Common English Mistakes in Legal Briefs by Arabic Speakers

This page focuses on errors typically made by native Arabic speakers from United Arab Emirates when writing a Legal Brief in English.

Mistake Example #1

Misuse of articles ('I have car' instead of 'I have a car')

In response tothe court's request, I submit this legal brief on behalf of (the/my)client, Mr. Ahmed. C(This/my) client has been accused of breach of contract, but theevidence clearly shows that he fulfilled all theobligations underthe agreement. We respectfully ask thecourt to dismiss thecharges due toa lack of substantial proof.

Text corrected by:
Gregg, Los Angeles, CA

"This needed some tweaking to add missing articles ("the," "an," etc.)."

In response to the court's request, I submit this legal brief on behalf of (the/my) client, Mr. Ahmed. (This/my) client has been accused of breach of contract, but the evidence clearly shows that he fulfilled all the obligations under the agreement. We respectfully ask the court to dismiss the charges due to a lack of substantial proof.

In response to court's request, I submit this legal brief on behalf of client, Mr. Ahmed. Client has been accused of breach of contract, but evidence clearly shows that he fulfilled all obligations under agreement. We respectfully ask court to dismiss charges due to lack of substantial proof.

Mistake Example #2

Overuse of passive voice

In the matter of the contract dispute, the plaintisff argueds thatthe defendant breached the agreement. was breached by tThe defendant. Tfailed to adhere to the terms wereand did not adhered to, andfulfill thestipulated obligations. werThe plainot fulfilled as stipulated. It isff requested thats the court's attention is drawnto theevidence that has been submittedevidence, which demonshowtrates the breachwas committed.

Text corrected by:
Gregg, Los Angeles, CA

"This needed some tweaking to reduce the use of passive voice."

In the matter of the contract dispute, the plaintiff argues that the defendant breached the agreement. The defendant failed to adhere to the terms and did not fulfill the stipulated obligations. The plaintiff requests the court's attention to the submitted evidence, which demonstrates the breach.

In the matter of the contract dispute, it is argued that the agreement was breached by the defendant. The terms were not adhered to, and the obligations were not fulfilled as stipulated. It is requested that the court's attention is drawn to the evidence that has been submitted, which shows the breach was committed.