Run by School of Languages, Literatures, Linguistics and Media

20 Credits or 10 ECTS Credits

Semester 1

Organiser: Dr John Olsson

This module focuses on established principles and theories of Linguistics as they apply to discourse which occurs in the court room, the use of forensic linguistics as an expertise, and the analysis of the different types of language which take place in the court room. The aim is to make law and criminology students aware of what is happening at the linguistic level.

The language of examination and cross-examination; the language of judge-lawyer communications; the language of judicial summaries; the language of voir dire; the language of expert witnesses; the language of opening and closing speeches to the jury.

threshold

Displays ability to understand, within the context of having a specialised knowledge, the basics of discourse and pragmatics, and a critical awareness of the different types of courtroom communication. Ability to research and apply research knowledge to the task showing a developed understanding of the techniques used in courtroom discourse and an ability to understand and evaluate to a critical level the scholarship in the field.

excellent

Needs to display a thorough mastery of the specialised field of linguistic questions in relation to courtroom discourse and pragmatics to a level of having a systematic and structured knowledge of techniques, methodology and ways of appraising courtroom discourse techniques. Must be able to critically evaluate contributions of courtroom participants, research inventively and originally into these questions and be able to apply research knowledge critically to the task. An ability to critically evaluate advanced scholarship in the field, in addition to showing a comprehensive conceptual understanding.

good

In addition to the above, needs to display an accomplished understanding of linguistic structures and their place within a system of communication with a critical awareness of current research trends in communication science generally and courtroom communication in particular. Ability to think critically about courtroom interaction and critically apply research knowledge to the task as well as being able to show comprehensive conceptual understanding of the scholarship in the field in addition to being able to evaluate it critically. https://apps.bangor.ac.uk/pip_module/assessment_criteria/SXL-4026/#assessment-criteria-2

1. Develop a sophisticated level of understanding and critically analyse key concepts in court room language as used by the different parties and interest groups in achieving their communicative goals, e.g prosecutor cross-examination v defence cross-examination, etc.

2. Show a critical understanding of courtroom narrative.

3. Gain an in-depth knowledge of how lawyers are able to exploit language for particular communicative effects.

4. Critically analyse and evaluate the role of linguistic analysis in understanding court room procedures.

5. Demonstrate an in-depth knowledge of how juries receive and understand communications from the different participants, viz, lawyers, witnesses, judges.

6. Critically analyse and evaluate how lay people react to language in the courtroom.

7. Develop a sophisticated understanding of the principles of discourse and pragmatics with examples from courtroom interaction.

8. Gain a systematic knowledge of language in courtroom procedures.

9. Develop a structured, critical understanding of language and power in the courtroom.

Type	Name	Description	Weight
	Written assignment		100

		Hours
Private study		178
Seminar	Seminars – one two-hour seminar weekly over 11 weeks	22

• Literacy - Proficiency in reading and writing through a variety of media
• Computer Literacy - Proficiency in using a varied range of computer software
• Self-Management - Able to work unsupervised in an efficient, punctual and structured manner. To examine the outcomes of tasks and events, and judge levels of quality and importance
• Information retrieval - Able to access different and multiple sources of information
• Inter-personal - Able to question, actively listen, examine given answers and interact sensitevely with others
• Critical analysis & Problem Solving - Able to deconstruct and analyse problems or complex situations. To find solutions to problems through analyses and exploration of all possibilities using appropriate methods, rescources and creativity.
• Presentation - Able to clearly present information and explanations to an audience. Through the written or oral mode of communication accurately and concisely.
• Argument - Able to put forward, debate and justify an opinion or a course of action, with an individual or in a wider group setting
• Self-awareness & Reflectivity - Having an awareness of your own strengths, weaknesses, aims and objectives. Able to regularly review, evaluate and reflect upon the performance of yourself and others

Resource implications for students

Coulthard, M. and A. Johnson. 2007. Introduction to Forensic Linguistics: Language in Evidence. London: Routledge. Grant, T. 2013. TXT 4N6: Method, Consistency, and Distinctiveness In the Analysis of SMS Text Messages, 21 J. L. & Policy, Pp. 467-494. Olsson, J. 2004. Forensic Linguistics: An introduction to language, crime and the law. London: Continuum.

Optional in courses:

• Q100: BA Linguistics year 3 (BA/LING)
• Q104: BA Linguistics (with International Experience)) year 4 (BA/LINGIE)
• Q101: MArts Linguistics year 3 (MARTS/LING)