Rhetorical Strategies in Legal Argument: Their Influence on Judicial Decisions and Public Perception
Document Type
Thesis
Abstract
The relationship between rhetoric and law has long been debated by scholars, theorists, and practitioners. This project explores how rhetorical strategies used in judicial writing and legal discourse influence both judicial decision making and public perception of the law. Drawing on classical rhetorical theory, contemporary legal scholarship, and qualitative research, this study investigates how appeals to morality, precedent, and narrative shape legal legitimacy. The research incorporates interviews with legal professionals and textual analysis of landmark U.S. Supreme Court cases to examine how rhetorical language both reflects and constructs legal authority. Findings suggest that rhetoric functions not only as a persuasive tool but also as a mechanism through which law communicates its moral and democratic values. The project contributes to the interdisciplinary field of legal rhetoric by demonstrating how rhetorical awareness can enhance both judicial transparency and public trust.
Recommended Citation
DeLuca, Olivia, "Rhetorical Strategies in Legal Argument: Their Influence on Judicial Decisions and Public Perception" (2025). Honors College Theses. 406.
https://digitalcommons.pace.edu/honorscollege_theses/406
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