Forensic Stylistics: An Overview
摘要
Stylistics is the study of an individual or group of characteristics in written language. Forensic stylistics, also known as stylometry, is used to examine writing style for the express purpose of resolving litigated questions related to disputed authorship. It can be applied in cases involving threat assessment, statement and confession analysis, confirmation of authorship, false allegations, suicidal notes, and cybercrimes. The evidence found can be indirect, demonstrative, substantial, cumulative, positive, negative, rebuttal, impeachment, or corroborative. There are some principles used to determine the individuality of the stylistic features. Stylistics has been used in various legal cases where the authorship of the disputed document is in question. There are case studies that have used forensic stylistics as a potential tool to solve various types of legal cases. The present work provides an overview of some important aspects of Forensic Stylistics.