Law is closely related to both language and logic. First, language is one of law’s primary means of communication and logic serves law in the processes of legal reasoning and the interpretation of legal texts. For these reasons, both concepts are of great relevance to the theory and practice of law as it is captured by the relevant concepts of legal semiotics, semantics and forensic linguistics, which will be explained using different case studies. This course highlights the multiple mutual links between law, language and logic for a better comprehension of law in a rapidly changing context of a global information society.

CILO-1: Students will be able to describe the dynamics between the fields of law, language and logic. CILO-2: Students will be able to explain the concepts of linguistics, semiotics, semantics and synaesthesia. CILO-3: Students will be able to classify different areas of law where the practical use of forensic linguistics is of great relevance. CILO-4: Students will be able to contrast the mutual implications between changes in law, in language and in context as exemplified by new technologies. CILO-5: Students will be able to demonstrate their own practical and theoretical legal problem solving skills.