Clarity International

Exciting news for the global plain language community. 🌍 The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) has published ISO 24495-3, the newest part of the international plain language standard, focused on plain language science writing. Clear communication matters wherever people need to understand complex information, whether in law, government, healthcare, science, or public policy. This new standard helps support science communicators in making important information more accessible, understandable, and usable for their audiences. The publication of Part 3 is another important milestone for the growing ISO 24495 family of standards and reflects the increasing international recognition that clarity matters. Congratulations to everyone who contributed to this important work. Learn more in the International Plain Language Federation's press release: https://lnkd.in/g2TpfrDP #PlainLanguage #ISO24495 #ScienceCommunication #LegalCommunication #Clarity

We are saddened to learn of the passing of The Right Honourable Sir Kenneth Keith ONZ KBE, one of Clarity’s longtime patrons. As a proud New Zealander, Sir Kenneth devoted his life to law reform, legal education, and international justice and was the first New Zealander elected to the International Court of Justice, where he served from 2006 to 2015. Throughout his remarkable career, he remained deeply committed to making the law clearer, fairer, and more accessible. We had the honour of interviewing Sir Kenneth for Issue No. 88 of The Clarity Journal, where he reflected on legal communication and the importance of writing for the public with clarity and care. We learned not only from his expertise, but from his deep respect for readers and for the role clear language plays in public trust and access to justice. His wisdom, generosity, and commitment to clarity left a lasting mark on the legal and plain legal language communities around the world. You can revisit Sir Kenneth Keith’s interview in The Clarity Journal here: https://lnkd.in/d5tJuKNe #PlainLanguage #PlainLegalLanguage #AccessToJustice #ClarityJournal

Sometimes the biggest barrier to accessing a service is  the language surrounding it 🌍. The state of California is considering legislation that would strengthen plain language requirements across state communications. The proposed bill, AB 2360, aims to ensure that government information is written in ways people can understand and use. The conversation behind the bill is an important one. Nearly four million Californians may be eligible for support services they are not receiving, not because those services do not exist, but because the forms, instructions, and information describing them are too difficult to understand. This initiative, supported by California’s State Council on Developmental Disabilities, reflects something the plain language community has long recognized: communication plays a critical role in accessibility, fairness, and participation. When public information is clear, people are better able to navigate systems, make informed decisions, and access the services intended for them. Plain language matters. #PlainLanguage #Accessibility #LegalCommunication #AccessToJustice

Words can open the doors of justice, or quietly keep people outside them. Today, we are proud to launch the Clarity Spotlight Series by featuring Judge Rosemarie Aquilina, whose work powerfully reflects this truth. As a renowned judge, former military officer, respected law professor, and accomplished author, Judge Aquilina has shown throughout her career that the law should not be reserved for the few, but understood by many. Her commitment to plain language began many years ago, as a child, when she lived with her grandparents in Detroit, Michigan, and often felt confused or uncertain when important ideas were not clearly explained. From those experiences grew a deep belief that understanding matters and that one-size-fits-all communication does not serve anyone. In her courtroom, she takes the time to explain legal processes in plain language, ensuring victims feel heard, are informed, and are treated with dignity. She is known for telling those before her that she will take the time needed to ensure understanding, even if that means rescheduling a case. Judge Aquilina reminds us that plain legal language is not simply about clearer words. It is about fairness, trust, and giving everyone a level playing field in a system that belongs to all of us. We are honoured to begin this series with Judge Aquilina and to recognize the example she continues to set. This is the first of many Spotlights to come. If this series resonates with you, we invite you to share it with your network and celebrate those who are advancing clarity, fairness, and humanity in justice. #ClaritySpotlight #ClarityInternational #PlainLanguage #AccessToJustice #LegalCommunication

A conversation worth listening to. 🎙️ Our friends at In-Game Learning are releasing a podcast interview with the Right Honourable Michael Kirby on 29 April, 2026, on their Top of Their Game podcast: https://lnkd.in/gqCqMtkv Many in our community will know Michael Kirby for his remarkable contributions to law and clear communication, including his time as a Clarity patron. His insights continue to resonate across jurisdictions and generations. We had the privilege of speaking with him for The Clarity Journal, and it’s always a pleasure to hear his voice and see his perspective shared more widely. We’re looking forward to this one. #PlainLanguage #LegalCommunication #ClarityCommunity

