Legislative Drafting Manual

3.2.3.2. Consistency with International Law 
All the above guidelines can also be used for International Law as applicable, and 
specifically however, a drafter is strongly advised to ascertain that the provisions 
of the draft are consistent with International instruments. 
Mainly, a drafter is required to make sure that the draft is not inconsistent with:

International agreements ratified by Ethiopia; and

Other International Instruments adopted by Ethiopia.
Chapter 4 
Linguistic Usage and style 
4.1. Linguistic Usage  
Laws should be written in a simple and clear language and direct style, using 
complete sentences and phrased for the common reader as well as for the 
political or legal expert. Language is the instrument by which the intent of the 
legislature is externalized and reaches the subjects of the law. The proper use of 
language is imperative in order to impart the message as intended by the maker. 
The drafter should use this tool of communication prudently and carefully so that 
the law says what the maker means. Various tips, guidelines and rules are 
available for drafters to enable them achieve the above goal.
To this end drafters are required to abide by the following rules throughout the 
drafting process. 
Use Clear Language
a. Use language which is understandable

Use words and phrases that can be easily and uniformly understood

It is advisable to avoid such phrases as due care, good faith, reasonable 
period, undue influence, unconscionableness , etc 

Instead, use expressions that can convey your message with exactness
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a. Write for your audience

Make sure that the message is understandable not only by its administrator but 
also by the lay person

Put yourself in you
r audience‟s shoes and then write for your audience; 
including the
o 
General public
o 
Specific interest groups
o 
Administrators
o 
Lawyers
c. Limits of clarity
Beware that extreme clarity may not necessarily be best instrument of justice. To 
the extent possible avoid mechanical rules and formalities, or reduce them to the 
minimum. Mechanical rules always suffer the risk of over-inclusion and under-
inclusion in respect to their subjects.