Forensic Phonetics - LAN00005H
Module summary
This course provides an introduction to the practical, ethical, and legal principles of speech analysis in forensic investigations of speech and audio recordings.
Related modules
Additional information
With respect to prerequisites the following modules are equivalent.
Second year modules
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Intermediate Language Variation and Change, Sociolinguistics
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Intermediate Phonetics and Phonology, Acoustic Phonetics and Phonological Analysis
Module will run
| Occurrence | Teaching period |
|---|---|
| A | Semester 1 2024-25 |
Module aims
This course provides an introduction to the practical, ethical, and legal principles of forensic speech analysis in criminal investigations. Through auditory and instrumental analysis, we will investigate the phonetic parameters which can be useful in the process of identifying an individual speaker. We will discuss and replicate phonetic analysis which has been performed in criminal cases. We will also explore the performance of lay listeners in speaker identification, discussing the problems involved in eliciting and using 'earwitness' evidence in court.
Module learning outcomes
By the end of the module you should:
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understand the theoretical and methodological issues which underpin analysis of recordings involved in forensic cases.
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understand the problems involved in performing suitable analysis where the available materials are difficult and/or sensitive.
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have experience of practical problems in analysis of difficult and/or sensitive materials.
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appreciate the ethical issues involved in collecting and analysing forensic data.
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have developed your competence in the following skills:
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analysing data using qualitative, quantitative and statistical methods
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graphic and statistical presentation of data
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writing professional reports, using standard types of argumentation.
Module content
This module involves a combination of lecture-style teaching and lab-based practical tasks.
Indicative assessment
| Task | % of module mark |
|---|---|
| Closed/in-person Exam (Centrally scheduled) | 60 |
| Essay/coursework | 40 |
Special assessment rules
None
Indicative reassessment
| Task | % of module mark |
|---|---|
| Closed/in-person Exam (Centrally scheduled) | 60 |
| Essay/coursework | 40 |
Module feedback
Weekly in lab sessions and office hours.
Formative & summative: general feedback within one week; individual feedback by weeks 8 (F) and 11 (S).
Indicative reading
French, J.P. & Harrison, P. (2006) Investigative and evidential application of forensic speech science. In A. Heaton-Armstrong, E. Shepherd, G. Gudjonsson & D. Wolchover (eds.) Witness Testimony: Psychological, Investigative and Evidential Perspectives. Oxford: OUP. pp. 247-262.
Jessen, M. (2008) Forensic phonetics. Language and Linguistics Compass 2(4): 671-711.
Jessen, M. (2018) Forensic voice comparison. In M. Rathert & J. Visconti (eds.) Handbook of Communication in the Legal Sphere. Berlin: De Gruyter Mouton. pp. 219-255.