Key facts
UNE unit code: LING544
*You are viewing the 2027 version of this unit which may be subject to change in future.
- Not offered in 2027
- Yes
- No
- No
- 6
Unit information
Language is an essential tool for creating and interpreting Australian law, and for prosecuting and defending those accused of crimes.
In this unit you will examine the nature of legal language and how it is exploited for maximum effect in the legal system. You will look at extracts of police interviews and courtroom interactions to understand how language can be used as a tool to reinforce social advantage or disadvantage. You’ll also review the forensic applications of language: disputes over meanings (e.g. contracts and copyright cases); indistinct audio recordings; and authorship analysis.
Intensive schools
There are no intensive schools required for this unit.
Enrolment rules
Notes
Please refer to the student handbook for current details on this unit.
Unit coordinator(s)
Learning outcomes
Upon completion of this unit, students will be able to:
- demonstrate coherent theoretical knowledge of a range of ways in which language and linguistics is relevant to the legal process, with the ability to communicate this effectively;
- apply a high level of autonomy and critical decision making skills to assess arguments for and against the validity of linguistic evidence of various kinds;
- demonstrate an advanced understanding of and identify possible sources of sociolinguistic disadvantage in the legal process;
- apply linguistic concepts and knowledge to several contexts of legal communication; and
- model advanced analysis, research, and communication skills that contribute to life-long application in a professional career.
Assessment information
Assessments are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.
| Title | Must Complete | Weight | Offerings | Assessment Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Essay | Yes | 55% | All offerings | No. Words: 2700-3300 |
| Online Quiz 1 | Yes | 15% | All offerings | Short answers and problem-solving No. Words: 1000 |
| Online Quiz 2 | Yes | 15% | All offerings | Short answers and problem-solving No. Words: 1000 |
| Online Quiz 3 | Yes | 15% | All offerings | Short answers and problem-solving No. Words: 1000 |
Learning resources
Textbooks are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.
Note: Students are expected to purchase prescribed material. Please note that textbook requirements may vary from one teaching period to the next.
Sociolinguistics and the Legal Process
ISBN: 9781847692535
Eades, D., Multilingual Matters 2010
Text refers to:
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