Linguistics Hedges in Judicial Texts

Abstract

Linguistic hedges are a linguistic strategy which is directly related to discourse analysis, as linguistic hedges are meant to reduce emphasis on different discourses. Judicial linguistics and linguistic hedges are two different topics, but they share a common denominator, namely, the use of language. Judicial linguistics uses language information and methods for legal frameworks from criminal investigations to courtroom procedures, i.e., through utilizing linguistic hedges are identified in criminal investigations and cases. Linguistic hedges are words, sentences, and texts that do not have a clear meaning, as the meaning of the statements and writings are vague and the speaker does not express his true statements directly or definitively, so that he does not take responsibility arising from a situation he may face in the future. This study discusses the use of linguistic hedges in judicial texts where the claimants, defendants, and witnesses during the investigations and taking statements try to distance themselves from the truth of the matter and not to incriminate themselves due to the consequences that will affect the decisions of the court. The research method focuses on one of the criteria of the Scientific Content Analysis Method. This study consists of two parts: the first part is theoretical, and the second part focuses on the relationship between judicial linguistics and linguistic hedges, followed by the analysis of several judicial cases.