Is "plain English" required in California courts?

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: : : Here are a few things in California Codes regarding the English Language. : : California Government Code 11342 (e). "Plain English" means language that can be interpreted by a person who has not more thatn an eight grade level of proficiency in English. : : California Code of Civil Procedure 185. Every written proceeding in a court of justice in this State shall be in the English language, and judicial proceeding shall be conducted, preserved, and published, in no other. : : : : California Code of Civil Procedure 186. Such abbreviations as are in common use may be used, and numbers may be expressed by figures or numerals in the customary manner. : : : : California Code of Civil Procedure 203. (a) All persons are eligible and qualified to be prospective trial jurors, except the following: : : (6)Persons who are not possessed of sufficient knowledge of the English language,... : : : : California Evidence Code 451. Judicial notice shall be taken of the following: : : (e) The true signification of all English words and phrases and of all legal expressions. : : There is also case law for the use of English in judicial proceedings, but it is not at my fingertips at the moment. : : New Kid : : Am I correct to infer from these statutes : that California courts are NOT required : to use "plain English"? : Is my construction correct, or not? : And, if not, then why not? : Your constructive comments are most : appreciated. : I would have to argue that "plain English" : is impossible in California courts, because : the California Legislature has not complied : with this requirement in MOST of their laws. : : /s/ Paul Andrew Mitchell, B.A., M.S. : Counselor at Law, Private Attorney General

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