Court Procedures & Litigation, Criminal Law & Adjudication, Legal Documents & Civil Matters and 7 More Topics · Law And Regulation English Vocabulary

a matter that is to be dealt with in a court of law

"It is a court case."

"The high-profile case involving the alleged embezzlement of public funds is set to go to trial next month."

the place in which legal proceedings are conducted

"The case went to court."

"The judge presided over the proceedings in the high court of justice."

(of a court case) to listen, examine, and judge based on the evidence presented, statements given, etc.

"The court will hear the case."

"The judge will hear all the evidence before making a final decision."

(law) an official gathering in a court of law, especially without the presence of the jury, to find out information about a case and listen to evidence

"The hearing was today."

"The preliminary hearing will focus on establishing the facts before the main trial commences."

to serve as a legal or business representative

"He will represent the company."

"The lawyer will represent the defendant in all legal proceedings."

an enclosed area in a courtroom where the defendant sits during trial

"The defendant sat in the dock."

"The accused remained in the dock, awaiting the judge's verdict."

a legal procedure in which a higher court is asked to review and overturn a lower court's decision

"They filed an appeal."

"The defendant's lawyer filed an appeal to the higher court regarding the controversial verdict."

a formal statement in which a judge disagrees with the opinion or decision of the majority

"He wrote a dissent."

"The dissenting judge's opinion highlighted significant legal flaws in the majority's reasoning."

(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 state in a court of law, in front of the judge and the jury, whether someone is guilty or not guilty of a crime

"He will plead not guilty."

"The defendant was asked to plead guilty or not guilty to the charges."

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."

a short break during a court trial

"We had a recess."

"The jury was sent out for a brief recess during the lengthy trial."

a specific crime someone is accused of

"What is the count?"

"The indictment listed each separate count of fraud against the accused."

to officially start a legal process against someone, often with a document

"They issue a lawsuit."

"The government decided to issue a formal complaint against the corporation for violating environmental regulations."

an accusation against a person who is on trial

"The charge was high."

"The prosecutor dropped the charge against the defendant because new evidence proved that he was not even in the city when the crime occurred."

to free or release someone from legal or official confinement

"They will discharge him."

"After serving his sentence, the prisoner was finally discharged from custody."

(of a law court) to make an official decision

"The court will find him."

"The jury was asked to find whether the defendant was guilty or not."

a judgment or decision reached by a court regarding matters of fact or law

"The finding was clear."

"The investigation's primary finding was that the company had knowingly violated environmental regulations."

responsible for an illegal act or wrongdoing

"He is guilty."

"The jury found the defendant guilty of all charges presented."

not having committed a wrongdoing or offense

"The man is innocent."

"The innocent man was freed from prison after DNA evidence proved that he did not commit the crime."

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."

the decision of a judge or law court

"The judgment was final."

"The judge's judgment in the civil case awarded the plaintiff one million dollars in damages for medical expenses and pain and suffering."

to discharge a criminal from the legal consequences of a conviction or violation

"The president will pardon."

"The governor decided to pardon the prisoner who had served over twenty years."

to officially declare or state something as true, especially in a legal or authoritative manner

"The judge will rule."

"The court will rule on the admissibility of the evidence presented."

a decision made by someone with official power, particularly a judge

"The court's ruling was final and could not be appealed."

"The Supreme Court's ruling legalized same sex marriage across the entire country."

to put a person on trial or investigate a case in a trial

"They will try the case."

"The court decided to try the complex case involving corporate fraud."

an official decision made by the jury in a court after the legal proceedings

"The verdict made her cry."

"After hours of deliberation, the jury returned a unanimous verdict of not guilty."

to pay money to the court to release someone from custody until their trial

"Bail out the suspect."

"His family managed to bail out the suspect from jail by posting the required bond."

to represent a person who is on trial

"I will defend you."

"The barrister was hired to vigorously defend the accused individual against the charges."

the person on trial and their legal team representing them in court

"The defense spoke well."

"The entire defense team worked tirelessly to exonerate their client."

a formal declaration by which someone is found guilty of a crime in a court of law

"He appealed against his criminal conviction and asked for a new trial."

"A wrongful conviction occurs when an innocent person is found guilty of a crime they did not commit"

(particularly of a law court) to state that a previous decision is correct

"The court will uphold."

"The appellate court decided to uphold the original verdict due to insufficient evidence for appeal."

official information that indicates a person has committed a crime

"He has a criminal record."

"The detective reviewed the suspect's extensive criminal record before proceeding with the interrogation."

a paragraph or clause in a legal agreement or document that is separate from others and deals with something particular

"Read the article."

"This particular article of the contract outlines the terms of payment."

a promise, an arrangement, or a contract between two or more people

"We reached an agreement."

"Both parties signed the agreement after lengthy negotiations indicating that they had finally reached a compromise acceptable to everyone involved in the dispute."

(law) an amount of money paid to temporarily release a person from prison until their trial

"He paid the bond."

