The Co-construction of Witness Statements in a Refugee Family Reunion Case

Reynolds, J

The Co-construction of Witness Statements in a Refugee Family Reunion Case

Lookup NU author(s): Dr Judith Reynolds ORCiD

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Abstract

This chapter explores the communicative processes involved in producing witness statements in immigration visa applications and appeals settings, focusing attention on the co-constructed nature of the statement. Drawing on a single case study from two connected advice sessions with a lawyer, refugee client and interpreter, the chapter illustrates how participants work together to prepare a witness statement to counter the immigration authorities’ assertion that the client’s family relationships have been falsified. Analysis focusing on the rhetorical strategies employed in the writing of the statement reveals the fallacy of viewing it as a single-authored text for which the client bears sole responsibility. Rather, the chapter shows how each participant’s authorial voice shapes the co-construction of the witness statement, uncovering how the specialist knowledge and expertise (legal, linguistic, and contextual) of each co-author is necessary to building a successful evidential argument. It also illustrates how the discursive mediation work taking place during the interpreted lawyer-client interaction enhances the credibility and persuasiveness of the client’s statement.