Module 1: A Kick-Start to Legal Drafting

Part 1: Importance & Types of Legal Drafting

What is Legal Drafting?

It basically is a process of writing a legal document in a definitive way, meaning, following a
certain uniform procedure. It includes various elements, like using plain language, using right
structuring and format, using precise and unambiguous words, etc. for example, during drafting
of a legislature, certain process should be followed to add uniformity, ‘proviso’ will denote the
same meaning in every legislation. Or, in the case of a PIL, a certain process of drafting is to be
followed so that there is no uncertainty or ambiguity.
What is Pleading?
“Pleading” means to plead. These are basically written presentation of facts on when one seeks
legal relief.
There are three types of pleadings:
1. Criminal: they are basically the complaints that a person files. These include appeals,
amendment application etc.
2. Civil: plaints/suits etc.
3. Niche areas of drafting: PILs, writs etc.
What do you mean by Conveyance?
This means conveyance of interest from one party to another. These include documents
that donot directly include court. For example in the case of wills or written agreements,
the court is not involved, but whatever the interest are, they are conveyed legally and are
binding, if all conditions are fulfilled

Why is learning Legal Drafting Important?

Necause, the first thing is that it brings uniformity among the documents and ultimately
lessens the burden of the courts. I think, uniformity the the most important thing that we
willget from properly drafted documents. Also, there will be lesser scope of ambiguity, and
would be easier to understand, that, in the end will also enable thegeneral public to
understand the legal documents. One reason that the lawyers are not seen as very
trustworthy is that the documents that they form are out of the understanding of general
 Module 1: A Kick-Start to Legal Drafting

public, due to which they donot have onfidence in them. So it is very important to lessen the
gap between the general public and the lawyers ans the judicial system ultimately.

What are the Types of Legal Drafting?

Already explained in the above question.
1. Pleadings

a. Criminal Pleadings- Original, Appellate, Misc.

b. Civil Pleadings- Original, Appellate, Misc.

2. Conveyances

3. Niche Drafting
 Module 1: A Kick-Start to Legal Drafting

Part 2: Importance & Purpose of Vernacular language in Drafting

What is vernacular language?

What is the need for knowing vernacular language in litigation?

 Module 1: A Kick-Start to Legal Drafting

Part 3: Workshop on Legal Research Databases

What is the purpose and utility of Legal Research?

Why do we need Legal Research in Drafting?

Sources/ Databases for Legal Research:

1. General Resources

a. Free Resources

b. Premium Databases

2. Legal Databases

a. Free

b. Premium

How to use these resources? (Workshop)

What to do when you do not have any Premium Database but still need to cite cases before
the Court of Law?