Parentheticals are an excellent legal writing tool, especially in string citations. They can be used to reinforce a legal argument without a lengthy explanation, like this:
“All cases cited by Defendants are very different from this case. In all of them, the danger was plainly visible. See Transport Indemnity Co. v. Page, 406 P.2d 980 (Okla. 1965)(daytime accident); Haworth v. Mosher, 395 F.2d 566 (10th Cir. 1968)(dust storm on highway clearly visible by approaching motorists); Thur v. Dunkley, 474 P.2d 403 (Okla. 1970)(accident occurred during daylight with ample unobstructed vision from either direction).”
When used incorrectly, they frustrate the reader. In this three-part series, Nick Wagoner illustrates the best, and worst, ways to use parentheticals. –CCE
Guest blogger Nick Wagoner on “Common Parenthetical Pitfalls” [Part 1], by James B. Levy, Editor, Legal Skills Prof Blog
Tips For Writing Better Parentheticals – Part 2, by James B. Levy, Editor, Legal Skills Prof Blog
More On Writing Good Parentheticals From Our Guest Blogger Nick Wagoner [Part 3], by James B. Levy, Editor, Legal Skills Prof Blog
The Researching Paralegal 
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