On August 26th, 2025, the International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) released part 2 of their plain language standard, ISO 24495-2:2025 Plain Language, Part 2: Legal Communication.
This new publication presents a clear understanding of what plain language legal communication is. It details how principles of Part 1 of the standard can be applied to diverse legal contexts, including that of legal, governmental, non-governmental, and medical backgrounds. The document explains how to achieve these goals through the ability to:
- Reach multiple audiences with different needs
- Adhere to legally required structural and design requirements
- Explain complex and nuanced legal concepts
- Explain processes that readers must navigate to exercise legal rights and obligations.
Part 2 of the standard was written by an international team of experts in law and plain language. Thus, ensuring they are from different countries, with different legal systems and legal fields. Together, they established the common criteria for plain legal language, ensuring readers can understand legal communication and exercise their legal rights and obligations.
Centre for Accessibility Australia is a member of the Plain Language Working Group and appreciates the opportunity to have been a part of this publication.
For more information, please read the full publication by ISO.