The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) has published part 2 of the plain language standard, called ISO 24495-2 Plain language — Part 2: Legal Communication.
The standard provides a clear understanding of what plain language legal communication is and how you can achieve it.
An international team of experts in law and plain language wrote the standard. They are from different countries, different legal systems, and different legal fields. They identified common criteria for plain legal language.
IIID was represented on the drafting committee by Rob Waller, and it includes advice about using graphics to clarify content, using layered structures for different types of reader and using a collaborative writing process that involves experts in clear communication.
Karel van der Waarde from IIID was involved in Part 1: General Principles, which was published in 2023. This also incorporates information design principles alongside traditional plain language guidelines. Karel and Rob are currently involved with a future part to the standard that focuses entirely on document design.
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