Art for Art's Sake? or Peculiarities of Coordination in Legal English

Abstract

The paper deals with the frequent occurrence of coordinated structures in legal English, of a more-or-less synonymic nature. Although these constructions may be felt as redundant, they function as stylistic markers and contribute to making the meaning more precise. The examined structures are classified according to their grammatical make-up and their functions. They are tested for the possibilities of reversal, modification, or grammatical change, which are practically non-existent. As this phenomenon is a specific feature of English legal language, it is not necessary for a translator, e.g. into Slovak, to translate each of the coordinated items.