Legislative Drafting Manual

Peoples’ Representatives has hereby proclaimed as follows:”  
3.1.5. Body of Laws 
3.1.5.1. Typical Divisions and Organization of Laws
a. 
Laws are normally divided by articles, which are usually called the “basic 
units” of a law. Each article may also be again sub-divided in to either 
numbered or un-numbered paragraphs, sub-paragraphs, points, indents, or 
sentences.
b. On the other hand, articles may also be re-grouped in higher sub-divisions 
such as Parts, Titles, Chapters, Sections, and Sub-Sections. However, a 
drafter should note that articles need not be grouped in higher divisions like 
Parts, Titles, Chapters, etc…unless such re-grouping (division) is justified 
by the diversity of the subject matter, the number of articles, for need of 
clarity, or for ease of consultation. So, the drafter should first determine the 
existence of either of these justifications before proceeding and re-grouping 
the articles in to a higher leveled division.
c. In Ethiopian drafting culture there is no such type of standard designation 
and in our laws we can find different types of designations by using cardinal 
numbers either in words, or in roman figures, or in Arabic figures. For 
example, we can see the division of Labor Proclamation No. 377/03 in to 
Parts, Chapters, Sections, and Sub-Sections, all being designated by 
cardinal numbers in words while in some other laws (e.g. in our Civil Code 
higher divisions are designated differently).
www.abyssinialaw.com

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In view of the above irregularity in our drafting trend and in order to ensure 
uniformity, the following Order, Designation and Symbols of the divisions/sections 
are recommended:- 
Designation of Divisions of Law 
Symbol(s) for the Division(s)