Identity area
Reference code
Title
Date(s)
- 1972-2006 (Creation)
Level of description
Extent and medium
0.54 metres of textual records; sound recording
Context area
Name of creator
Archival history
Immediate source of acquisition or transfer
Content and structure area
Scope and content
As a recognized expert in linguistics Prof. Chambers was frequently approached by external organizations and private individuals to provide expert advice and testimony in disputes over the use and meaning of language terms. This series documents his activities in two areas of consulting, forensic linguistics and trademarks. Forensic linguistics is the application of linguistic knowledge, methods and insights to the forensic context of law, crime investigation, trial, and judicial procedure. Forensic linguistics applies the theories, constructs and analytical methods of linguistics to questions which arise in civil, criminal and security investigations and adjudication.
This series documents Prof. Chambers work in this area including as expert witness and consultant in criminal and civil cases relating to such matters as the language of pornography, morality of language, decoding telephone conversations, Indigenous land claims etc. (1972-2006). Files B2019-0038/002(03)-(04) contain records relating to Chambers’ work as a consultant for Algonquianist John Nichols. Nichols was called upon to act as expert witness in a case that came before the Supreme Court of Ontario in 1982-1984, relating to a dispute between the Teme-Augama Anishnabai nation and the Ontario government over land on Bear Island on Lake Temagami.
Also included are subject files relating to his expert testimony by affidavit in the matter of oppositions under the Trademarks Act. These include such companies as Coca Cola, services to the Chor Pee & Company (Singapore) for analysis of tape recording in case of Republic National Bank and Yap Lip Yeong (992), Levi Strauss, Jane Parker Bakery, among others.
A few press clippings related to Prof. Chambers’ consulting work as a language consultant in an obscenity trial can be found in B2019-038/001(07)-(09).
Appraisal, destruction and scheduling
Accruals
System of arrangement
B2009-0044/017(12)-(14) & /018 (01)-(08) Forensic Consulting (1972-2006)
B2009-0044/018(09): Gary Gurtler case 1996
B2009-0044/019(01): Rajesh Vaghela case (1991-1993) [tape removed to B2009-0044/001S]
B2009-0044/019(02)-(10): Chor Pee to Walt Disney
B2009-0044/020 & /021 (01)-(03): Trade Names (1986-1991)
B2019-0038/001(07)-(09) [Press clippings, articles referring to or by Chambers]
B2019-0038/002(03)-(04) Bear Island Land Claim – Check List for the Examination in Chief of John Nichols [parts 1 and 2]
Conditions of access and use area
Conditions governing access
Open