Language and the Law (Forensic Linguistics) Diploma

Split into 6 detailed modules, during the course of this diploma you will be offered the chance to delve deep into the history of this unique partnership - exploring how it has developed and evolved - whilst also being given the opportunity to examine the role of forensic linguists; their involvement within the legal system and how they can help during a crime investigation.

Course Description

Every part of this course has been purposefully structured to help you lay down the foundations to what could be a promising and insightful career as a forensic linguist.

From understanding the various disciplines employed in this field, to considering the validity of forensic linguistic evidence and the drawbacks associated with this role; from day one you will be drawn into this fascinating world of language, law and legal documents.

During this Diploma you will achieve an understanding of:

• How the language of law has developed historically alongside the development of language (which can be used to help you decipher written legal texts, Acts of Parliament and Wills).
• How language is analysed in relation to the criminal justice system, especially in the courtroom or whilst dealing with police disclosures.
• How language itself can be a crime.
• The theoretical background to language as a crime.

Course Structure

This paper only course can be completed at your own pace, and is assessed through a series of marked assessments that are designed to make you use various techniques, such as data analysis, to form theories, arguments and conclusions.

In just 200 hours, you can complete the following 6 modules and benefit from a deeper understanding of:

Module 1: What is Forensic Linguistics?

Starting at the core of forensic linguistics, this module examines its role within the legal system; its various disciplines; how it underpins forensic linguistic analysis and the strengths and weaknesses of this type of evidence.

Module 2: A framework for analysing text

Over the module, students will learn a range of language features; will understand the use of grammatical structures as an analytical tool, and will be able to use an analytical framework to perform textual analysis.

Module 3: The Language of the Law

By the end of this module you will be able to demonstrate an understanding of legal language and its historical development, as well understand how UK laws are created and examine the language of Acts of Parliament and Wills.

Module 4: Courtroom and police discourses

Students will explore the history and development of the legal system; will be able to identify the roles of different court types and how they work; will be able to recognise how asymmetry is constructed, and will also be able to analyse courtroom transcripts.

Module 5: Authorship

During this module, students will develop an understanding of how individuals create their own writing styles; will explore what constitutes plagiarism and will carry out basic analysis of text.

Module 6: Language crimes

During the course of this module, students will learn how language itself can be a crime, and will uncover the balance between freedom of speech and language crime.

Combine all these modules together, and it is easy to see how this course can act as the perfect stepping stone into a career in law; working with legal documentation or reading between the lines between language and actions.

So whether you want expand your passion/hobby for language into a credible career or you are simply fascinated about the relationship between language and the law; register your interest today and you too can make a start towards a promising future.

Course Overview