Ronald R. Butters

Forensic Linguistic Research

• Professor of English & Cultural Anthropology, Duke University, Emeritus

• Former Chair, Department of English, Duke University

• Former Chair, Linguistics Program, Duke University

• Co-Editor, International Journal of Speech, Language, and Law

• President, International Association of Forensic Linguists

I concluded forty years of professional service in teaching and research at Duke University in September, 2007. For over twenty years I have consulted with law firms and served as an expert witness in matters concerning linguistics and the law, and I continue to offer my services as linguistic expert specializing in

• trademark issues (strength of mark,  likelihood of confusion, word history, dilution, putatively scandalous marks)

• interpretation of the language of contracts and statutes

• allegations of defamation

• verifiability of confessions and interrogations

• the interpretation of linguistic evidence—spoken, written, and electronic