Author Question: What are the consequences of having multiple errors in a legal document from failure to properly ... (Read 55 times)

Shelles · **on:** Aug 3, 2018

What are the consequences of having multiple errors in a legal document from failure to properly proofread and edit?

What will be an ideal response?

Question 2

What are the limitations of using spell check and grammar check software? How can those limitations be overcome?

What will be an ideal response?

hugthug12 · **Reply #1 on:** Aug 3, 2018

Answer to Question 1

If any mistakes are made due to inattentiveness to detail, it will affect the reputation of the law office and possibly adversely affect the case itself. Opposing counsel and their staff are trained to look through the documents filed by their adversaries to see if any mistakes exist to use against them. This could also be considered a violation of the duty of competence.

Answer to Question 2

Spell Check is helpful in catching misspelled words, errors in grammar, as well as finding things you may not catch, such as an extra space between words, two periods at the end of a sentence, and double words (the the). However, you should not become dependent on it. It is best to learn the rules of grammar, punctuation, and word usage so that you do not become reliant on online assistance. Another reason not to solely rely on Spell and Grammar Check is because certain conjunctions, such as or, and, if, and but may be spelled correctly, but if they are misplaced within a contract, they can make the difference between winning and losing a case. Proper use of proofreading and editing can overcome these limitations.