Rules for Drafting Clear Contracts: | = | |
Have a compact statement of the transaction mechanics. It should be possible to understand the intentions and model of the contract in a short read. This is not merely efficient for the reader, it promotes thinking about the whole of the agreement and relationship. | = | |
List parameters: if there are dates, prices, times, places, specifications, options, put them together. They can be defined and then the definitions used in the document. This promotes clarity for the reader. | = | |
Use definitions for blocks of thought. Work hard to make the defined word (the key) convey the meaning of the definitions (the value). | = | |
These can be building blocks, promote reuse and standardization. "Parameters" are a form of definition, but it will convenient to list them separately. Definitions should be understood as foundational, not variable. | = | |
Headings. Use lots of them. Whitespace isn't expensive. | = | |