Plain English Campaign hails write ruling by judge

A High Court judge could get an award - for writing in plain English.

The Plain English Campaign, which promotes the use of simple language, has heaped praise on a case ruling written by Mr Justice Peter Jackson, following a family court hearing in Liverpool.

A spokesman said the 6,555-word ruling should be read by every judge in the UK - and he said Mr Justice Jackson would be considered for one of the campaign's Plain English awards.

Council social services bosses had asked the judge to make decisions relating to the future of four children - aged between 12 and 10 months - who were in foster care.

Mr Justice Jackson, who is based in the Family Division of the High Court in London, said he had made his ruling as short as possible so that the older children and their mother could follow it.

He also included emojis which had featured in messages sent between family members in his ruling.

"Mr Justice Jackson's ruling was an excellent example of plain English," said the Plain English Campaign spokesman.

"It was clear, concise and easy to follow. It was written in a way that anyone - not just lawyers - could understand. Every judge in the country should read it."

He added: "We will consider giving Mr Justice Jackson one of our Plain English awards."

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