Burton's Legal Thesaurus

For nearly twenty years, legal professions have relied on Burton's Legal Thesaurus as an "essential reference source" in a field where precise language is vital. This highly praised work--originally published in 1980 by Macmillan Publishing--has played a major role in the fight against "legalese". Completely updated, this edition includes 1,000 new entries on: Electronic commerce; intellectual property; bioethics; plus, other cutting-edge legal issues. Contains for nearly 7,000 terms: synonyms & definitions; parts of speech; associated legal concepts; foreign phrases & translations. Burton's Legal Thesaurus also provides readers an invaluable essay on "plain language" laws and guidelines across the U.S.--these important legal developments have never been so thoroughly documented in any reference work. This is the one-stop reference that every paralegal, law student, researcher, or attorney will want to own: Timeliness of the 1,000-plus new entries in this edition; Students will appreciate the straightforward presentation of information in a new easier-to-use format; Law students will improve their writing while gaining familiarity with one of the most commonly used reference tools in the legal profession; Paralegals and legal aids will better understand their profession by learning verbal distinctions; Laypersons interested in understanding the laws which govern them will find this a reliable companion on their side to quickly learn unfamiliar terms in plain-English; Scholars and journalists will find useful the inclusion of commonly used legal colloquialisms which may not be familiar to those who are outside the profession or who are not currently practicing law.

7,000 terms, synonyms, definitions, and parts of speech related specifically to the legal profession—now newly updated and revised

For over twenty years, Burton's Legal Thesaurus has been the standard for legal professionals seeking to express their thoughts, ideas and arguments clearly and persuasively. It continues to be an essential reference tool in a field where precision and accuracy of language is vital. This newly revised and expanded third edition contains more entries than ever before, including cutting-edge terms unique to today's legal profession.

This new edition of Burton's Legal Thesaurus is an indispensable reference source for:
* Attorneys and judges, who will appreciate the timeliness of the 1,000-plus new entries
* Law students seeking familiarity with usage of a specific word or term
* Paralegals and legal aides, who spend countless hours assisting in the preparation of important legal documents
* Journalists and scholars looking for clear explanations of legal colloquialisms
* Laypersons with a thirst for knowledge of the specifics of legal expression

PRAISE FOR PREVIOUS EDITIONS

"Prepared by lawyers, comprehensive, up-to-date, easy to use." -American Bar Association Journal

"A tool to strengthen the lawyer's vocabulary and improve the precision of legal writing...excellent quality and painstaking attention to detail...will doubtless become a standard reference."-Maryland Bar Journal

"The Legal Thesaurus...might be to Black's what Roget'sis to Webster's...Given the popularity of plain language laws,the Legal Thesaurus could be just the book to own."-United States Law Week

"With the emphasis today on good legal writing, plain English,and consumer communications, there is a need for volumes to help lawyers to be precise with their language...The legal profession should find this volume valuable in using the exact word to convey the meaning intended."-New York State Bar Journal

"In the legal community absolute understanding is the measure of perfection...It is through the use of such a tool as the Legal Thesaurus that one may find the precise term to fit the nuances of a particular situation."-William O. DouglasJustice, U.S. Supreme Court, 1939-1975

Contents

• Foreword by Justice William O. Douglas.
• Introduction by the author, William C. Burton.
• Acknowledgments.
• Using this Book.
• The Plain Language Imperative.
• Main Entries.
• Index.