The extensive use of clausal embedding in legal language is examined. The extent and depth of left-branching, nested, and right- branching clauses in the 1972 British Road Traffic Act are also studied. The complexity of the resulting constructions, and the problems created for comprehension are described. The analysis reveals complex sequences of embedding in all positions and instances of complex-compound sentences, consisting of more than one principal clause, each having embedded clauses in one, two, or all three fields. While clausal embedding may be an economical way of loading a sentence with information, it may also serve as a potential source of complexity and even confusion. (MSE)