Rhetoric of credibility in texts of denunciation. A psycho-cultural approach

The present study attempts to integrate studies on autobiographical memory along with a cultural-discursive perspective, to examine the role of psychology in evaluating the "communicative contracts" typical of the judicial context. These "contracts" are indeed complex for the ambivalence of both positioning and enjeu. Through the application of content and discourse analysis to a text of a criminal charge, we emphasized the hermeneutical value of psychology, that offers "lens" through which reality can be read more cautiously: if what is claimed is weak, general and inconsistent, these indications can provide a valid help in evaluating the eyewitness' accuracy, appropriateness and clinical credibility. These elements are proved to be essential for probatory aims in a legal action.