Combing through the literature on forensic linguistics, it becomes apparent that FL could be seen as a sub-branch of applied linguistics (on an academic discipline level and in terms of theory and the units of analysis), or as a branch of forensic sciences (at a practical level and in terms of its application to the legal setting). These links might help in clarifying misconceptions regarding the nature of FL as simply a practical combination of language with the law. In fact, FL is a small player in the game of criminal law, although increasingly gaining ground with other forensic sciences such as forensic chemistry or forensic psychology.