Using the Tech Principles to Inform the FCC’s Digital Literacy Training Funding Program
Although the ATJ Technology Principles were designed around the needs and goals of the justice system, they have application in all situations where technology is used to empower people. The FCC recently released a proposed rule which included, among other things, the use of federal funds to promote digital literacy training for low-income Americans. Such training would enhance the availability of broadband Internet services by teaching individuals about the benefits of such services, and how to effectively use the resources that the Internet can provide.
The Washington State ATJ Board, through our own activities and in partnership with others, have been involved in a number of projects that seek to enhance the public’s ability to use and benefit from broadband Internet access. That being the case, we were very pleased to submit comments in support of the FCC’s proposal. Because the FCC’s proposed funding program touches upon the fundamental issues of equal and universal access that underlie the Technology Principles, we also set forth three basic guidelines, derived from the Principles, that we believe should inform the distribution and use of funds. In short, funds should be used in a manner that:
- Enhances access to broadband services;
- Maximizes public awareness and use; and
- Promotes the creation of, and adherence to, best practices guidelines.
In the modern world, universal access to broadband Internet service is more or less a prerequisite of equal access to justice. In seeking the latter, we must support and encourage the former. The ATJ Technology Principles represent a specific application, to the justice system, of general principles that inform the effective, efficient, and egalitarian proliferation of technological advances throughout society. We are excited to see the FCC working towards universal access to broadband for all Americans, which we believe will increase inclusiveness and fairness in society, and help bring about a higher quality of life for all.
Plain Language Forms: Research on Dissolution/Divorce
Recently, I was giving the task of looking into the purpose behind the word choice of ‘dissolution’ in the Dissolution Act of 1973. For certain plain language forms, the committee wanted to know if they could use the word ‘divorce’ instead of ‘dissolution,’ as it would be more clear and understandable to the average reader. This was a frustrating task at first, as there was no clear reason given for why they decided in 1973 to use the word ‘dissolution.’ I finally tracked down the Bill file and was able to find one sentence about why the legislature thought the word dissolution would be more appropriate. The Bill file stated that “divorce, because of its connotations, is named ‘marriage dissolution’ in the act.” Essentially this was the bill that introduced no-fault divorce, and at that time there were still negative associations made with the word ‘divorce.’ To eliminate some of this animosity, the legislature decided to use the word dissolution. The problem that arises with this decision, however, is that some people do not equate dissolution with divorce. The word ‘divorce’ would be more clear and better understood by a larger percentage of the population.
I believe this will be a common problem that arises for plain language form writers. Legal writing is focused on nuance, connotation and cultural context, which may often be at odds with the notion of clear and concise writing. Plain language forms are created to help as much of the public as possible understand the requirements for certain legal actions, thereby increasing the amount of people that can access our justice system. It may be the case that the words the legislature chooses to write in bills and statutes are not the appropriate words to use on certain forms. This is not going to “dumb down” the law, as the law will remain intact. What it will do is allow the public to understand what is asked of them, and help gather facts on forms the public actually understands.
