Law: English Vocabulary List

a country's rules that all of its citizens are required to obey

"Everyone must follow law."

"The new law was passed by parliament to protect the environment and reduce pollution in major cities."

the official in charge of a court who decides on legal matters

"The judge sentenced him to five years in prison."

"The judge listened carefully to both lawyers before making a final decision on the court case."

a person who sees an event, especially a criminal scene

"The witness saw the accident."

"The police asked the witness to describe exactly what he saw on the night of the robbery."

a statement, document, or object that is used in a law court for establishing facts

"This is evidence."

"The prosecution presented compelling evidence that directly linked the defendant to the crime scene."

a thing that someone is legally, officially, or morally allowed to do or have

"Everyone has the right to speak."

"The defendant claimed his right to remain silent during the police interrogation."

a legal process where a judge and jury examine evidence in court to decide if the accused is guilty

"The trial will start next Monday."

"The trial lasted for three weeks before the jury finally reached a unanimous verdict of guilty."

the exercise of judgment in determining rights, duties, or assigning rewards and punishments

"The victims' families are still seeking justice."

"A restorative justice program focuses on the rehabilitation of offenders through reconciliation with victims and the community at large"

the punishment that the court assigned for a guilty person

"What is his sentence?"

"The judge imposed a severe sentence on the defendant for his heinous crimes against society."

a new law that is proposed to a parliament to be discussed about

"The bill is new."

"Parliament will debate the proposed bill concerning environmental protection next week."

a legal document that a person writes to decide what happens to their belongings after their death

"He left his entire estate to charity in his will."

"Her grandfather left her a valuable collection of antique coins in his last will and testament."

(law) a formal statement made by someone confirming or denying their accusation

"He made a guilty plea."

"The defendant entered a not guilty plea to all charges in court."

to officially accuse someone of an offense

"The police will charge him with theft."

"The police decided to charge the suspect with first degree murder after reviewing the evidence collected at the crime scene."

to give a severe punishment to someone who has committed a major crime

"The judge will condemn him."

"The international community will condemn the atrocities committed by the regime."

to disobey or break a regulation, an agreement, etc.

"Do not violate the school rules."

"If you violate the terms of your lease agreement the landlord has the right to evict you from the apartment without notice."

to ensure that a law or rule is followed

"Police enforce the law."

"The new regulations will strictly enforce the company's environmental protection policies."

to make a society, law, system, or organization better or more effective by making many changes to it

"We need to reform."

"The new administration promised to reform the outdated educational system to improve student outcomes."

a lawyer who represents and gives legal advice to someone in court

"The counsel was effective."

"The defense counsel argued that the evidence presented by the prosecution was insufficient."

a sum of money paid to someone to make up for the damage or harm done to them

"He received redress for damages."

"The workers sought legal redress for the unfair treatment they received from their employer."