An Assessment of Pragmatic Clarity in Nigerian Legal Discourse: A Comparative Analysis of Court Transcripts
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Background of the Study
Legal discourse in Nigeria is characterized by a formal register that aims for precision and clarity in conveying judicial decisions and legal arguments. Court transcripts, as written records of legal proceedings, serve as an essential tool for ensuring transparency and accountability in the legal system (Idris, 2023). However, the pragmatic clarity of these transcripts is influenced by factors such as legal jargon, procedural language, and the inherent complexity of legal concepts. This study undertakes a comparative analysis of court transcripts from various jurisdictions in Nigeria to evaluate how effectively legal language is integrated and understood by diverse stakeholders, including lawyers, judges, and the general public (Yakubu, 2024). By analyzing linguistic markers, speech acts, and contextual cues, the research examines whether pragmatic devices are employed to enhance clarity and reduce ambiguity in legal discourse. The study further explores the implications of any identified shortcomings for access to justice and public trust in the legal system, aiming to propose recommendations for improving communication in legal contexts (Oke, 2025).
Statement of the Problem
Although Nigerian legal discourse is intended to be clear and precise, there is evidence of pragmatic ambiguities in court transcripts that may impede understanding and access to justice. Prior research has primarily focused on legal theory and procedural aspects, with limited attention to the pragmatic elements of courtroom communication (Idris, 2023). This gap in the literature hinders efforts to ensure that legal language is accessible to non-expert audiences, potentially undermining public confidence in judicial processes. Without a thorough examination of pragmatic clarity, stakeholders remain unaware of the extent to which legal discourse may be misinterpreted. This study seeks to fill this void by providing a comparative analysis of court transcripts, highlighting areas where pragmatic adjustments could improve clarity and fairness (Yakubu, 2024).
Objectives of the Study
- To evaluate pragmatic clarity in Nigerian court transcripts.
- To compare the use of pragmatic devices across different legal jurisdictions.
- To recommend strategies for enhancing clarity in legal discourse.
Research Questions
- How clear and unambiguous is the language used in Nigerian court transcripts?
- What pragmatic devices are employed to facilitate understanding?
- How can legal discourse be improved to enhance pragmatic clarity?
Significance of the Study
This study is significant as it investigates the pragmatic aspects of legal discourse in Nigeria, offering insights into how court transcripts can be improved to ensure clearer communication. The findings will benefit legal practitioners, policymakers, and the public by promoting a more accessible and transparent legal system (Idris, 2023; Oke, 2025).
Scope and Limitations of the Study
This study is limited to the comparative analysis of pragmatic clarity in Nigerian court transcripts.
Definitions of Terms
- Pragmatic Clarity: The effectiveness of language in conveying meaning without ambiguity.
- Legal Discourse: The specialized language used in legal settings.
- Court Transcripts: Written records of spoken proceedings in court.
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