Includes bibliographical references and index.

Preface to second edition -- Part I. A good time to study the language of criminal justice. Language and the criminal law; linguistics in the law -- Part II. Gathering the evidence. "Consensual" searches, Understanding Miranda; Interrogation, confession, and the right to counsel -- Part III. Linguistic evidence in court. Exact words; Who said that?; Who wrote that? -- Part IV. Crimes of language. Solicitation, conspiracy, bribery; Threats; Perjury and other illegal lies -- Part V. The interpretation of criminal laws. Interpreting criminal laws; Recommendations and reflections.

"An essential introduction to the use and misuse of language within the criminal justice system, updated for a new generation. Does everyone understand the Miranda warning? Why do people confess to a crime they did not commit? Can linguistic experts identify who wrote an anonymous threatening letter? Since its first publication, Speaking of Crime has been answering these questions. Introducing major topics and controversies at the intersection of language and law, Lawrence M. Solan, Peter M. Tiersma, and Tammy Gales apply multidisciplinary insights to examine the complex role of language within the US justice system. The second edition features in-depth discussions of recent cases, new legislation, and innovative research advances, and includes a new chapter on who interprets the laws governing linguistic contexts. Thoroughly updated and approachable, Speaking of Crime is a state-of-the-art survey that will be useful to scholars, students, and practitioners throughout the criminal justice system"-- Provided by publisher.