The forensic linguist: concept, profile and procedural contribution of this expert

Abstract

This research deals, from a legal perspective, with the figure and work of the forensic linguist in judicial proceedings, an unknown for most jurists, as can be deduced from the scarce treatment existing in general and specialized legal texts. It is based on the exposition of concepts, that are equally little or not at all frequented by the legal literature, which are born in forensic linguistics, and which are necessary to understand their tasks and diverse contributions to the processes.
Therefore, after a brief conceptual approach, the areas of work of the forensic linguist and the need for specific training are presented. The article ends with a review of the possible actions that this expert can carry out throughout the Spanish civil process, as this process is subsidiary to the rest of the jurisdictions. To deal with these aspects, the scientific literature of this specialty has been reviewed, as well as several practical cases in which the work of this expert has been decisive in clarifying the facts in different proceedings. The last conclusion to be reached is that the expertise of the forensic linguist, although unknown, can constitute very adequate and useful evidence in his or her specific area of expertise