An Exploration On The Effectiveness Of Forensic Linguistics As Evidence In Legal Cases
- IJLLR Journal
- Apr 14
- 2 min read
Krishna Gopalan, BBA LLB (Hons), Saveetha School of Law, Saveetha School of Medical and Technological Sciences (SIMATS), Chennai
Ishita VNS Chinta, Assistant Professor, Saveetha School of Law, Saveetha School of Medical and Technological Sciences (SIMATS), Chennai
ABSTRACT
Forensic linguistics is an interdisciplinary field that merges principles of linguistics with legal applications, and has proven to be a valuable tool in analyzing written communications used as evidence in legal cases. This study delves into the effectiveness of forensic linguistics by examining its applicability, public understanding with their opinion, and its overall impact on the outcomes of legal proceedings. Key techniques such as authorship attribution, discourse analysis, and sociolinguistic profiling are explored to demonstrate how linguistic expertise can be instrumental in criminal investigations and courtroom settings. Authorship attribution involves determining the likely author of a given text by analyzing stylistic features and linguistic patterns, which can be crucial in cases involving anonymous threats, disputed wills, or plagiarism. Discourse analysis provides insights into the structure and function of language in communication, helping to uncover hidden meanings, intentions, and power dynamics within texts. Sociolinguistic profiling aids in identifying characteristics such as the regional background, education level, or social status of an individual based on their language use, offering valuable leads in suspect identification and profiling. The study presents a range of studies from diverse legal contexts, illustrating the application of forensic linguistic techniques in real-world scenarios. These studies highlight the pivotal role that linguistic evidence can play in both criminal and civil cases, such as identifying the authors of threatening letters, analyzing ransom notes, or interpreting contractual disputes. The findings emphasize the importance of linguistic expertise in enhancing the precision of legal interpretations, thus contributing significantly to the pursuit of justice. Moreover, the research discusses the limitations and challenges faced by forensic linguists, such as the variability of individual language use and the need for large, representative linguistic databases. Despite these challenges, the study advocates for the increased integration of forensic linguistic analysis in legal processes. It emphasizes that the insights provided by forensic linguists not only support the integrity of legal decisions but also help ensure fair and accurate outcomes in the justice system.
Keywords: Forensic Linguistics, Authorship Attribution, Discourse Analysis, Sociolinguistic Profiling, Legal Evidence Analysis
