Linguistic Strategies of Power Construction in Legal Discourse: A Critical Stylistic Approach

Abstract

The study explores the construction of power relations in legal discourse through the application of Critical Stylistics. Although legal texts, including statutes, judicial decisions, and legal opinions, are commonly perceived as objective and neutral instruments, limited attention has been given to the ways linguistic choices contribute to the construction and reproduction of power relations within legal contexts. To address this gap, the study examines the strategic use of language in establishing, maintaining, and legitimizing power in legal discourse. The study adopts the theoretical framework of Critical Stylistics, focusing on key analytical tools such as naming and describing, representation, presupposition, and modality. A mixed-methods approach is employed to analyze selected legal texts, with particular attention to recurring stylistic patterns and their ideological implications. Through this framework, the study investigates how linguistic choices shape the representation of social actors, encode ideological meanings, and influence the distribution of power within legal settings.

The findings demonstrate that legal language is not neutral; rather, it actively participates in constructing social realities by privileging particular interpretations, marginalizing certain groups, and legitimizing institutional authority. The analysis further reveals that linguistic devices such as presupposition and modality play a significant role in naturalizing power relations and reinforcing dominant ideological perspectives, often silencing less powerful voices .This study contributes to the interdisciplinary field of language and law by illustrating how linguistic structures influence perceptions of justice, equality, and representation. By extending the application of Critical Stylistics to legal discourse, the research provides valuable insights into the role of critical language awareness in promoting transparency and fairness in legal practices. Ultimately, the study highlights the importance of critically examining legal texts as a means of fostering a more equitable and socially responsive legal framework.