Meaning and Power in the Language of Law/
edited by:Leung, Janny HCDurant, Alan
Janny Hc Leuna and Alan Durant
- Cambridge: Cambridge University Press 2018
- xiii, 330p.
This volume explores the intersection of law and language, known as "forensic linguistics," by examining the challenges presented by language in formulating, interpreting, and applying laws. The field brings together legal practitioners, linguists, anthropologists, and philosophers to investigate topics such as legal drafting and translation, statutory interpretation, expert evidence on language use, and the dynamics of courtroom interaction. The chapters, written by international experts in their fields, showcase recent directions in research and offer insights into how law expresses and conceals power relations through its use of language. The studies presented examine different legal jurisdictions and socio-political contexts, as well as the more abstract notion of law. The volume highlights the interlocking nature of these studies, showcasing the complex and multifaceted relationship between language and law. Ultimately, the book offers a comprehensive understanding of how language operates within the legal system, and how it shapes and is shaped by power dynamics in society.