Ever really read a criminal code? Get into the exceptions or additional penalties or conditions and it will make you wonder if what the defendant did was really a crime. What about the tax code? CPAs have different interpretations and they're trained to understand it. What's the problem?
My firm belief is legislatures have purposefully created our modern legal speak and phrasiology to purposefully confuse the average joe and force them to hire representation or to blind them into a plea deal since they really don't understand what is happening. That's a shame.
We need simplified laws and statutes. From taxes to disorderly conduct, folks need to understand what they are responsible for, and the rules need to be clear enough to eliminate confusion.
We also need to shift the public's consciousness to voluntary compliance. I know this doesn't apply to everybody; most of us are law abiding citizens. But for those who feel the only way to get customer service is to rant and rave at the individual paid to help or the person who drinks themself into oblivion and goes out on a stumbling fumbling disruption ride, this message is for you. The rest of the world doesn't need to put up with your obnoxious and uncivil behavior, and your kids are watching. How can schools and public places convince your kids to behave if you don't.
So, to the legislatures, write the laws in a way we can understand. To the obnoxious malcontents of the world, grow up and act like a free citizen should.
Chip Grefski
I'd like to see all of the laws reviewed and re-written in understandable, straightforward language. Then screened for redundancy, antiquation, and conflicts. Then re-organized and accompanied by pictures drawn by school children in crayon. I have my doubts that any of that will ever happen, not as long as the lawyers have their hands in the lawmaking.
ReplyDeleteNicely put! Lawyers have a great way of messing things up. Warning: this comment should not be taken while consuming oxygen. See your doctor if sympotoms persist.
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