A A SURVEY OF FORENSIC LINGUISTIC SERVICES IN THE NIGERIAN POLICING AND JUDICIAL PROCESS

Abstract

This paper examines the level of awareness and utilization of forensic linguistic services in the Nigeria justice dispensation system. It surveys the employment of forensic linguistic services during interrogation and cross-examination of crime suspects in Police stations and law courts, respectively, as well as the admissibility of forensic linguistic evidences in courts. Data for the study were gathered from security and legal personnel in police stations, law chambers and courts with questionnaires. Data analysis was done by a simple statistical method. The study finds that the level of awareness about Forensic Linguistics among police and other legal personnel is high, even though only a few of them have ever consulted or worked with any. They however submitted that forensic linguist' evaluation and advise are useful and will make their work easier, and that forensic linguistic evidences are admissible in the Nigerian courts. The study recommended, among others, that Forensic Linguistics programs should be established in Nigerian universities to enhance its practice of among the people.