27 Oct How can linguistic analysis using knowledge of language, i.e., the subsystems of language, e.g., phonology, morphology and syntax play a role in forensic linguistics?

How can linguistic analysis using knowledge of language, i.e., the subsystems of language, e.g., phonology, morphology and syntax play a role in forensic linguistics?  Define/discuss one or more subsystem, explain what linguistic analysis is and how it is used in crime solving.  Use at least 1 example from case studies to illustrate.

2 What is discourse analysis and how is it used in forensic linguistics?   Define discourse analysis and explain how it is used in forensic linguistics.  Use examples to illustrate.  Include citations from any works/texts cited.

3 The Courts have determined that evidence found in search and seizure is valid only if voluntary consent has been obtained from the suspect.  What are the pragmatics of consent in search and seizure situations that play a role in determining whether the consent was voluntary or linguistically coerced?   State the requirements for consent under the law.  Define pragmatics of consent.  Explain how pragmatics (and discourse analysis of the interaction between suspect and police officers or the authorities) in a search and seizure situation can influence whether consent was voluntary or coerced.

4 How have the Courts considered pragmatics in determining whether the authorities had asked for permission to search and whether a suspect has given voluntary consent to a search?  How do the standards for interpretation related to pragmatics differ when considering what the authorities said vs. what the suspect said or did?  Discuss.  Illustrate with examples from cases.

5 What are the standards implemented by the Courts to determine whether a suspect has invoked the Right to Counsel?  In other words, what are the standards followed to determine if the suspect waived the Right to Counsel?  State what the law says with regard to Right to Counsel.  Explain the standards and explain how they are implemented.  Illustrate with an example from a case.

6 What are the pragmatics that play a role in interrogation?  How do the pragmatics involved in interrogation threaten the reliability of a confession?  Why is it so important for a confession to be reliable?  Discuss and develop your response fully.

7 What steps could the Law and the Courts take to ensure that suspects understand and be able to invoke their Right to Counsel, their right not to answer questions that would incriminate themselves (the Fifth Amendment) and the implications of anything that is said or written in a case against them?   What are some recommendations suggested in the text, for example. Discuss.

8 What is the Miranda warning?  That is, what do officers say to suspects they detain?  What rights does Miranda protect — in plain English?

9 What are the vulnerable populations that Miranda is supposed to protect, in particular?  What are the linguistic and pragmatic factors in the Miranda warning itself and in the reading of a suspect’s Miranda rights that might inhibit the protections Miranda is supposed to guarantee, particularly for the most vulnerable?

10 What is the definition of reliability?  of validity?  (Define reliability and reliability as these concepts relate to the admissibility of linguistic evidence or legal issues involving communication between law enforcement and suspect.)  What is the difference between reliability and validity?  What are some concerns about the reliability and validity of linguistic evidence in Courts (e.g., consent to search, invoking the right to counsel, confessions, and jail-house informants)?  What are some recommendations solutions to increase reliability and ensure validity of linguistic evidence?