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Lookup NU author(s): Dr Jade Biyu DuORCiD
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Existing studies on semiotics in physical courtrooms show that courtroom design, layout, spatial arrangement, attire and various signs in legal space have symbolic meanings in relation to the embodiment of justice, power and authority and the underlying ideology. With technological advancement, it has become increasingly common that trials are televised and live broadcast. Using the case study method and applying the visual grammar framework, this chapter visits Chinese courtrooms through the lens of the camera, presenting a visual analysis of live broadcasting trials. Focusing on compositional, representational and interactional meanings of the visual presentation, this chapter takes a close look at camera angles, frames, symbols, participants, settings and spatial layouts to explore how the camera co-constructs a narrative of visibility and shows how justice is represented and staged to the public through various semiotic resources. The study has implications for future research on mediated justice and semiotic analysis in the digital era.
Author(s): Du B
Editor(s): Wagner A
Publication type: Book Chapter
Publication status: In Press
Book Title: International Handbook of Legal Language and Communication: From Text to Semiotics
Year: 2026
Acceptance date: 19/06/2026
Publisher: Springer
Place Published: Cham
Library holdings: Search Newcastle University Library for this item
ISBN: 9783031901201
