Language Crimes

Roger W. Shuy is Professor of Linguistics at Georgetown University. In the past decade he has been consulted in over 200 criminal and civil law cases and has testified as an expert witness in 35 trials. He is former President of the American Association of Applied Linguistics.

"Roger Shuy's book explores some of the most fascinating trials in recent times. His use of linguistic analysis in hearings that involve crimes of language is stunningly creative and makes for gripping reading." Elizabeth Loftus, University of Washington "Dr Roger Shuy's Language Crimes is an important book. Through the use of materials taken from a series of actual criminal prosecutions, Shuy amply shows the value of sophisticated linguistics analysis for the proper interpretations of oral conversations recorded on electronic tape. Shuy's book, too, is easily read by those without a technical background in linguistics, as he keeps his use of professional jargon to the minimum. As such, Language Crimes should be read - and studied - by all those involved in investigating, prosecuting, defending, and judging in the administration of justice." G. Robert Blakey, The Notre Dame Law SchoolLanguage Crimes is a clear and lively exposition of one linguist's important work in bringing the knowledge and skills developed by linguistics into the courtroom, where (as he demonstrates) they are badly needed."Robin Lakoff, University of California, Berkeley"An excellent work for the student, the lawyer, and the lingust who may not have explored this field at all. The field of Language and Law can truly be seen as having come of age when so prominent a scholar as Roger Shuy has brought forth so readable a volume." American Speech"A valualbe addition to the understanding of both linguists and lawyers of the contributions the work of the former can make to that of the latter."Book Reviews"Clear and readable book" Language in Society

• Foreword viIntroduction: New Directions xv1. Misconceptions about Language in Law Cases 12. Bribery 203. Offering Bribes 434. Agreeing 665. Threatening 976. Admitting 1187. Telling the Truth Versus Perjury 1368. Promising 1579. Asking Questions 17410. On Testifying 200Index 206