This paper examines the function of grammar and pragmatics in testimonies and cross-examinations, specifically in sexual assault cases in the United States. Past research demonstrates a society’s view of sexual assault, particularly as a means of control, is reflected in…
This paper examines the function of grammar and pragmatics in testimonies and cross-examinations, specifically in sexual assault cases in the United States. Past research demonstrates a society’s view of sexual assault, particularly as a means of control, is reflected in cross-examination methodologies, which propagates into the laws surrounding sexual assault. This aims to investigate the impact the shift in societal perspective on sexual assault has on the cross-examination methodologies and ultimately the laws surrounding sexual assault in the United States. The incorporation of Conversation Analysis (CA) is used as a framework to evaluate the court transcripts. The framework is coupled with guidelines previously used to examine sexual assault cross-examinations in other countries. It is imperative to apply this to the United States as the view on sexual assault differs. The cross-examination and testimony transcripts in three court cases are examined. The guidelines for grammar include transitivity, use of adverbials and modals, nominalizations and subjects of unaccusatives, while the pragmatics focus on strategic questioning, presupposition, and selective reformulation. The findings in this qualitative study demonstrate the lack of progress the United States judicial system has made in terms of sexual assault. While the societal perspective shifts, the cross-examination methodology and the language of the laws remain constant, despite increase in awareness and supporting Acts. Given the small scope of research conducted in the United States, more research is necessary, along with reformation of the court proceedings and laws surrounding sexual assault.
Date Created
The date the item was original created (prior to any relationship with the ASU Digital Repositories.)
The goal of this study was to compare and contrast the discriminatory experiences of women in policing. Through this comparison, the deeper goal was to investigate the levels of discrimination throughout the ranks of Policewomen and the potential ramifications that…
The goal of this study was to compare and contrast the discriminatory experiences of women in policing. Through this comparison, the deeper goal was to investigate the levels of discrimination throughout the ranks of Policewomen and the potential ramifications that might have had on their careers. Surveys were administered to female police officers. In order for a case study to be performed, 19 responses were collected. The survey consisted of 8 demographic and 8 long response questions. The demographic questions asked for age, ethnicity, state of birth, education level, officer ranking, career outlook, current marital status, and number of children. The long response questions include their positive and negative attributes about their career, their inspiration for pursuing their career in law enforcement, and if they have ever been discriminated against based on sex. The findings in the research gathered on police women within the rank of officer indicate varying levels of discrimination. The discrimination does not only happen from those inside the work place but from the community; the people officers are protecting. In conclusion, there is still great discrimination female officers face by both the community they serve and the department they serve with. This has ramifications on their ability to not only do their job in the moment but also move up throughout their departments.
Date Created
The date the item was original created (prior to any relationship with the ASU Digital Repositories.)