ABSTRACT
This chapter describes how linguistic knowledge can in some circumstances contribute to the functioning of law through an applied channel: that of forensic linguistics. It illustrates the variety of linguistic work that takes place under the heading forensic linguistics. The chapter also illustrates techniques involved in forensic linguistic analysis in several fields. It aims to show how expertise has been brought to bear by forensic linguists on evidential questions. The chapter presents difficulties associated with use of specialist linguistic evidence in law. Most work in forensic linguistics is concerned with linguistic evidence. Language evidence that assists criminal investigation or is presented in court as oral testimony by an expert witness is the popular image of forensic linguistics. Police officers are not trained to analyse language. Given the centrality of language in legal procedures, how effective communication is can be a persistent issue. Another area of textual dispute cases is litigation surrounding trademarks.
