ENG 328 Forensic Linguistics: Language as Evidence in the Courts

3 hours 

Forensic linguistics explores the complex relationship between linguistics and the law. The course will consider critically the role of language and its power in the legal process. It will also examine how oral and written argumentation can be used or misused to the disadvantage of social groups and thus to the detriment of minorities, including women, children and nonnative speakers of English. The involvement of linguists as expert witnesses in the legal process will also be explored. One court visit is required.