Technical Communication Quarterly Dec 2010

Beyond Plain Language: A Learner-Centered Approach to Pattern Jury Instructions

Katherine S. Miles ; Jacquline L. Cottle Ottawa University

Abstract

Before a jury begins deliberation, judges provide instructions to guide jury decision-making. Unfortunately, extant literature has demonstrated poor comprehension of these instructions. Although there have been attempts to simplify the language of these instructions, plain language may not be enough to ensure comprehension. Instead, the principles of technical communication advocate the adoption of a learner-centered perspective and suggest increased novice–expert interactions to assist jurors in comprehending the task assigned to them.

Journal
Technical Communication Quarterly
Published
2010-12-22
DOI
10.1080/10572252.2011.528345
Open Access
Closed

Citation Context

Cited by in this index (4)

  1. Passera (2018)
    Flowcharts, Swimlanes, and Timelines
    Journal of Business and Technical Communication
  2. Redington (2017)
    Methodology on Trial
    Journal of Technical Writing and Communication
  3. Peter (2017)
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  4. Harlow (2015)
    <i>Topoi</i> and the Reconciliation of Expertise: A Model for the Development o…
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Cites in this index (0)

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