Language and the Law

Question 1

What is forensic linguistics?

Answer 1

Link between language and the law in all forms

Question 2

List modern systems

Answer 2

Codes of law, police service, court, prison service

Question 3

List contemporary legal systems

Answer 3

Common law 
Roman law
Shariah law
Customary law
Criminal vs civil trials

Question 4

Issues of forensic discourse?

Answer 4

Legal process of proof not truth
Declatory definitions vs ordinary meanings
Ignorance of laws is no defence

Question 5

Example of problem of declamatory definitions vs ordinary meanings

Answer 5

New Zealand

Day old chicken - 72 hours or less

Question 6

Tiersmal 1999 consistency and conservatism outline

Answer 6

Persistence of archaic language
Standard language in transcript (little attempt to represent non standard)
Specialist language so lawyers show same mentality

Question 7

What are some legal language registers?

Answer 7

Specialist terms -plaintiff
Connectives - forwith
Latin - affidavit

Question 8

Two disadvantages of courtroom?

Answer 8

Institutional roles

Discourse issues

Question 9

Problems of institutional roles?

Answer 9

Judges (seconds and third)

Witness (names)

Question 10

Problem of discourse issues?

Answer 10

Cross examination
Dialect variation
Cross cultural issues

Question 11

Problem with examining children?

Answer 11

Lawyers abuse language barrier