Introduction
Communication is an integral process in a legal institution. It is a process by which information is relayed from one link to another. It bonds two separate entities. In law, communication may link the prosecution and the defense, the jury and the prosecution and the jury and the judge.
Verbal communication refers to the use of spoken words. It employs the word of mouth and can also be called oral or interpersonal communication because it enhances interaction of various people in a particular setting. Forms of oral communication in law may include meetings , discussions, interviews, interrogations, report writing and statement writing.
Non-verbal communication, on the other hand, is a method in which information is transferred by using wordless cues. It represents what is not uttered orally. In law, information is exchanged between the defense and prosecution without the use of spoken words.
This channel is crucial and legal experts prefer it. It involves the use of gestures, body language, eye contact or facial expressions. This form of communication can be deceptive and only an experienced panel of language experts can detect it.
The police
A good law enforcing agency like the police is accredited by how reliable it is to the public. The competence of a police agency is defined by its ability to carry out its mandate without fear or favor.
It is expected to uphold justice at all times. Both verbal and non-verbal communication play an important role in a public setting. Certain people are better public speakers than others and therefore qualify as professionals. They are given first priority in the art of communication.
Professionals in the police force gain expertise based on their experience in writing reports. Assessment and evaluation of performance equip them with essentials for growth in the writing domain and in relation to law. Writing in this case involves reports and statements involving victims and suspects of crime. Professionalism inspires leadership and respect in the police force.
Most of the police agencies use language to impress, convince, persuade, motivate or inform on a particular aspect. Certain police spoke persons are known to have the special ability to create a convincing argument. This fact may mean that professionals may be wrong or deceptive and it may be difficult to make out their real message during communication.
Eloquence is a quality that certain police professionals exploit to earn their living. The press in the police agencies should structure its use of language in order to address specific targets and to also create the intended reactions from their recipients. The press should therefore adhere to structural guidelines when disseminating information to the public.
This idea prevents careless issuance of information to the public. Verbal communication is an effective tool for the police since it basically describes the power of authority. The police are able to ensure that the law is enforced and abided by. However, verbal communication can be affected when information gaps arise exposing the state to severe damage of property and life.
Misreporting of events by police communication organs can cause tension in the public and feelings of insecurity. Non-verbal communication is also applied in the verbal world and it is referred to as paralanguage and this includes interaction and stress. Paralanguage is crucial when it comes to dealing with witnesses of crimes, interviewing of suspects and writing of reports.
Non- verbal communications represent two thirds of all communication. Written texts also contain non-verbal components like writing style, word arrangement and page layouts. The three components are expressed in reports and statements. It is only when the body language matches the verbal communication that it becomes convincing and appealing at the same time.
Courtroom settings
A court is a key institution as far as justice and law are concerned. The court cannot work without the involvement of the police. The information collected by the police is usually relayed to the court to be used during court sessions. Report writing can be fundamental especially when insufficient evidence exists against a suspect. Reports can expose vital facts and have the power to facilitate justice.
The information featured on reports ensures the guilty is punished and the guiltless is vindicated. The judiciary enforces methodological approaches to achieve its goals. The judiciary has always employed the use of communication experts like detectives who, in turn, use their skills to harness details that can help the judges to make accurate and wise decisions.
Verbal and non-verbal communication ensure proper management of information between the civic system and the citizens. The use of gestures and exchange of notes is a common practice within court settings. The use of sign language aids is important in courtroom settings. The aids are commonly referred to as language interpreters who mostly assist the deaf to understand the proceedings of the court.
Proper legislation measures should be adopted to avoid commission of mistakes by all stakeholders in a courtroom context. Courts should create innovative ways of improving communication in order to enhance public confidence in them.
Correction facilities
Correction facilities employ effective communication channels to ensure that the rights of the accused are upheld. Proper communication mechanisms within the facilities ensure that disputes and complaints arising within the facilities are dealt with decisively. Communication within the facilities generates an atmosphere that may be conducive or improper depending on the type of information that is exchanged.
Good verbal and non-verbal communication between the employees in correction centers inspire confidence and uniformity among them when they are performing their duties. However, good communication between peers or inmates may inspire solidarity which can also be used destructively especially by inmates.
Rules that govern language use whether spoken or unspoken must be adhered to by all parties in the communication cycle. The cooperation of the language users enhances tolerance and respect for communication structures which also helps the victims to understand their rights (Wallace & Robinson, 2009).
It is important to acquire knowledge on legal issues governing correction bodies. The workers in correction facilities have an obligation of employing legal knowledge accurately and effectively in order to promote good communication in the centers.
Juvenile facilities
In juvenile centers, non-verbal communication is vital. Employees in the juvenile institutions just like in the correctional facilities should inspire confidence in the youth when communicating. Their words and body language should demonstrate authority and order (Barnlund, 2008).
Without authority, the law cannot be followed. Any juvenile facility would encounter administrative challenges due to the rebelliousness of the youth in it. Juveniles need to be given directions, counseled and well governed. Educated and informed juveniles embrace change and uphold it among themselves.
References
Barnlund, D. C. (2008). A transactional model of communication. In. C. D. Mortensen (Eds.), Communication theory 2nd ed. New Jersey, USA: Upper Saddle River.
Wallace, H., & Robinson, C. (2009). Written and interpersonal communication methods for law enforcement (4th Ed). New Jersey, USA: Upper Saddle River- Pearson Prentice Hall.