It has to do with the choice of words
It’s not the letters and spaces; rather, the use of the language that makes all the difference. Particularly in those areas dealing with money and property, which is what the legal system is all about, the words can be poetry or shackles. I haven’t had many occasions to read good legalese, but when you come across the stuff, you recognize the beauty of the thing.
My degree from university simply spoke in the sense that the rest of the world should recognize my perseverence, in the face of too many late nights and bad meals. The first property deed, which we received at the hands of a notary in a conducted reading session that seemed to last a whole rainy afternoon, made things clear in the way that the Code Civil does best: line by line by line.
Today’s mail brought a sheaf of documents from a different jurisdiction. A different legal system, built on the foundation of conveyance. From one party to another, with the transfer of rights and responsibilities having a finality. Let me quote for you.
This Indenture made this day in the year or Our Lord Two Thousand and Eight. In pursuance of the Enactments Respecting Short Forms of Indentures. between (the names have been omitted for clarity) Hereinafter called the Grantors, of the First Part and (the names have also been omitted for clarity) Hereinafter called the Grantees, of the Other Part.
Witnesseth that in consideration of FIVE ($5.00) DOLLARS of lawful money of Canada now paid by the Grantees to the Grantors (the receipt whereof is hereby by them acknowledged) they the said Grantors Do grant unto the grantees their heirs and assigns forever, all and singular the lands described in Schedule “A” hereto annexed.
Together With all the rights, privileges, easements, advantages and appurtenances to the said lands belonging or appertaining or thereunto now or heretofore holden, used, occupied or enjoyed: TO HAVE AND TO HOLD the said lands and premises with their appurtenaces unto and to the use of the Grantees their heirs and assigns forever.
I’ll stop here. I already have a spouse. Now I believe I have ALSO married a hayfield with an ocean view. The $5.00, oddly enough, cost much more than that at our bank, so it must have been rendered in rare coinage. And I now know exactly how many feet I should go before I turn the lawnmower for the return trip across the lot. Cool!
For the record: the lot Commencing at a point; thence (azimuth 163 ° 01′ 30.2″) for 270.82 feet; thence (azimuth 242 ° 30′ 14.1″) for 253.52 feet, thence (azimuth 310 ° 38′ 38.5″) for 233.56 feet; thence (azimuth 055 ° 16′ 07.8″) for 393.06 feet forms a polygon containing 1.79 acres of land, a little more or less. All gold found therein had better belong to yours truly.
