Blue-backs and Legal Pads

 

 

Blue-Backs and Legal Pads

 

Most of the  “Perry Mason” shows were filmed in black and white; only the last season was in color, but if you watch enough of the “Law and Order” re-runs, you will be sure  to see them. Blue-Backs.

The tradition of associating legal documents with the color blue originated in England  many years ago. In the United States, it began in the 19th century when the word blueback was used to designate the blue cover of a legal document, technically called a litigation back. The blue-back is imprinted with the caption of the matter and includes several blank forms for proof of service, certification, and verification, to be used as needed in the particular case. It is typically customized with the card of the law firm or pro se party presenting the documents. Some attorneys use assorted colors – just to be different. Today, many federal and state jurisdictions require the use of a blue document cover to distinguish a particular type of document. 

 

Why blue? Over time, the color blue  came to symbolize fidelity, loyalty, nobility and aristocracy  and steadfastness.  Anyone who was described as "true blue" was considered to be trustworthy, loyal, and dependable.

Anything true blue was genuine or authentic. Blue is often associated with professionalism, formality, and seriousness, making it a fitting choice for legal documents. Now Yellow, that’s a different color.

U.S. President John F. Kennedy often used them to jot down notes, ideas, and speeches. Kennedy's preference for them became iconic, and his use of them contributed to their popularity. Richard Nixon loved them as well.

The yellow-lined legal pad, a must-have for writers, musicians, and of course attorneys had humble  beginnings.

It was 1888  and 24-year-old Thomas W. Holley, a paper mill employee, in Holyoke, Massachusetts  woke up one day with an idea.

Holley bought the rejects from local paper mills, cutting the paper, inscribing rules on it, and binding it into pads which he sold at a discount. It was white paper originally but eventually the company he founded, American Pad and Paper Co. decided on yellow.

The company believed that the yellow color of paper was more eye-catching and easier to read under artificial lighting, which was becoming increasingly common in offices and the yellow legal pad soon became associated with professionalism and efficiency. Its color not only made it easier to read but also stood out from other paper products. Over time, it became the standard for legal pads and an iconic symbol like the old  yellow # 2 pencil. Why yellow pencils? See meme.

The pad  became “legal” in 1900 when a local judge requested a margin be drawn on the left-hand side. At least that’s the story. Who was he or she? Good question for which there is no answer. This anecdote has become part of the  legal pad lore  but cannot be verified. The legal pad, as we know it today, didn't become popular until much later in the 20th century.  And not everyone was a fan.

Chief Justice Warren Burger indeed issued an order in 1982 that banned the use of legal-sized documents in federal courts to cut costs. The larger size of legal documents made them more cumbersome to handle, copy, store and made printing and  postage more expensive.

By banning legal-sized documents, Chief Justice Burger aimed to standardize the size of documents filed in federal courts to a more efficient letter size. 

Today legal-size documents are generally not permitted in federal courts, although there are exceptions  or specific circumstances where legal-size documents could be allowed, such as exhibits or documents that cannot be easily resized.

Meme:

The tradition of yellow pencils dates back to the late 19th century when high-quality graphite was discovered in China and the Chinese began exporting these pencils to the Western world. They were painted yellow because it was associated with royalty and respect in Chinese culture and soon the  yellow pencils came to be known for superior writing and durability. Copy-cat manufacturers in other countries began painting their pencils yellow as well.