Publication Date
3-1-1999
Document Type
Article
Organizational Units
Sturm College of Law
Keywords
Legal writing, Plain meaning
Abstract
When President Clinton parsed words in his testimony, the response was contempt and disdain. The impeachment trial hinged on the assumption that Clinton's intent in interpreting common words with a narrow or special meaning was deceitful. We lawyers cannot speak to Clinton's intent, and we wince at the bad publicity he is giving to the profession. However, most of us would have to admit that Clinton's use of common words with special meanings is not only acceptable, but commonplace in the law
Publication Statement
Copyright is held by the author. User is responsible for all copyright compliance.
Recommended Citation
K.K. DuVivier, Common Words with Uncommon Meanings, 28 Colo. Law. 47 (Mar. 1999).