Layout
Introduction
Layout is concerned with where information is located. Information can be in
any of the following locations:
(1)
In the text itself, that is, in the body of the text.
(2)
Before the text. These are the “befores”.
(3)
After the text. These are the “afters”.
(4)
Beneath the text.
In the Text
Typically, most information is located in the written text itself. Most obviously
this information consists of the written part of the text as it discusses the
subject. It may also contain headings, possibly paragraph numbering,
diagrams, pictures, graphs and so on, which generally are incorporated into the
body of the written discussion and assist it in explaining the subject.
Information is put in other places for either of two reasons. First, it is more
conveniently located in that other place. An obvious example is a table which
might not fit into a text. Second, some information, such as citations, or
tangential comments not central to the immediate discussion are placed in
footnotes to avoid cluttering the text.
Before the Text
Commonly several things are put before the text itself. These are the preface
(aptly named in this regard), the date to which the law contained in the text is
relevant and the table of contents. Finding aids such as the table of cases and
the table of legislation are often at the front but can also be at the back of the
text. Putting them at the front, however, makes them easier to access.
After the Text
Several items are commonly or conveniently placed after the text:
(1)
A bibliography or list of references.
(2)
The index.
(3)
Tables of cases, statutes and proper names (including names of
authors), where these are not located before the text.
(4)
Charts and diagrams, particularly if they are so long that they do not fit
on a page.
(5)
Appendixes and schedules. Their function is to store information that
falls into any of several categories. (i) It is an aside or prerequisite to the
material in the main text. (ii) It is information that is so bulky that putting it in
the text would disrupt the flow if it were placed in the text itself. This is likely
to be the case for information that is not in narrative form, for example
information that comprises lists or tables.
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