(De)construction of the Witness as an Expert in the Lawyer-Expert Witness Interaction

Bc. Daniela Čajková

Master's thesis

Abstract:

Táto diplomová práca sa zaoberá interakciou medzi právnikom a odborným svedkom, kde skúma proces vytvárania/deštruovania svedkovho odborného charakteru. Hlavným cieľom práce je identifikovať zdroje a relačné praktiky (relational practices), ktoré ovplyvňujú imidž odborného svedka, t.j. ako je vnímaný sudcom a porotou. Pozornosť je venovaná hlavnému a krížovému výsluchu; v prvom prípade ide o miesto podporovania (vytvárania) svedkovho odborného imidžu, v druhom prípade o miesto znehodnocovania (deštruovania). Prístup k relačným praktikám je založený na koncepte „face“. Analýza hlavného výsluchu je zameraná na face-podporujúce stratégie (face-enhancing strategies), ktoré posilňujú pozíciu svedka ako odborníka. Analýza krížového výsluchu sa sústreďuje na face-pohoršujúce stratégie (face-aggravating strategies), ktoré právnik používa za účelom napadnúť svedkovu odbornosť.

Abstract:

The diploma thesis researches the process of (de)constructing the witness’ image as an expert in the lawyer-expert witness interaction. The main objective of the thesis is to identify the resources and relational practices which influence the expert witness’ image, i.e. as s/he is perceived by the judge and the jury. The attention is given to direct and cross-examination; the former being the side of enhancement (construction) of the expert witness’ image, the latter being the place of aggravation (deconstruction). The approach to the relational practices is based on the concept of face. Direct examination is searched for the face-enhancing strategies which support the witness’ professional image. In cross-examination, the face-aggravating strategies which the lawyer uses with the purpose to attack the expert witness’ image are analyzed.

Keywords

courtroom discourse, credibility, cross-examination, direct examination, expert witness, face, face aggravation, face enhancement, lawyer-witness interaction, relational work

Language used: English

Date on which the thesis was submitted / produced: 13. 5. 2014

Thesis defence

• Date of defence: 11. 6. 2014
• Supervisor: doc. Mgr. Jan Chovanec, Ph.D.
• Reader: Mgr. Jana Pelclová, Ph.D.

Masaryk University

Faculty of Arts

Master programme / field:
Philology / English Language and Literature