"Diante do exposto, decido" - Considerações sobre a linguagem de Sentença Criminal proferida na Justiça Federal da Paraíba, sob a ótica da Linguística Sistêmico-Funcional

Abstract

This study investigates, from the perspective of Systemic Functional Linguistics (SFL), how the linguistic choices made by a judge contribute to the discursive construction of impartiality in a criminal sentence, as well as the extent to which such choices affect the accessibility of legal language for the lay citizen. Grounded in the view of language as social practice, the research analyzes a criminal sentence issued by a judge of the Brazilian Federal Court in the state of Paraíba, understanding impartiality not merely as a legal principle, but as a discursive effect produced through language. Methodologically, the study adopts a qualitative-quantitative approach, based on Systemic Functional Grammar, focusing on the ideational, textual, and interpersonal metafunctions. The units of analysis corresponded to the clauses constituting the sentence, which were classified according to verbal processes, thematic choices, and speech functions, followed by the calculation of frequencies and percentages. The results revealed a predominance of material and verbal processes, recurrent use of impersonal structures, and a prevalence of declarative clauses, which discursively support the objectivity and impartiality of the judicial text. However, the analysis also showed that these linguistic choices, while reinforcing institutional neutrality, contribute to maintaining a highly technical legal language that is not easily accessible to non-specialized readers. In this sense, the study demonstrates that SFL constitutes a relevant framework not only for the critical analysis of legal discourse, but also for proposing clearer and more inclusive writing practices. It is therefore concluded that the judge’s linguistic choices are decisive in constructing impartiality in the criminal sentence, confirming the study’s first hypothesis. Furthermore, Systemic Functional Linguistics proves to be a consistent theoretical and methodological framework for understanding and critically engaging with legal discourse, fostering reflection on clearer and socially inclusive writing practices. Although the findings are not intended to be generalized, the study indicates that it is possible to reconcile impartiality, legal certainty, and inclusive language, reaffirming the social role of language in promoting access to justice and strengthening the democratic commitment of the justice.