Boilerplate Language

In diplomatic and legal drafting, boilerplate language refers to formulaic phrases and clauses that recur across documents with minimal change. The term originates from 19th-century printing, where pre-cast metal plates ("boiler plates") distributed identical text to newspapers; it now describes any reusable drafting block.

In UN practice, boilerplate frequently appears in preambular clauses ("Recalling its resolution...", "Reaffirming the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations", "Bearing in mind...") and in operative closings ("Decides to remain seized of the matter", "Requests the Secretary-General to report..."). These phrases are codified in the UN Editorial Manual and in drafting guides issued by the Department for General Assembly and Conference Management (DGACM), which standardize verb choice and clause structure across the six official languages.

In treaty law, boilerplate covers the final clauses: signature, ratification, entry into force, reservations, amendment, withdrawal, depositary, and authentic texts. The UN Office of Legal Affairs publishes a Final Clauses of Multilateral Treaties Handbook precisely because these provisions are largely standardized. Commercial contracts similarly use boilerplate for governing law, severability, force majeure, and dispute resolution.

For Model UN delegates, mastering boilerplate is essential. Preambular verbs (Recalling, Noting, Expressing concern, Deeply disturbed) signal the resolution's tone, while operative verbs (Decides, Calls upon, Urges, Recommends) carry different legal weight depending on whether the organ is the Security Council (binding under Article 25 of the Charter when acting under Chapter VII) or the General Assembly (recommendatory).

Boilerplate is not inherently negative, but overuse can mask substantive ambiguity. Negotiators sometimes deliberately retain vague boilerplate as constructive ambiguity to secure consensus. Conversely, departures from expected boilerplate — a missing "remain seized" clause, or unusual verb choice — often signal political intent and merit close reading.