’s a big question; one that can confound even the greatest of thinkers. And it is a question that the attorney drafting your […]
Bill History is Out There – All You Need To Do Is Ask
by Julie Pelegrin A constituent has just brought you a great idea for a bill. It’s such a great idea that you can’t believe someone hasn’t already introduced a bill […]