Forensic Linguistics is an introduction to the fascinating interface between language and the law.
Provides an integrated and fully theorized understanding of language and law issues.
Contains many helpful examples from genuine legal contexts and texts.
Discusses linguistic sources of disadvantage before the law, particularly for ethnic minorities, children and abused women.
Series Editor's Preface vi
Examples and Conventions vii
Introduction: The Law and Language 1
1 Literacy and the Law 15
2 The Pursuit of Precision 36
3 Interaction and Power 74
4 Telling the Story 129
5 Communication Issues in the Legal System 162
6 Language and Disadvantage before the Law 200
7 Bridging the Gap 228
8 Law on Language 256
9 Linguistic Evidence 281
References 310
Index of Legal Cases and Legislation 327
Index 329
