Features of Legal Language. The Translator’s Perspective (English version)

The crucial importance of the language of the law in the modern society is undeniable as through it the complex legal mechanism is set in motion. Characterising this particular type of language is not a simple task and theorists adopt different perspectives which range from focussing on terminology and syntax to spotlighting ‘problem features’. Legal terminology and phraseology is a major concern for all those who deal with legal language but especially for the legal translator as (s) he must bring to a common level, two or more legal systems which are sometimes particularly diverse and culture-bound. Legal style is also peculiar as it makes use of old-fashioned syntax, lengthy sentences, redundancy of the discourse, overuse of performative verbs, conjoined phrases and lists of words, preference for impersonal constructions, etc. These are the most important features which allow us to distinguish legal style from the style of the common language.