Philosophical analysis of legal language: definition of terms "life" and "person"
ENConference paper seeks to evaluate the application of linguistic (semantic) analysis in legal argumentation. In particular cases the meaning of legal terms is vague and one clear definition could not be distinguished. The paper seeks to examine whether linguistic (semantic) arguments may be used in legal argumentation dealing with vague or abstract legal terms. The use of linguistic (semantic) arguments is especially clear in abortion cases, as well as in the context of law of assisted reproduction, when the question of definition of terms “life” and “person” arises. Conference paper seeks to prove that linguistic arguments (such as, appealing to the common or ordinary sense of a word) cannot be used because of existence of contradictory approaches in the society. Also, linguistic arguments can conflict with the principle of legal certainty.
