Forensic Linguistics in general
Define "Forensic Linguistics".
Sub-field of (applied) linguistics at the intersection of lingusitics and law, which studies how language relates to the law either as evidence or as legal discourse (or something along those lines)
In turn-taking, how can I signal that my turn is ending? (2 examples)
Falling intonation, pause, eye contact, completion of grammatical structure
True or false: when you're being interrogated police officers are allowed to lie to you about the evidence
true
True or false: During the opening statement the attorneys can start presenting evidence in order to persuade the jury.
False
What is a presupposition?
Taken-for-granted implication, such as „have you stopped beating your wife?“, powerful because it’s subtle and usually not questioned
What are the three branches of forensic linguistics?
Language of the Law, Language of the Legal Process, Language as Evidence
What are the four Gricean maxims?
Quality, Quantity, Manner, Relation
What's the difference between an interview and an interrogation?
Interview: emphasis on the search for accurate and reliable information, always non-accusatory
Interrogation: emphasis on persuading the interviewee to confess, always accusatory, may involve highly manipulative techniques
What makes a story successful?
simple, consistent, compelling
highlights the strengths of a case
minimizes weaknesses
leads to an obvious conclusion
allows jurors to feel they have solved the puzzle themselves
Give me two features of powerless speech.
Hedges, super polite forms, tag questions, speaking in italics, empty adjectives, hyopercorrect grammar and pronunciation, lack of a sense of humor, upspeak
If we analyze how a contract is written, which branch of forensic linguistics does that fall into?
Language of the Law
What is this:
„Yesterday I ran into your brother“
„I don’t have a brother“
„Oh I meant your cousin, I ran into your cousin“
other-initiated self-repair
What are the Miranda rights? (Yes, I want to hear the whole thing or a version that comes close to it)
You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law. You have the right to an attorney. If you cannot afford an attorney, one will be provided for you. Do you understand the rights I have just read to you? With these rights in mind do you wish to speak to me?
What are the 8 phases of a trial? (It's okay if you forget the last one and only give me the first 7)
1. Jury selection
2. opening statements
3. proseuction cross/direct examinations
4. defense cross/direct examinations
5. closing statements
6. jury instructions
7. jury deliberations and verdict
8. post-trial motions
True or false: In responding to a question, a witness is ordinarily restricted in digressing from the subject of the question to introduce information about something they believe critical as a preface or qualification
True
What is legalese (+ give one example)?
Specialized, technical, often overly complex and convoluted language used in legal documents and by lawyers; characteristics are complex sentence structures, passive voice, archaic terms, Latin phrases, and repetitions
„The air in here is stuffy“ - what is the locutionary, illocutionary, and perlocutionary act?
Literal meaning, requesting that somebody opens the window (intention), and somebody actually opening the window (effect)
What does the last E in the PEACE technique stand for?
Evaluation (of current interview, how much information was obtained, own individual performance, aims etc.)
If we consider the trial through the concept of storytelling, then what's the main objective of the closing statement?
bridge narrative gaps and create a coherent and cohesive storyline
What’s the difference between „He killed his wife“ and „He might have killed his wife“?
The degree of truth modality
Who coined the term "Forensic Linguistics"?
What is implicature?
Intentionally violating maxims to imply meaning
What is a Requestion?
A WH-question embedded in a Y/N question
What are some differences between the way witnesses are being talked to during direct and cross examination?
direct: control witness to prevent unplanned responses, supportive, lack of contest, establish agreement
cross: test reliability of facts, discredit opposition, minimize impact, counter arguments, display disbelief
What is the relationship between discourse and power?
Discourse reinforces existing power structures and the dominance of a particular discourse inevitably reflects the power structure of society