Business & Technical Writing/plagiarism

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Expert: - 3/4/2007


Question
Dear Dan Smith:

Do you know if I copy a portion of my mother's will and use it in my will, would that be plagiarism, or is that allowed?

Loretta

Answer
That is not a problem. Plagiarism only arises as an issue when you take credit for the work of another in a public or academic setting. Legal language is very often used over and over again without giving credit. As long as the language serves your legal purpose, go ahead and use it. This is not an instance in which who gets the credit for the text is important.

Hope this helps.

Business & Technical Writing

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Dan Smith

Expertise

I have been a professional writer and editor for more than 30 years, taught speech and English composition at the university level, and have developed speech and English composition courses and seminars for businesses. I am experienced in editing a wide variety of materials, especially business, scientific, and other academic papers. I am familiar with all the major style guides.

Experience

I have edited any number of graduate papers and other technical materials in such advanced fields as clinical psychology, civil and electrical engineering, and semiconductor fabrication. I have extensive experience in working with non-native English speakers.

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