This course provides an introduction to the study of law from linguistic and rhetorical perspectives, with a focus on writing and legal documents. We will explore legal language in civil and criminal contexts, read from trial transcripts, hear from an expert in legal writing, and, I hope, visit a court. We will also read about the lawyer's role and becoming a lawyer. Assignments will include analyses of legal documents, presentation of legal cases, and a final paper analyzing an important legal decision from a linguistic or rhetorical perspective.

Recommended preparation

Interest in the law.

Class assignments and grading

Primarily written papers and one presentation.