Publication Date

1-1-1996

Document Type

Dissertation/Thesis

First Advisor

Hardy, Heather K. (Heather Kay), 1952-

Legacy Department

Center for the Study of Women, Gender, and Sexuality

Abstract

The courtroom has long been deemed a place where ’’men's language’’ thrives. It is my contention that there are many positive aspects to the use of "women's language" in the courtroom. In my thesis I will demonstrate the positive aspects of "women’s language" in the courtroom. I will begin my thesis with a discussion of what constitutes "women's language." I will discuss child language socialization, the use of hedges, tag questions, minimal response, question asking, turn-taking, and grammar usage. Next I will discuss women lawyers. I will concentrate on the new feminist firms which value women's style. Finally I will combine women’s usage of language and women in the courtroom to explain the advantages of "women’s language." I will also draw upon personal observation of the Assistant State’s Attorney of Ogle county, Kathy Kauffmann, and Kelly Wilson, the legal advocate at a domestic crisis center, in the courtroom and conference room.

Comments

Includes bibliographical references.

Extent

26 pages

Language

eng

Publisher

Northern Illinois University

Rights Statement

In Copyright

Rights Statement 2

NIU theses are protected by copyright. They may be viewed from Huskie Commons for any purpose, but reproduction or distribution in any format is prohibited without the written permission of the authors.

Media Type

Text

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