Olsson and Luchjenbroers present this primer on forensic linguistics, covering a wide array of applications of linguistics in law and evidence interpretation. After an introduction defining the term and outlining its uses, part I deals with conceptual aspects of language as evidence. The construct of authorship, genre, textual and vocal variation, and phonetics are covered, as well as a discussion of cybercrime. Part II digs into technical aspects, including types of texts, transcription, investigation of variation, and the treatment of courtroom evidence. Part III shifts to the use of language in the legal process, addressing the power of courtroom officials, police, the "right to silence," intimidation, and vulnerable witnesses. Finally, part IV discusses legislative and statutory language, with attention to words with very specific legal meaning such as grades of probability. The chapter on phonetics and much of the material on interactional language is new in the third edition. Appendices provide additional forensic texts, exercises, and information on the history of the field. Annotation ©2014 Ringgold, Inc., Portland, OR (protoview.com)