Explanatory parentheticals

Definition

Explanatory parentheticals are brief phrases or sentences inserted within legal citations to provide additional context or clarification about the source being cited. They help to enhance understanding by offering insight into the relevance or significance of the cited material, thereby improving the reader's comprehension. These parentheticals often elaborate on secondary sources or cases that support the main text, making the legal writing more accessible and informative.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Explanatory parentheticals are particularly useful when citing secondary sources, as they help clarify the relevance of these sources to the primary argument.
2. They usually appear immediately after a citation and can vary in length depending on the complexity of the explanation needed.
3. Using explanatory parentheticals can improve the overall readability of legal writing by providing context without disrupting the flow of the main text.
4. It is essential to strike a balance between providing enough detail in an explanatory parenthetical and keeping it concise so as not to overwhelm the reader.
5. In legal writing, proper formatting and placement of explanatory parentheticals follow specific citation styles that should be adhered to for consistency and professionalism.

Review Questions

• How do explanatory parentheticals enhance the clarity of secondary source citations in legal writing?
  • Explanatory parentheticals enhance clarity by providing additional context about why a particular secondary source is relevant to the main text. They allow writers to briefly explain how the cited material supports their argument or its significance in relation to the primary topic. This contextualization helps readers understand not just what sources are being referenced but also their importance in the legal discussion at hand.
• Discuss how explanatory parentheticals can impact a reader's understanding of complex legal arguments when citing cases or secondary sources.
  • Explanatory parentheticals can significantly impact a reader's understanding by breaking down complex legal arguments into more digestible parts. By adding concise explanations next to citations, writers can illuminate connections between their arguments and supporting materials. This technique ensures that readers grasp not only the citation itself but also its implications for the overall argument, making intricate legal concepts more accessible.
• Evaluate the role of explanatory parentheticals in improving legal writing style and effectiveness, particularly in persuasive contexts.
  • Explanatory parentheticals play a crucial role in enhancing both style and effectiveness in legal writing, especially in persuasive contexts. They allow writers to present their arguments with supporting evidence while ensuring that citations are not mere references but integral parts of their narrative. By effectively incorporating these parentheticals, writers can guide readers through their thought processes and strengthen their persuasiveness, making their case more compelling and easier to follow.

Related terms

Citation: A reference to a legal source, such as a case, statute, or secondary material, that provides the necessary information to locate the original work.

Legal Writing: The practice of drafting legal documents and communications in a clear, concise, and persuasive manner, often including citations and references.

Footnote: A notation at the bottom of a page that provides additional information or references related to the content on that page, often used for citations.