METAPHOR IN LEGAL COMMUNICATION

Abstract

Even though metaphors might seem inappropriate to legal logical reasoning, they are quite a part of it. Although metaphor is non-literal and non-linear, nevertheless it is the essence of the modality of human thought. The way we think about law depends largely on metaphorical constructions. This means that we understand both the legal system as such and many formative ideas that operate in this system in metaphorical terms. The starting point for considerations is the cognitive theory of metaphor and its assumption of a constitutive nature of metaphor within our analytical framework. The aim of the article is to present the practical implementation of the theory in the field of legal communication. The author focuses on metaphorical construction of legal concepts, visualization of legal information and metaphorical legal reasoning.

Keywords

• legal reasoning
• visualization of law
• cognitive metaphor theory
• legal communication
• free marketplace of ideas