Law and Emotion with Specific Regard to Police and Forensic Aspects

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapter (peer-reviewed)peer-review

Abstract

The purpose of this chapter is to give an overview of how emotions are dealt with in legal settings, with specific emphasis on police interviews. In a context where emotions are constrained by the nature of the interactions, expressing feelings and establishing rapport becomes challenging and language becomes essential in these interactions. The specific circumstances of police settings make the participants experience power asymmetry, which may lead to difficulties in expressing and showing emotion, or conversely, in displaying and expressing too much emotion. It is through verbal and non-verbal communication that emotions are expressed and from which different perceptions may be inferred. The following pages will provide an overview of how communication is at the core of legal settings, how language can enhance or hinder the outcomes of police interviews with suspects, victims or witnesses, and how the language of empathy and rapport becomes essential in the success of legal interactions.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationLanguage and Emotion
Subtitle of host publicationAn International Handbook
EditorsGesine Lenore Schiewer, Jeanette Altarriba, Bee Chin Ng
Place of PublicationGermany
PublisherDe Gruyter Mouton
Chapter94
Pages1944-1961
Number of pages18
Volume46/3
ISBN (Electronic)9783110795486
ISBN (Print)9783110795417
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 8 May 2023

Publication series

NameHandbücher zur Sprach- und Kommunikationswissenschaft / Handbooks of Linguistics and Communication Science [HSK]

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