International Organization for Standardization releases plain legal language standard.

On 26 August 2025, the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) released Part 2 of its plain language standard, which is focused on legal communication. Clear communication benefits those who create legal documents and those who rely on them.

• For individuals, the ability to understand legal information helps protect their fundamental rights: the ability to earn a living, obtain housing, make sound medical and financial decision, pursue and defend legal rights and more.
• For governments, businesses, and others who communicate and rely on legal information, good legal communication reduces costs, increases efficiency and improves effectiveness and compliance. Other benefits include reduced litigation as well as easier digitalization and translation.

“Too many legal documents leave their readers struggling to make sense of the message. But all people have a right to understand their legal rights and obligations and to actively participate in legal processes that apply to them. The new standard addresses growing international recognition of the benefits of using plain language in legal communication.” explains Joanna Richardson, who chairs the International Plain Language Federation that supports development of the plain language ISO standards.

“For generations, lawyers have insisted that legal documents require a level of accuracy and precision that plain language can’t capture. But today’s lawyers increasingly recognize that plain language—when used correctly—is just as accurate and precise as traditional legal language. And in many cases, plain language clears up confusion and exposes hidden ambiguity,” explains Julie Clement.

Clement chaired the drafting committee that developed the new standard, and she is president of Clarity, the world’s largest organization focused on promoting plain legal language and design. She elaborates: “This standard provides a clear description of what plain language is and how you can achieve it specifically with legal communication.”

The standard aims to work for most languages, legal documents and sectors. As much as possible, the standard allows for differences in legal systems.

This plain legal language standard is referred to as Part 2 because it builds on Part 1, which sets out general principles and guidelines. Part 2 adds content specifically relevant for people creating legal documents. Other parts being developed include science writing, business reports and document design.

You can buy a copy of the standard through your country’s standard-setting body, or directly from the ISO store.

For more details on the International Plain Language Federation’s work to support and advance the ISO plain language standards, email gael@iplfederation.org.

About the International Plain Language Federation

The International Plain Language Federation was established in 2007 as a joint project of three organizations: the Center for Plain Language, Clarity and Plain Language Association International (PLAIN). The Federation is managed by a board made up of representatives of these three member organizations. The Federation’s goal is to advance plain language as a profession.