Abstract :
Prosecutors are individuals assigned to resolve cases filed on courts.
Their abilities to make keenly decisions provided a wide spectrum on the
world of forensic linguistics. This study aimed at identifying the types of
modals used and their functions in the prosecutors’ resolutions of
different cases. Further, this forensic linguistic analysis determined the
frequency of overused and misused modals. Anchored on the premise of
Palmer (2001) on the types and functions of modals, this study found that
the common speculative modality is -may. Deductive modality included
modals such as -shall, -must, -would, -may, and -could. As appeared,
modal -could was categorized under the reported modality. Permissives
were -can, -cannot, -will, -would, and -must. Modals were used to
predict, give the possibility, capability, and permission, necessity,
requirement, and prescription. The modal -would appeared 14 times
among the prosecutors’ resolutions. Implications for legal parlance and
educational milieu were presented.
Keyword :
Forensic Linguistics, modality, prosecutors’ resolutions, Cotabato Province, Philippines