The preferred font style for court documents is serif. This type of font features small lines or decorative strokes known as "serifs" at the ends of letters, which can enhance readability in printed materials. Traditional serif fonts, such as Times New Roman, are commonly used in legal documents because they create a formal appearance that is often required in official settings, including courts. The uniformity and distinction of letters in serif type can help minimize misinterpretation of text, which is crucial in legal contexts.
Other font styles, while they have their own uses, do not align with the established conventions for legal documents. Sans-serif fonts, for instance, lack the ornamental features of serifs, which can lead to a more modern look but may sacrifice a level of formality. Monospace fonts are typically used in coding and certain technical formats because each character occupies the same amount of horizontal space, making them unsuitable for standard legal documents that require clarity and emphasis. Script fonts, characterized by their flowing, cursive style, are not appropriate for legal documents as they can be challenging to read and lack the professional aesthetic expected in court filings.