Some Notes on English Legal Translation

Abstract

An attempt to provide guidelines for persons translating legal texts from French to Eng, originally written for translators practicing in Quebec. Discussed are translation of legislation, juridical acts (deeds, contracts), court decisions, & legal notices. Stylistic & terminological problems are raised, & solutions proposed. Accepted rules on translation & statute citation are provided. Examples are drawn principally from the Statutes of Quebec & the 1977 Draft Civil Code of Quebec. It is claimed that, given the proper attention, legal translations can be as elegant as any other, & need not be encumbered by archaic style or gobbledegook. AA