THE APPLICATION OF FORENSIC LINGUISTICS AS AN INVESTIGATIVE TOOL IN CRIMINAL CASE VERDICTS (A case study at the state court of Gorontalo

Abstract

This research aims at describing the application of legal language using a forensic linguistics approach through discourse analysis, text, speech act, meaning, and language style. This research applies qualitative method. This research was conducted in the state courts of Gorontalo. Data were collected from verdicts of the state court of Gorontalo. The researcher selected these data using literature review technique. These data were then analyzed based on the substance of the problem. Data analyses were conducted by several steps. Verdicts were analyzed using 1) discourse form, 2) language style, and 3) speech acts. This research is of use for facilitating law enforcement officials to solve legal problems from the language use point of view. This is due to the unresolved issues of legal language, thus, this research strives for helping society find truths and justice through comprehensive legal evidence.