“Need Not”

Dear Legal Writer, Next time you’re trying to cut words or add some punch, try this:

Replace “is not required to” with “need not.”

For example:

❌ Instead of: “The defendant is not required to disprove the plaintiff’s claims.”

✅ Try: “The defendant need not disprove the plaintiff’s claims.”

This edit is now a current favorite of mine, as I only recently discovered it.

🗳️ What’s one of your recent, favorite ways to chop words?

Fondly,
💌 Amanda

All past posts are also on my website, Dear1L dot com.

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