M’lud needs lingo lessons

JUDGES are set to be taught how to interpret emojis as the characters play a growing role in court cases.

emoji. Lack of lips on a face symbol can imply intimidation or a warning to stay silent, while the bathtub can be used to mean a coffin.

The flame is used to suggest someone is sexually attractive or having a run of good form, the peach to symbolise buttocks and a tent can indicate an erection.

Felicity Gerry QC, who specialises in defending criminal cases, said there was a risk “emoji communications will be wrongly interpreted by lawyers leading to misdirections by judges”.

She added: “This could impact on the meaning of sexual communications or communications between those accused of plotting murder or terror offences.” EMOJI LESSONS: Judge Child law expert Natasha

Phillips said: “Emoji use within evidence is becoming more frequent as technology embraces new ways of communicating, so courts will have to find a way to adapt.’’

Lawyers want the Supreme Court – the highest in the land – to issue guidance on what each one means.

Many, such as the aubergine, which represents a willy, have sexual connotations.

Others are used as symbols for drug dealing and prostitution.

Legal experts say the characters are increasingly appearing in evidence at criminal, family and employment law hearings.

And they warn that unless judges become schooled in how to interpret them juries could be misdirected and wrong verdicts returned.

Police have discovered that many seemingly innocuous symbols have hidden meanings.

A maple leaf can indicate drugs in general or cannabis in particular.

Cocaine – which has the street name snow – can be represented by the snowflake

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