Pragmatic Discourse in Legal Drama: Analyzing Cross Examination Strategies in ‘The Lincoln Lawyer’

Aatiqa Shahzadi; Iram Rubab

doi:10.63056/

Authors

Aatiqa Shahzadi MS Scholar, Department of English, Govt. College Women University Sialkot, Pakistan Author
Iram Rubab Assistant Professor, Department of English, Govt. College Women University, Pakistan Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.63056/

Keywords:

Legal linguistics, Pragmatic strategies, Cross examination, Drama fiction, Gibbons’ pragmatic strategies

Abstract

This study aims to explore the pragmatic strategies used by the lawyers, during cross examination, either for desired answers or seeking truth. In this regard, fictional courtroom cross examination scenes of two seasons of An American legal drama series 'The Lincoln Lawyer' have been taken. Qualitative research approach is used for this research. Data was gathered through purposive sampling methods, eight courtroom scenes of cross examination from season one and nine scenes from season two have been taken. Data has been analyzed through the analytical framework proposed by Gibbons'(2003), ‘Person targeted and Idea targeted pragmatic strategies’. Findings of this research reveal that person targeted strategies play a critical role to control the situation and attain suitable answers. This study emphasizes the use of pragmatic strategies, will serve as a contribution in the existing body of knowledge on pragmatics and legal linguistics.