Language and Justice : Communication in Legal Practice

This important collection brings together cutting-edge international research on the role of language and communication in the justice process. Through innovative application of linguistics, it addresses key questions and topics which arise in legal practice on a day-to-day basis and directly affect everyone who relies on courts to deliver justice.

Bringing together cutting-edge research at the intersection of language, communication and legal practice, this volume challenges established processes and explores key questions arising from real cases, practices, or sites of contention, where tackling linguistic issues can help enhance access to justice. Directly addressing areas of genuine professional and institutional concern, the collection provides novel and groundbreaking insights into the multiple communication-related challenges the justice system and legal professionals have to navigate on a daily basis. The volume engages with a wide range of legal areas, including criminal law, family law, civil law, immigration, international law, and legal education. It has an international scope, with relevance across both adversarial and inquisitorial legal systems, international legal institutions, and multilingual jurisdictions. Collectively, the chapters highlight the immense benefits and opportunities which arise when legal and applied linguistic scholarship are harnessed together, especially for scrutinising the accountability, transparency and accessibility of the justice system.