Legislative Drafting Manual

Avoid vague words
Drafters should use vague words only if they have no other choice. Reasonable, 
fair, in the public interest are some of the vague terms. 
Avoid ambiguous words
Drafter should take ultimate care to avoid words, terms or phrases having two or 
more meanings. 
Use of particular words 

In general, avoid use of “said” and “such.‟‟ (“Said” may be used to refer to a 
previously cited statut
e.). Instead, use “the” if the reference is unambiguous. 
Otherwise, use “this,” that”, these” or “those”.

“Shall” and “may”
1. 
A duty, obligation, or condition precedent is best expressed by “Shall”.
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2. 
Use “shall” if the verb it qualifies is in the active voice. Example: The 
aggrieved party shall file (active verb in active voice) the application.”
3. 
Use “may” to confer a power, privilege, or right.
Examples
“the applicant may demand (power) an extension of time.”
“The applicant may appeal (right the decision.)”
4. 
Use “shall not” to express a prohibition. Don‟t use „‟may not‟‟ This phrase 
has proved confusing for most non lawyers, if not for lawyers in Ethiopia. It 
is often believed to be stronger than „„shall not‟‟. Avoid it any way during 
drafting.
Compare the use of this term in the following provisions 
Arts.348 (4) and 350(3) and of the Commercial Code 
“The general manager is an employee of the company and may not be a 
director.” 
“Directors may not be appointed for more than three years” 
Use “which” to introduce a non restrictive clause.
Example: “An applicant shall sign the application, which need not be 
verified.”
Use “that” to introduce a restrictive clause modifying the nearest antecedent.
Example: “An applicant may apply to renew a license that has been 
revoked.”
Avoid “the provisions of‟‟
Instead of the words 
“in accordance with the provisions of this section,” say 
“under this section.”