| This paper examines discourse devices used in courtroom language related to power such as hedges, intensifiers, interruption, questions, and declarative. The data are taken from TV shows and analyzed based on Hatch's claim that power and social status can influence people's language behaviors.; According to the claims of Lakoff and Bradac & Mulac, the use of hedges and intensifiers characterizes femaleness and powerlessness. In addition, Hatch and Lakoff say that the use of interruptions, questions and declaratives is also related to power in conversation.; The results of the data analysis show that women who hold power in the courtroom use speech devices representing femaleness including hedges and intensifiers. They also use the speech devices of power including questions and declaratives. Interruptions do not show a relationship to power in men's and women's courtroom language. |
