RECENT EVENT
Seminar on Current FBI and Academic Techniques
in Forensic Linguistics
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Welcome
to the Forensic Linguistics Project at Hofstra University.
MISSION: To use the scientific analysis of language to advance
the cause of justice in the application of the law, and to promote
the study of forensic linguistics.
RATIONALE:
Linguistics is the science of language analysis. Language is key
in the U.S. judicial system. Through language we promulgate laws,
issue subpoenas and warrants, question suspects, give testimony,
write contracts, confess, claim and deny. Attorneys use language
to write briefs, make opening and closing arguments, question and
cross-examine witnesses. Judges issue orders, write decisions, and
charge juries. As biology and physics play crucial roles in the
interpretation of forensic medical data, linguistics enables a deeper
understanding of forensic language phenomena.
ACTIVITIES:
The Forensic Linguistic Project conducts original research, accepts
outside assignments, and organizes lectures and conferences. Through
the Forensic Linguistics Project, the linguists -- Dr. Leonard,
allied professors, and forensic linguistic interns -- attempt to
help people with legal issues that relate to language by accepting
pro bono research assignments.
In January,
2004, The Forensic Linguistics Project began to work with Hofstra
Law School Legal Clinics to assist on several language-related cases.
In these cases, forensic linguistic interns, supervised by their
faculty, work with third-year law students on pro bono matters under
the supervision of clinic faculty members.
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