Dear 1L: Don’t confuse “prescribe” & “proscribe”

Dear 1L Writer,

I’m seeing students use “proscribe” and “prescribe” interchangeably. Wanted to make sure you were clear that the words are near opposites.

🔷 To “prescribe” means to direct or instruct a rule (or course of conduct) to be followed (e.g., a doctor prescribing medicine or exercise). But “prescribe” comes up in law, too.

—For example, a statute might prescribe a mandatory, minimum sentence for certain felony convictions

🔷 To “proscribe,” by contrast, means to forbid or ban. Think prOhibit.

—For example, a statute might proscribe the act of making false statements to the FBI.

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📫 What other word pairs come up in the law or legal writing that new law students should be sure they know?

Fondly,

💌 Amanda