"The lawyer worked tirelessly to secure a reasonable bond for her client's release."

an official agreement between two or more sides that states what each of them has to do

"She signed a three-year contract with the firm."

"The football player signed a three-year contract with his new team worth millions of dollars."

(law) an official written document that people sign to agree on something or accept something as true

"The declaration was formal"

"The legal declaration was signed by both parties, officially agreeing to the terms of the contract."

a written record that establishes ownership, rights, or obligations

"Sign the document."

"The deed is the official document that transfers property ownership."

a document outlining the terms of understanding or agreement between parties, often used in legal or business contexts

"Sign the memorandum."

"The memorandum of understanding clearly stated the shared objectives and responsibilities of both organizations involved in the joint venture."

a document for traveling between countries

"Make sure your passport is valid for travel."

"Before traveling abroad, ensure your passport is valid for at least six months."

an official agreement that puts an end to a dispute

"The settlement was fair"

"The settlement was fair and resolved the long-standing dispute between the two companies"

a fact or claim given as proof that something is true

"Give a statement."

"The witness provided a detailed statement to the police regarding the incident."

a legal paper that shows and transfers ownership of property

"Show the title."

"The original title clearly indicated his sole ownership of the land."

to take someone's child into one's family and become their legal parent

"They will adopt a baby."

"The couple decided to adopt a child after years of trying to conceive."

the legal right or responsibility to care for and make decisions regarding a child, especially after a divorce or separation

"The mother got child custody."

"The divorced parents share joint custody of their two children who spend weekends with each parent."

a separate part of a legal document that requires or talks about something specific

"There is a penalty clause in the contract for late payment."

"A non-compete clause is a contractual term restricting an employee from working for a direct competitor for a specified period."

a legal document that transfers a right or property from one person to another

"Sign the conveyance now."

"The lawyer explained that the signed conveyance would legally transfer ownership of the property to the new buyer."

to officially give someone ownership or rights to something through a formal agreement or document

"They will grant it."

"The court decided to grant the motion to dismiss the case."

a preliminary version of a written text, subject to revision before being finalized

"This is a draft."

"The author presented a preliminary draft of the novel for peer review and feedback."

to create a plan, document, or written agreement, often in a formal or official context

"We will draw up plans."

"The legal team will draw up a comprehensive contract outlining all the terms and conditions of the proposed merger."

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."

an agreed-upon condition or requirement outlined in an agreement, law, or document

"Contract provision agreed."

"The new provision in the contract protects the rights of small suppliers and workers."

to write one's name or mark on a document to indicate acceptance, approval, or endorsement of its contents

"Sign the paper now."

"Please sign your name at the bottom of the contract before returning it to us."

to legally invalidate an agreement, decision, etc.

"This will nullify the contract."

"The court's ruling will nullify the previous agreement, rendering it legally void and unenforceable."

a short document stating the facts provided by one side of a case to be presented to a court or judge

"Read the brief."

"The lawyer submitted a detailed brief to the court outlining their client's position."

the act of questioning, disputing, or demanding justification for a statement or claim

"That is a challenge."

"The defense attorney issued a strong challenge to the prosecution's evidence."

to demand something as one's rightful possession

"I claim this."

"She decided to claim her inheritance after her father's passing."

to enter or make an official arrangement with someone

"We contract a builder."

"The company decided to contract the services of a new marketing agency for their upcoming campaign."

to announce that something is no longer legally valid or binding

"The judge voided the contract completely."

"The court decided to void the unfair contract because it was signed under duress and one party did not fully understand the complicated terms."

an authorized practitioner of law who defends a person's case in a courtroom

"The advocate spoke well."

"The skilled advocate presented a compelling defense, meticulously dissecting the prosecution's evidence to protect her client's rights."

a person or group that exercises administrative or controlling power over others

"The authority said no."

"The regulatory authority issued new guidelines for financial institutions."

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 person whose job is hanging criminals

"He is the hangman."

"Historically, the hangman was a grim but necessary figure in the justice system."

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."

one of the sides in a legal agreement or dispute

"The other party agreed."

"Each party in the contract has specific responsibilities and obligations that must be fulfilled."

a law that is passed by a parliament or congress

"This is an act."

"The new act passed by Congress will significantly impact environmental regulations."

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."

a set of rules that a group or organization follows

"The club has its own order."

"The monastic order maintains a strict code of conduct for all its members."

the quality of being fair and just toward people according to natural law

"We believe in equity for all."

"The judge's decision was based on principles of equity and fairness to both parties."

the state of being controlled, governed, or maintained under rules

"The regulation must be followed."

"The factory operated under strict government regulation to ensure environmental protection."

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 break or violate a law, rule, or agreement, such as a treaty

"Do not infringe the law."

"The company's actions were found to infringe upon the patent rights of its competitor."

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 formal rule or collection of rules enacted by a governing authority

"Legislation passed by government."

