Law and Court vocabulary list with definitions

Law and Court vocabulary list with definitions

Law and Court: A law court is a place where legal matters are decided by a judge and jury or by a magistrate.

List of Law and Court vocabulary

Law and Court vocabulary with definitions and example

Judge

• Definition: An official who presides over a court.
• Example: The judge ruled in favor of the plaintiff.

Jury

• Definition: A group of people sworn to give a verdict in a legal case based on the evidence presented.
• Example: The jury found the defendant guilty.

Court

• Definition: A place where legal cases are heard and decided.
• Example: The trial was held in the county court.

Trial

• Definition: A formal examination of evidence in court to decide guilt or innocence.
• Example: The trial lasted for three weeks.

Verdict

• Definition: The decision of a jury or judge.
• Example: The jury delivered a verdict of not guilty.

Plaintiff

• Definition: A person who brings a case against another in a court of law.
• Example: The plaintiff accused the defendant of breach of contract.

Defendant

• Definition: An individual, company, or institution sued or accused in a court of law.
• Example: The defendant denied all charges.

Prosecutor

• Definition: A legal representative who presents the case against the defendant in a criminal trial.
• Example: The prosecutor argued that the defendant was guilty of theft.

Defense Attorney

• Definition: A lawyer who represents the defendant in a legal proceeding.
• Example: The defense attorney presented evidence to refute the charges.

Witness

• Definition: A person who gives testimony in a court.
• Example: The witness testified that he saw the defendant at the scene of the crime.

Evidence

• Definition: Information presented in court to prove or disprove allegations.
• Example: The evidence included fingerprints and DNA samples.

Testimony

• Definition: A formal written or spoken statement given in court.
• Example: The witness’s testimony was crucial to the case.

Subpoena

• Definition: A legal document ordering someone to attend court.
• Example: The witness was served with a subpoena to appear in court.

Affidavit

• Definition: A written statement confirmed by oath or affirmation, for use as evidence in court.
• Example: She submitted an affidavit stating her whereabouts during the incident.

Deposition

• Definition: The process of giving sworn evidence.
• Example: The lawyer took the deposition of the key witness.

Arraignment

• Definition: A court proceeding in which the charges are read to the defendant.
• Example: During the arraignment, the defendant pleaded not guilty.

Bail

• Definition: Temporary release of an accused person awaiting trial, sometimes on condition of a monetary deposit.
• Example: He was released on bail pending his trial.

Bond

• Definition: A form of bail, where a bonding company guarantees the defendant’s appearance in court.
• Example: The family posted bond to secure his release.

Indictment

• Definition: A formal charge or accusation of a serious crime.
• Example: The grand jury issued an indictment against the suspect.

Plea

• Definition: A defendant’s answer to a charge (guilty, not guilty, or no contest).
• Example: The defendant entered a plea of not guilty.

Guilty

• Definition: Found responsible for a crime by a court.
• Example: The jury found him guilty of fraud.

Not Guilty

• Definition: Found not responsible for a crime by a court.
• Example: The defendant was declared not guilty by the jury.

Acquittal

• Definition: A judgment that a person is not guilty of the crime with which they were charged.
• Example: The case ended in acquittal for the accused.

Conviction

• Definition: A formal declaration that someone is guilty of a criminal offense.
• Example: He had a previous conviction for burglary.

Sentence

• Definition: The punishment assigned to a defendant found guilty by a court.
• Example: She received a sentence of five years in prison.

Appeal

• Definition: Apply to a higher court for a reversal of the decision of a lower court.
• Example: The defendant plans to appeal the verdict.

Misdemeanor

• Definition: A minor wrongdoing or crime.
• Example: He was charged with a misdemeanor for disorderly conduct.

Felony

• Definition: A serious crime usually punishable by imprisonment for more than one year or by death.
• Example: Armed robbery is considered a felony.

Prosecution

• Definition: The institution and conducting of legal proceedings against someone in respect of a criminal charge.
• Example: The prosecution presented its case to the jury.

Defense

• Definition: The case presented by or on behalf of the party accused of a crime.
• Example: The defense argued that there was insufficient evidence to convict.

Litigation

• Definition: The process of taking legal action.
• Example: The company is involved in litigation over a patent dispute.

