
Location
University of Windsor
Document Type
Paper
Start Date
3-6-2009 9:00 AM
End Date
6-6-2009 5:00 PM
Abstract
This paper discusses the text format of judicial and semi-judicial decisions. That format does not optimize comprehensibility. It should be understood as a sign that symbolizes an ideology. It symbolizes the values of an inevitable decision that follows from the facts and an a priori given coherent and complete legal system. The narrative text format with it stylistic features is also a very welcome instrument to hide the moments that this ideal is impracticable.
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Response to Submission
Scott Jacobs, Commentary on van den Hoven
Reader's Reactions
Scott Jacobs, Commentary on van den Hoven (June 2009)
Argumentative Discourse as a Sign
University of Windsor
This paper discusses the text format of judicial and semi-judicial decisions. That format does not optimize comprehensibility. It should be understood as a sign that symbolizes an ideology. It symbolizes the values of an inevitable decision that follows from the facts and an a priori given coherent and complete legal system. The narrative text format with it stylistic features is also a very welcome instrument to hide the moments that this ideal is impracticable.