Covert recordings used as evidence in criminal trials: concerns of Australian linguists

Abstract

Procedures for using covert recordings as evidence in criminal trials have developed over 30 years. However, some key aspects have only recently come to the attention of academic experts in linguistic science. This paper outlines the concerns of two peak organisations representing Australian linguists in relation to: transcription of indistinct speech, translation of material in languages other than English, attribution of utterances to speakers, and enhancing of poor quality audio. Resolution of these concerns might be amenable to collaborative research similar to that which has yielded valued improvements in procedures for receiving overt evidence in languages other than English.