Pennsylvania Code
Title 101 - GENERAL ASSEMBLY
Part I - LEGISLATIVE REFERENCE BUREAU
Subpart C - LEGISLATIVE DRAFTING MANUAL
Chapter 15 - STATUTES
Subchapter C - STYLE AND LANGUAGE
GENERAL
Section 15.94 - Directness

(a) Positive expression. Where the same idea can be accurately expressed either positively or negatively, express it positively. Do not say "Indigents other than those without children may" but say "Indigents with children may......."

(b) Negative expression. The negative form ("No person may....., unless....") is appropriate, however, where the provision is intended to be mandatory (i.e., compliance is a condition precedent to the validity of the transaction). Conversely, do not use it in provisions that are intended to be only directory (i.e., compliance is not such a condition).