The Role of Forensic Linguistics in The Practice of Justice System

This paper deals with the scientific field of Forensic Linguistics and its role in the Justice System. At the beginning of the paper the term of Forensic Linguistics is defined and its basic elements outlined. It is also explained who needs this scientific field and why. Besides that, it elaborates on the people and institutions having interest and benefit of this field. As lawyers and linguists, in this case, have to cooperate it is essential to explore the relationship between them and to discuss common problems that might arise in the process and, eventually, to explain how to overcome such difficulties. In order to complete the research on Forensic Linguistics, an important area of Forensic Linguistics must be mentioned – Forensic Phonetics, which refers to the analysis of speech through auditory and acoustic means and its application in the legal and criminal practice. This science deals with questions of speaker identification, resolution of disputed content of recordings, the process of setting up voice line-ups and ear line-ups and related topics. Finally, a section on Forensic Linguistics application in the practice of Justice System exemplifies how relationship between lawyers and linguists, that is, Law and Language is inseparable. The paper concludes that linguists and lawyers need to work more closely with each other in the interests of justice.

Keywords:

Language , Forensic Linguistics , Law , linguists