Legal & Judicial Actions: English Vocabulary List

to grant financial compensation, typically through a legal process, to compensate a party for losses or harm caused by another party's actions

"The court awarded damages."

"The jury decided to award substantial damages to the plaintiff for their suffering."

to participate in a legal proceeding by being present in the court of law

"The defendant will appear in court tomorrow."

"The accused man will appear in court tomorrow morning to answer the charges against him."

to announce and schedule a formal vote to choose political representatives or make decisions on specific issues

"The prime minister called an election."

"The prime minister decided to call an election six months earlier than the scheduled date."

to formally state one's response, either admitting guilt or asserting innocence, when facing criminal charges or legal proceedings

"He entered a plea."

"The defendant chose to enter a plea of not guilty to all charges."

to form and express an opinion or decision about someone or something, often in a critical manner

"Do not pass judgment on others."

"It is not my place to pass judgment on his choices because everyone makes their own decisions."

to make an official decision about whether someone is guilty or not guilty in a legal trial

"They reached a verdict."

"After deliberating for three days, the jury finally reached a verdict of guilty."

to hold a wrongdoer accountable for their actions in the legal system

"We will bring him to justice."

"The detective was determined to bring the fugitive criminal to justice for his terrible deeds."

to participate as a defendant in legal proceedings where one's guilt or innocence is determined by a court

"He will stand trial."

"The former CEO will stand trial next month for charges of fraud and corruption."

to formally or officially provide a cautionary notice or advice regarding a potential danger, threat, or undesirable outcome

"The teacher issued a warning to the class."

"The government issued a warning about the approaching storm and advised people to stay indoors."

to use one's power or influence to make decisions and enforce control in a leadership or authoritative role

"She exercised her authority."

"The principal had to exercise her authority to restore order in the chaotic cafeteria."

to present a potential danger or risk

"It poses a threat."

"The unstable dam was beginning to pose a serious threat to the nearby village."