- Linguistics is the study of identifying, investigating and solving real life problems relating to language. Forensic linguistics is a division of forensic science that applies the study of linguistics in regards to the relationship between language, law and crime. Forensic linguists analyze language evidence and potential evidence in civil and criminal investigations. For example, they can authenticate documents and determine authorship. Linguists have been used in trademark disputes, determining plagiarism, tracing ethnic origins of an author of a document and identifying authors of anonymous documents, such a threat letters.
- Forensic linguistics can be very beneficial to both sides of civil and criminal trials. Validating authorship of documents or the voice of a threatening phone call can incriminate a defendant. On the other side, forensic linguistics can exonerate a defendant. Using the same techniques, a forensic linguist can prove that a document was authored by someone other than the defendant or that the document was fabricated to look like it was written by the defendant. These techniques help validate or invalidate evidence, therefore ensuring that the appropriate defendant will be held liable.
- Even though forensic linguistics is primarily used and is well known for trial evidence work, most forensic linguists study the relationship between language and the law. They study the effect of the roots of language and their effects on language of the law, and they study the language used in the courtroom, such as opening and closing arguments, voir dire (jury selection) and cross-examination.
- Forensic linguistics is a relatively new applied study in linguistics, and it has steadily risen in popularity over the years. With new techniques being developed with advances in science and technology, forensic linguists are becoming more valued in law enforcement. As science and technology continue to advance, the career potential in law enforcement will also increase.
- One of the most famous examples of using forensic linguistics in a criminal investigation is the Unabomber investigation. Ted Kaczynski had the New York Times publish a 35,000-word manifesto detailing his philosophy on the future and technology. His brother recognized the writing style and the philosophy from letters Kaczynski sent to him and notified the FBI of the possible link. Forensic linguists were able to determine Kaczynski's authorship of the Manifesto from these letters, and this led to the Unabomber's ultimate capture and incarceration.
