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In legal transcripts, proofreaders are expected to know a variety of rules determining whether specific words should begin with uppercase letters. Such capitalization is not limited to the beginning of sentences, and in the realm of legal documentation, some unique conventions are known to apply. By the same token, there are also clearly defined situations where words and phrases are correct only if written in lowercase. 


Of letters in legal transcripts,
Judiciously all assigned,
The capital ones most ever
To prominence are inclined.

They stand with pride and greatness
On rules that make them strong.
Some nouns must be specific,
Generic versions wrong.

Take titles for example;
They uppercase must show
If fronting names specific
In real or hinted flow.

Like titles, “plaintiff,” “defendant”
Hold capital letters dear;
The same with “court” and “counsel”
And more whose names are clear.

Historical haps and periods,
Domains in military gov,
Brand names and institutions, 
All glow with capital love.

Not so for mere generics,
Or seasons broadly hailed,
Or stage in school and college,
Or field of coursework scaled.

This lowercase alikeness 
Includes degrees as well, 
Words “doctorate” and “bachelors”
Not often caused to swell.

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