Clear communication doesn’t happen in isolation. It grows through shared ideas, collaboration, and community. 🌍 At Clarity, we’re excited about what’s ahead. Our latest double issue of The Clarity Journal brought together voices in English and Spanish, reflecting the global nature of plain legal language work today. And we’re just getting started. We’ll soon be launching a new spotlight feature to highlight people around the world who are advancing clarity in meaningful ways. Becoming a member means more than accessing the Journal. It’s about being part of a community that is shaping how legal and public communication evolves, with opportunities to connect, contribute, and learn. Members also receive reduced rates for our biennial conference, bringing together practitioners, researchers, and advocates from across the globe. If this work resonates with you, we’d love to have you join us. 📎 https://lnkd.in/djRCdRBC #PlainLanguage #ClarityCommunity #LegalCommunication #ClarityJournal

Some contributions are quiet, but they leave a lasting mark. In Issue 92 of The Clarity Journal, we honour the life of Richard Oerton, an early member of Clarity known for his thoughtful writing, gentle presence, and unwavering commitment to the craft. He showed up for the work with care and consistency, never seeking recognition, simply contributing in ways that mattered. Even in retirement, he continued to write every day, a reflection of a lifelong dedication to thinking, writing, and sharing ideas. Richard was often described as a gentleman, and that spirit carries through this tribute. If you’d like to read the full piece, consider joining us. 📎 https://lnkd.in/djRCdRBC #ClarityJournal #PlainLanguage #ClarityCommunity

What does it mean to truly understand your rights? ⚖️ In Issue 92 of The Clarity Journal, Germán J. Arenas Arias explores the connection between understanding and the ability to contest decisions, drawing on Colombian constitutional case law. The article highlights a powerful idea: If people cannot understand the information they receive, their ability to challenge decisions, assert their rights, and participate fully is limited. Plain language, in this context, is not just about clarity. It is about fairness. Grounded in real legal cases, this piece invites us to reflect on the role language plays in access to justice and the functioning of democratic systems. 📎 Clarity members have early access to Issue 92 of The Clarity Journal. If you’d like to read the full article, join us here: https://lnkd.in/djRCdRBC Entender es el primer paso para actuar. Understanding is the first step to taking action. #PlainLanguage #AccessToJustice #LegalCommunication #ClarityJournal #LanguageMatters

What does plain language look like in Mexico in 2025? In Issue 92 of The Clarity Journal, Rosa Margarita Galán Vélez and Carlos Miguel Valdovinos Chávez explore the evolving landscape of plain language in Mexico. Available in both English and Spanish, their article offers a thoughtful look at the challenges of and progress in shaping clear communication in a complex legal and institutional environment. It reminds us that plain language is not one-size-fits-all; it must respond to local contexts, cultures, and systems. At the same time, the goal remains universal: helping people understand the information that affects their rights, responsibilities, and daily lives. This piece invites us to reflect on how far the work has come and where it still needs to go. La claridad también es contexto. Clarity is also about context. 📎 Clarity members have early access to Issue 92 of The Clarity Journal. If you’d like to read the full article, join us here: https://lnkd.in/djRCdRBC #PlainLanguage #LegalCommunication #AccessToJustice #ClarityJournal #LanguageMatters

Legal information is only useful if people can understand it. In Issue 92 of The Clarity Journal, the article “Legal Design as a bridge between law and citizenship: case analysis and methodology applied by Prodigioso Volcán" explores how legal design can bridge the gap between law and citizenship, making legal information clearer, more accessible, and easier to use. Drawing on case studies, author Judith González Ferrán demonstrates how combining plain language, structure, and design can support understanding while maintaining legal precision. Clear legal communication is not simply a matter of style. It plays a key role in building trust, transparency, and meaningful access to legal information. 📎 Clarity members can read the full article in Issue 92 of The Clarity Journal, available in both English and Spanish, as part of our special double issue. Join us here: https://lnkd.in/djRCdRBC #ClarityJournal #PlainLanguage #LegalDesign #AccessToJustice