"Legal Rhetoric in American Political Speeches: A Qualitative Analysis of Persuasion, Governance, and Constitutional Discourse"

Legal rhetoric is a powerful tool in American political discourse, shaping public perception, policy justification, and judicial influence. This qualitative case study examines how U.S. political leaders employ legal language to establish credibility, persuade audiences, and align policies with constitutional principles. Analysing speeches delivered by historical and contemporary figures, including Lincoln, Roosevelt, King, Reagan, Obama, and Trump, this study identifies key linguistic and rhetorical strategies, such as legal formalism, authoritative tone, and citations of legal texts. The findings highlight the enduring role of legal rhetoric in governance and democracy, with implications for legal discourse, political communication, and English for Specific Purposes (ESP).