"Boilerplate." ???
....Is BOILERPLATE a made-up word used to ‘fluff’ legal documents? ...
snipped for focus
@Palinsmom
Not ‘fluff,’ not exaggerating, not adding filler.
Briefly, in a legal document, it’s stock language, i.e., standardized clauses & paragraphs, that may be used over again without making (significant) changes. Term is also used in business contexts, in computer programming, etc.
In this case, prosecution says ~ DNA on knife sheath matches BCK’s DNA, so is evidence of his guilt in this quadruple homicide.
In my earlier post re defense's Discovery requests about DNA tests & protocols, I described them as "boilerplate."
In pre-trial Discovery, def. asked prosecution to provide documentation w. extensive info about DNA tests & protocols in establishing the match.
When Anne Taylor, ID. Public Defenders, and/or private practice attys rep’ing a crim defendant in a future case which DNA is an issue could use those SAME PARAGRAPHS (or virtually same) to request prosecution to provide that documentation.
Would not matter who the defendant is, which criminal offense (murder, burglary,conceivably drug dealing) in the criminal code is charged, etc. Defense could use same paragraphs. Imo jmo moo.
Welcoming clarification or correction, esp’ly from our legal professionals.
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Origin of Term: A Historical Detour.
"Why Is It Called Boilerplate Language?
The term boilerplate language dates back to the 19th century, when steel plates were used as templates to create steam boilers. This application of the term was used in the legal profession in the mid-1950s to describe how companies used fine print to get around the law."
[But in characterizing the def's request for more info as 'boilerplate,' I did not intend to suggest that def. atty. was trying to do anything illegal or inappropriate.]
Boilerplate language is standardized text that is approved for use in many documents, particularly contracts. Learn the pros and cons of boilerplate language.
www.investopedia.com
Not so briefly, boilerplate language is uniform text (clauses, paragraphs) found across a variety of standard legal documents, such as contracts. The term has long been used to describe clauses in a contract designed to protect a business, which leave no room for negotiation with customers who sign boilerplate documents without reading or understanding the contentment therein.
Ex's: contracts between merchant-consumer, landlord-tenant, employer-employee.