Reading response - Assignment Example

Reading Response Klass’ ment that a person must use language effectively by understanding the structure, logic and attitudes of the vocabulary means that an individual should understand the environment within which language is used. Understanding the medical industry and the purpose for which terms are used is crucial in appreciating the language. An examination of the term‘trial de novo’ reveals that the appreciation of a language requires one to understand its structure, logic and attitude.

The term ‘trial de novo’ refers to a new trial or a retrial of a case which had been heard in the circuit court as if there had never been an initial trial. The use of such a latin terms exists within the institutionalized culture of law. The use of Latin terms shows that the field has a formal attitude as it conducts its businesses. According to the Cornell University Law School (2014), de novo means ‘from the new’. A court may hear a case in de novo following an appeal on an arbitration decision.

The Latin meaning of the word helps to explain its purpose. The term shows that the legal profession has a rigid structure. This is because it needs to have a standard way of doing things. It does affect the lives of people in a fundamental way. In addition, it betrays the seriousness with which legal professionals conduct themselves. In addition, it helps the lawyers to maintain some distance from their clients. Some people may regard the use of Latin words in legal circles as snobbery.

However, that is a rather simplistic deduction. This is because the use of those words is due to the tradition of law. According to Mattila (2013), Latin used to be a lingua Franca and its demise did not change how it is used in a field which is obsessed with keeping traditions. Furthermore, the use of technical terms is important in the judiciary where there must be a vocabulary to refer to the myriad situations that may arise in daily activities. Furthermore, Latin is a dead language. This is particularly important in a field where past cases have to be referenced.

This is because a dead language is not being developed. As a result, there is no change in words. In addition, the use of the term helps to make it universal. It ensures that lawyers and other legal professionals can understand the term used everywhere. The legal industry is global in nature since judges have to refer to rulings made in other countries. Furthermore, the Latin words have come to attain a special meaning. The use of English words may cause confusion due to differences in how they are used in legal circles and the way they are used in common English.

However, the use of terms such as a ‘trial de novo’ is a deliberate attempt to fill the void left by English words. They are sparsely used to avoid confusing members of the profession who are not well acquitted with the terms. It is evident that a good command of a given language is dependent on an understanding of its structure, logic and the attitudes of the people who use it. The trial de novo, a term used in legal cycles demonstrates the formality of the legal field. Consequently, it is clear that Klass was correct in asserting that an appreciation of the vocabulary used in the medical environment requires an understanding of the environment.

ReferencesCornell University Law school. (2014). DE NOVO. Retrieved from http://www.law.cornell.edu/wex/de_novoMattila, H. E. S. (2013). Comparative legal linguistics: Language of law, Latin and modern lingua francas. Farnham, Surrey, England: Ashgate.