Names and Identities in Courtroom Narratives

Abstract

This study seeks to examine how the use of names serves to accomplish the process of identity construction in institutional discourse. Drawing upon six opening addresses from three high-profile trials, the study analyzes the forms, functions, and frequency of names that lawyers use to refer to defendants and victims in their narratives. The quantitative and qualitative analysis reveals that the prosecution and the defense differ starkly in how they use names to construct the identities of the characters. Such systematic differences contribute to ascribing polarized identities to the characters, which in effect negotiates reality by (de)legitimizing guilt and responsibility claims and mediating jurors’ perceptions.

Javanese cosmology: Symbolic transformation of names in Javanese novels

“…Onomastics also includes a discussion of names in the second world, such as myth, literature, film and the supernatural world (Algeo & Algeo 2000). In addition, several functions appeared in the literary world (Chaemsaithong 2019). In academic studies, onomastic studies will help reveal the artistic picture of the world through fiction.…”

“…We can glean important information about society's history, culture and development over time through its name. A name can symbolise ideology and social identity that continue to develop (Chaemsaithong 2019). Therefore, research on names becomes very important in a broad context.…”

Representation of Social Actors in <i>Financial times</i> Report on China’s Panda Diplomacy

“…Courtroom). Chaemsaithong draws upon six opening addresses from three high-profile trials and examines how the use of names serves to accomplish the process of identity construction in institutional discourse, revealing that the prosecution and the defense differ starkly in how they use names to construct the identities of the characters, which in effect negotiates reality by (de) legitimizing guilt and responsibility claims and mediating jurors' perceptions [17]. In another study, Chaemsaithong integrates Halliday's concept of transitivity and van Leeuwen's inventory of social actor representation, scrutinizing representation strategies that opposing lawyers use to position social actors in their narratives, concludes that social actor representation constitutes an important contingency bearing on the outcome of this institutional discourse [18].…”