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Title "Objectivity and Veracity: A Forensic Discourse Analysis of White-Collar Crime First Information Reports"

Author(s) Farwa Noor

Abstract This research attempts to linguistically analyze the FIRs written against White-Collar Crimes to highlight the features which demonstrate objectivity, on the basis of reality representation, and reflect veracity in them. The research is qualitative and follows descriptive research design. The sample for this research was comprised of 10 FIRs related to white-collar crimes collected by purposive sampling technique. The data was analyzed using a conceptual framework integrating Forensic Statement Analysis by Olsson (2008) and Transitivity System Network (TSN) by Halliday (2014). Numerous studies in the domain of Forensic Linguistics have endeavored to describe the linguistic features of various forensic texts at multiple levels including grammatical, stylistic and discourse. However, a gap was left in research regarding the influence of linguistic features in determining reliability and truthfulness of forensic texts. This research gap hinders the discernment of truth or falsity of a forensic text and the type of reality demonstrated by it, objective or subjective. Therefore, this study aimed to analyze how the linguistic features of FIRs impart or deprive them of veracity and objectivity. The research findings demonstrate that FIRs were structured to incorporate all the mandatory details and reflected objectivity owing to the extensive presence of material processes. Moreover, use of impartial language, passive structures, author’s distancing from the text and references to legal provisions reflected veracity in the data. At few instances ambiguities and gaps with respect to time, place and tense usage were also observed. On the whole, the linguistic analysis of white-collar crime FIRs reflected significant evidences for the presence of objectivity and veracity in them. The research revealed the importance of lexico-grammatical features in ascribing objectivity or subjectivity and veracity or falsity to a forensic text. The analytical dimensions introduced in this research could be applied to other researches in the domain of Forensic Linguistics aiming to look for truth or falsity and objectivity or subjectivity in forensic texts. Key Words: Forensic Text, Veracity, Gaps, Ambiguity, Objectivity, Subjectivity

Type Thesis/Dissertation

Faculty Languages

Department English

Language English

Publication Date 2024-07-12

Subject Linguistics

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