Courtroom Communication - Making a Complicated Process Clear
Disciplines
Communication | Legal Profession
Abstract (300 words maximum)
This qualitative study examines the core elements of communication clarity in the legal field. Many people who have gone through the legal system find communication challenging. Recognizing the critical importance of good communication in the legal setting, our study aims to better understand the opinions and points of view of people who have received legal assistance about the clarity and efficiency of communication during their legal interactions. Previous scholarly texts highlight that one of the main problems in professional fields are communication issues/boundaries. Little to no communication studies before has delved into aspects of the legal field. Utilizing a survey distributed to a diverse sample of individuals with legal representation experiences, we aim to analyze the survey responses to gain insights into the communication dynamics between legal professionals and their clients. The survey focuses on aspects such as the use of legal language, the accessibility of information, and the overall satisfaction with communication during legal proceedings. Although the data is still being collected, I can identify a few developing trends. Some of the themes include inadequate time management, a communication barrier, unaffordability, and distrust between the client and the attorney. This study will add to the continuing debate about communication in the legal field by providing a complex perspective that promotes a more open-minded approach to building effective communication in the courtroom.
Academic department under which the project should be listed
RCHSS - Communication & Media
Primary Investigator (PI) Name
Robin Mathis
Courtroom Communication - Making a Complicated Process Clear
This qualitative study examines the core elements of communication clarity in the legal field. Many people who have gone through the legal system find communication challenging. Recognizing the critical importance of good communication in the legal setting, our study aims to better understand the opinions and points of view of people who have received legal assistance about the clarity and efficiency of communication during their legal interactions. Previous scholarly texts highlight that one of the main problems in professional fields are communication issues/boundaries. Little to no communication studies before has delved into aspects of the legal field. Utilizing a survey distributed to a diverse sample of individuals with legal representation experiences, we aim to analyze the survey responses to gain insights into the communication dynamics between legal professionals and their clients. The survey focuses on aspects such as the use of legal language, the accessibility of information, and the overall satisfaction with communication during legal proceedings. Although the data is still being collected, I can identify a few developing trends. Some of the themes include inadequate time management, a communication barrier, unaffordability, and distrust between the client and the attorney. This study will add to the continuing debate about communication in the legal field by providing a complex perspective that promotes a more open-minded approach to building effective communication in the courtroom.