Forensic Discourse

This title looks language used in judicial settings using forensic discourse analysis, covering theory and proposing reform. Forensic discourse analysis can be summarised as the systematic analysis of language used in judicial settings. This type of discourse is of central importance in society's legal process and is the medium for hugely important conversations and decisions. To understand and analyse it fully, then, is key. However, just as much as the text, the contexts of production and reception of these texts need to be considered, too. Heffer considers the definition of Forensic Discourse Analysis, an approach set apart from the broad scope of 'forensic linguistics', yet more broad than the analysis of forensic linguistic evidence. He also performs in-depth analyses of legal-lay communication, narrative in forensic settings, conflict, comprehensibility of forensic discourse and the discourse of expert evidence. The book ends with suggestions on how the findings could lead to effective reforms of forensic discourse and returns to central methodological questions.

It will essential reading for all upper level undergraduates and postgraduates studying forensic linguistics and applied linguistics in general. Discourse is one of the most significant concepts of contemporary thinking in the humanities and social sciences as it concerns the ways language mediates and shapes our interactions with each other and with the social, political and cultural formations of our society. "The Continuum Discourse Series" aims to capture the fast-developing interest in discourse to provide students, new and experienced teachers and researchers in applied linguistics, ELT and English language with an essential bookshelf. Each book deals with a core topic in discourse studies to give an in-depth, structured and readable introduction to an aspect of the way language is used in real life.