What is forensic linguistics?
Forensic linguistics can be fairly characterised as taking linguistic knowledge, methods and insight, and applying these to the forensic context of law, investigation, trial, punishment and rehabilitation. It is not a homogenous discipline in its interest, methods or approach, but rather both involves a wide spectrum of practitioners and researchers applying themselves to different areas of the field. There are perhaps three main areas of application for linguists working in forensic contexts; understanding language of the written law, understanding language use in forensic and judicial processes and the provision of linguistic evidence. – The language of the law Any brush with legal language whether it be a mortgage agreement or the language of a will can leave one wondering why it can be so complex and difficult to read. Linguists are interested in the nature of the complexity of legal language and also whether anything can be done about it. Peter Tiersma in particular with both lega
