Compare and contrast news and legal discourse in terms of their linguistic structures and functions.

News and legal discourse are two different genres of communication that serve different purposes and thus, have different linguistic structures and functions.

1. Linguistic Structures:

News Discourse: News discourse is typically structured to be easily understood by a broad audience. It often follows the "inverted pyramid" structure, where the most important information is presented first, followed by supporting details and background information. The language used is usually simple, clear, and concise. News discourse also often includes quotes from sources to provide different perspectives.

Legal Discourse: Legal discourse, on the other hand, is characterized by its formal and complex linguistic structure. It often uses specialized legal terminology and complex sentence structures. Legal discourse is also typically written in the passive voice and in the third person to maintain objectivity and formality.

2. Functions:

News Discourse: The primary function of news discourse is to inform the public about recent events or issues. It serves to educate, inform, and sometimes persuade the audience. News discourse also plays a role in shaping public opinion and discourse.

Legal Discourse: The function of legal discourse is to provide a precise and unambiguous explanation of the law, legal decisions, and legal arguments. It serves to regulate behavior, resolve disputes, and establish legal rights and obligations. Legal discourse also plays a crucial role in maintaining the rule of law and justice.

In conclusion, while both news and legal discourse serve to communicate important information, they differ significantly in their linguistic structures and functions due to the different purposes they serve and the different audiences they cater to.