JoLIE 15:4/2022
METAPHORS IN THE EUROPEAN COMMISSION’S LEGAL ARTICLES: A CORPUS-BASED ANALYSIS [1]
Maria–Carmen Țetcu
1 Decembrie 1918 University of Alba Iulia, Romania
Abstract
Metaphors are present in legal discourse just as they are in other domains of language. Despite the formality and precision associated with legal terminology, metaphorical expressions are frequently employed to clarify abstract legal concepts by relating them to more concrete, familiar ideas. As metaphors permeate all aspects of life, they also shape the way legal professionals—such as lawyers, prosecutors, and policymakers—conceptualise and articulate complex legal phenomena. This paper explores the use of metaphors in the European Commission’s legal texts, with a focus on topics including organised crime, counter-terrorism, firearms and explosives trade, crime prevention, victims’ rights, and refugee protection. By conducting a corpus-based analysis, the study reveals how metaphorical language frames the European Commission’s approach to criminal threats and legal intervention.
Keywords: Metaphors in legal discourse; Conceptual metaphors in law; Gun control and possession; Legal processes as journeys; Metaphors in criminality (animalistic and pathological frames).
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Corpus
1. European Commission. (n.d.). Organised crime and human trafficking. Retrieved May 10, 2022, from https://home-affairs.ec.europa.eu/policies/internal-security/organised-crime-and-human-trafficking_en
2. European Commission. (n.d.). Crime leaves digital traces that can serve as evidence in court proceedings; often it will be the only lead law enforcement authorities and prosecutors can collect. Retrieved May 10, 2022, from https://ec.europa.eu/home-affairs/what-we-do/policies/organized-crime-and-human-trafficking/e-evidence_en
3. European Commission. (n.d.). Control of firearms is crucial in the fight against crime, and the EU has taken several measures to complement the work of Member States in addressing the risk of criminal use of firearms. Retrieved May 11, 2022, from https://ec.europa.eu/home-affairs/what-we-do/policies/organized-crime-and-human-trafficking/trafficking-in-firearms_en
4. European Commission. (n.d.). Given the increasing risk of penetration of the licit economy by serious and organised crime, financial investigation is an essential tool of a modern and effective response to criminal threats including terrorism financing. Retrieved May 11, 2022, from https://ec.europa.eu/home-affairs/what-we-do/policies/organized-crime-and-human-trafficking/financial-investigation_en
5. European Commission. (n.d.). Crime prevention includes all the activities that contribute to halting or reducing crime as a social phenomenon. Retrieved May 12, 2022, from https://ec.europa.eu/home-affairs/what-we-do/policies/organized-crime-and-human-trafficking/crime-prevention_en
6. European Commission. (n.d.). Crisis and terrorism. Retrieved May 12, 2022, from https://ec.europa.eu/home-affairs/what-we-do/policies/crisis-and-terrorism_en
7. European Commission. (n.d.). Assistance to victims of terrorism and their families is a key part of EU counter-terrorism efforts. However, victims and their associations can also contribute to preventing terrorist radicalisation and send a message of non-violence and reconciliation. Retrieved May 13, 2022, from https://ec.europa.eu/home-affairs/what-we-do/policies/crisis-and-terrorism/victims_en
8. European Commission. (n.d.). Over the last decades, most terrorist attacks were carried out with the help of conventional means, such as firearms and explosives. Retrieved May 13, 2022, from https://ec.europa.eu/home-affairs/what-we-do/policies/crisis-and-terrorism/securing-dangerous-material_en
9. European Commission. (n.d.). The EU firmly believes in eradicating terrorism at its source. Therefore, preventing terrorist attacks by addressing and stopping terrorist radicalisation and recruitment is a priority for the EU, as outlined in the EU Internal Security Strategy in Action. Retrieved May 13, 2022, from https://ec.europa.eu/home-affairs/what-we-do/policies/crisis-and-terrorism/radicalisation_en
10. European Commission. (n.d.). Given the increasing risk of penetration of the licit economy by serious and organised crime, financial investigation is an essential tool of a modern and effective response to criminal threats including terrorism financing. Retrieved May 13, 2022, from https://ec.europa.eu/home-affairs/what-we-do/policies/organized-crime-and-human-trafficking/financial-investigation_en
How to cite this paper: Țetcu, M.-C. (2022). Metaphors in the European Commission’s legal articles: A corpus-based analysis. Journal of Linguistic and Intercultural Education – JoLIE, 15(4), 163–178. https://doi.org/10.29302/jolie.2022.15.4.9
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[1] This paper was developed as part of the MA course Metaphorology in Contemporary Media, taught by Professor Teodora Popescu during the 2021–2022 academic year at 1 Decembrie 1918 University of Alba Iulia, Romania.