"Delegated legislation is a law made by an executive authority under powers given to them by a primary piece of legislation passed by the parliament."

to follow or obey a law, rule, or principle

"Respect the rules always."

"Citizens are expected to respect the laws and regulations of the country they reside in."

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 reverse, abolish, or invalidate something, especially a legal decision

"The court overturns the ruling."

"The judge decided to overturn the previous court's ruling because new evidence had come to light in the case."

authorized according to the law and official regulations

"Is this legal?"

"It is legal to drive a car at age sixteen in this state but you need a license."

in a way that is allowed by the law or in accordance with legal rules

"You are legally required to pay taxes."

"You are legally required to pay taxes on all income that you earn from your job or business."

forbidden by the law

"This action is illegal."

"It is illegal to drive without a valid license and you could go to jail if you get caught."

legally required to be followed and cannot be avoided

"The contract is binding."

"The contract is binding so you cannot change your mind after signing it without penalty."

legally answerable to action or penalty under the law

"He is liable for damage."

"If the contract is breached, the company will be liable for significant financial penalties."

acceptable by the law or any authority

"Your passport is valid."

"Your passport is valid for ten years so you do not need to renew it until then."

to confirm or verify the legality or legitimacy of something, typically a document, contract, or action

"Validate the document now."

"The notary public will validate the authenticity of the signatures on the legal document."

invalid or without legal force

"This contract is void."

"Due to a lack of proper signatures, the court declared the will to be void."

officially or legally unacceptable

"The ticket is invalid."

"The ticket was invalid because it had expired three days ago so the passenger had to buy a new one."

to cancel the legal power or effect of a document or action

"They will invalidate the ticket."

"Failure to comply with the terms will invalidate the warranty on the product."

a police officer of middle rank, below captain

"The lieutenant arrived quickly."

"The lieutenant commanded the team during the complex investigation into organized crime."

a member of the police

"The officer checked our documents."

"The police officer asked the driver to step out of the vehicle after noticing an open alcohol container on the passenger seat during the traffic stop."

a US police officer below the rank of lieutenant

"The sergeant took notes."

"The experienced sergeant guided the new recruits through their initial training exercises."

working or conducted secretly under the supervision of a law enforcement agency to gather information or catch criminals

"The cop was undercover."

"The undercover detective spent six months infiltrating the gang and gathering evidence for the police to arrest all of its members."

a regular route or assigned area for a sentry, officer, or watchman

"He walked his beat."

"The officer patrolled his assigned beat diligently, ensuring the safety of the neighborhood."

a line of people, police, or barriers that surrounds and protects an area

"A cordon blocked the road."

"The police established a wide cordon around the accident site to keep onlookers away."

a group of trained and organized people such as the police, soldiers, etc.

"The police force arrived quickly."

"The elite special forces unit was deployed to neutralize the ongoing threat."

(plural) an organization that catches thieves, killers, etc. and makes sure everyone follows rules

"The police caught him."

"The city's police force is dedicated to maintaining public order and responding to emergencies."

a department or group tasked with ensuring safety and protecting people, property, or information

"Security checked the bags."

"The corporate security department implemented new measures to protect sensitive company data."

a small group of police officers organized to handle specific types of crime

"The squad car arrived."

"The specialized squad was called in to handle the hostage situation downtown."

a police car used for patrolling and responding to incidents, typically equipped with lights, sirens, and communication systems

"The cruiser sped away."

"The police cruiser, with its flashing lights and wailing siren, responded swiftly to the emergency call."

the special set of clothes that all members of an organization or a group wear at work, or children wear at a particular school

"The uniform looks neat."

"Students must wear a uniform at this school."

a badge worn by a police officer as a symbol of authority

"He showed his shield."

"The detective proudly displayed his shield, a symbol of his authority and commitment to justice."

a loud device typically used on emergency vehicles to alert others of their approach and to clear the way in traffic

"The siren was loud."

"The piercing siren of the ambulance announced its urgent approach through the city traffic."

(of law enforcers) to arrest someone and take them to the police station

"They will bring him in."

"Authorities decided to bring in the suspect for questioning regarding the recent string of burglaries."

a raid or arrest, often resulting from police or law enforcement investigations

"It was a big bust."

"The coordinated bust resulted in the arrest of several key figures in the drug ring."

(of police) to unexpectedly visit a person or place to arrest suspects or find illegal goods

"Police raid the illegal gambling den tonight."

"The police raided the apartment in the middle of the night looking for illegal drugs and weapons."

to find people to join the armed forces

"They recruit soldiers now."

"The army will recruit new soldiers for the upcoming campaign."

to take something forcefully, typically through authority or power

"Police will seize it."

"The authorities were empowered to seize all illegal contraband found during the search."

an arrest or sudden police action, often unexpected

"It was a fast takedown."

"The swift takedown of the suspect prevented him from escaping or causing further harm."

the act of legally taking possession of something

"Police made a seizure."

"The authorities conducted a seizure of illegal goods from the warehouse."