Folks, a rule of thumb when your pleading is being filed by two parties: Only one apostrophe and one “S” is needed, and this comes after the name of the second filing party.
Incorrect:
Elaine Benes’s and Jerry Seinfeld’s Response in Opposition to Cosmo Kramer’s Motion to Dismiss
Correct:
Elaine Benes and Jerry Seinfeld’s Response in Opposition to Cosmo Kramer’s Motion to Dismiss
Why only one possessive? Because Jerry and Elaine aren’t filing two separate oppositions. They’re filing one, and it belongs to them jointly. Thus, the two parties are viewed, for purposes of this response, as one unit.
But don’t take my word for it. Check with Professor Brians, my personal grammar god.
May 22nd, 2009 at 5:35 pm
[...] The most common error I see in pleading document titles | Lawyers … [...]
November 9th, 2009 at 5:51 pm
Correct:
Elaine Benes and Jerry Seinfeld’s Response in Opposition to Cosmo Kramer’s Motion to Dismiss
What distinguishes the following?:
Seinfeld’s wearing a leather jacket that will shrink.
Seinfeld is wearing a leather jacket that will shrink.
It’s wearing a jacket that will shrink..
It is wearing a jacket that will shrink..
Seinfeld’s leather jacket will shrink.
Seinfeld is leather jacket will shrink.
Seinfelds’ leather jacket will shrink.
Seinfeld own leather jacket will shrink.
Seinfeld owns a leather jacket will shrink.
Seinfeld has a leather jacket will shrink.
Its’ leather jacket will shrink.
Its’ leather is pulling from the stitching.
What do you think?