Settlement

• Definition: An official agreement intended to resolve a dispute or conflict.
• Example: The case was resolved through a financial settlement.

Summons

• Definition: An order to appear before a judge or magistrate, or the writ containing it.
• Example: He received a summons to appear in court.

Complaint

• Definition: A formal statement naming the plaintiff and the defendant and describing the nature of the lawsuit.
• Example: The complaint was filed in the district court.

Motion

• Definition: A formal request made to a judge for an order or judgment.
• Example: The defense filed a motion to dismiss the case.

Hearing

• Definition: A session at which a judge listens to testimonies or arguments in a case.
• Example: The preliminary hearing is set for next month.

Judgment

• Definition: The official decision of a court.
• Example: The judgment was in favor of the plaintiff.

Injunction

• Definition: An authoritative warning or order.
• Example: The court issued an injunction to stop the construction.

Parole

• Definition: The release of a prisoner temporarily or permanently before the completion of a sentence, on the promise of good behavior.
• Example: He was granted parole after serving ten years.

Probation

• Definition: The release of an offender from detention, subject to a period of good behavior under supervision.
• Example: She was placed on probation for two years.

Custody

• Definition: The protective care or guardianship of someone or something.
• Example: The parents were granted joint custody of their children.

Arrest

• Definition: The act of apprehending someone for suspected criminal activity.
• Example: The suspect was arrested at the scene of the crime.

Charge

• Definition: A formal accusation made against someone, often in criminal cases.
• Example: He was charged with theft.

Bailiff

• Definition: An officer of the court whose duties include keeping order and assisting the judge and jury.
• Example: The bailiff escorted the defendant into the courtroom.

Clerk

• Definition: An officer of the court who manages the administrative functions and records.
• Example: The court clerk prepared the docket for the judge.

Court Reporter

• Definition: A person who transcribes speech during court proceedings.
• Example: The court reporter captured every word spoken during the trial.

Grand Jury

• Definition: A jury that determines whether there is enough evidence to charge someone with a crime.
• Example: The grand jury indicted the suspect on multiple charges.

Petit Jury

• Definition: A jury of 12 people who decide the facts of a case in a trial.
• Example: The petit jury deliberated for hours before reaching a verdict.

Cross-Examination

• Definition: The questioning of a witness by the opposing party.
• Example: The defense lawyer cross-examined the prosecution’s witness.

Direct Examination

• Definition: The initial questioning of a witness by the party who called them.
• Example: The prosecutor conducted the direct examination of the first witness.

Objection

• Definition: A formal protest raised during a trial, indicating that one party believes a rule of evidence is being violated.
• Example: The lawyer raised an objection to the question.

Overruled

• Definition: A judge’s decision to reject an objection raised in court.
• Example: The judge overruled the objection, allowing the testimony to continue.

Sustained

• Definition: A judge’s decision to agree with an objection raised in court.
• Example: The objection was sustained, and the evidence was excluded.

Perjury

• Definition: The offense of willfully telling an untruth in a court after having taken an oath or affirmation.
• Example: He was charged with perjury for lying under oath.

Restitution

• Definition: Compensation for loss or injury; in criminal cases, it often involves repayment by the perpetrator to the victim.
• Example: The court ordered the defendant to pay restitution to the victims.

Plea Bargain

• Definition: An agreement between a defendant and prosecutor, where the defendant pleads guilty to a lesser charge to avoid trial for a more severe charge.
• Example: He accepted a plea bargain to reduce his sentence.

Warrant

• Definition: A legal document authorizing the police to make an arrest, search premises, or carry out some other action.
• Example: The police obtained a warrant to search the suspect’s home.

Summation

• Definition: The final argument of an attorney summarizing the case and evidence, made before the jury or judge deliberates.
• Example: The defense attorney’s summation highlighted the lack of evidence.

Precedent

• Definition: A legal decision that serves as an authoritative rule for future similar cases.
• Example: The court’s decision set a precedent for future discrimination cases.

Statute

• Definition: A written law passed by a legislative body.
• Example: The new statute regulates the sale of tobacco products.

Ordinance

• Definition: A local law or regulation.
• Example: The city council passed an ordinance banning smoking in public parks.

Case Law

• Definition: The law as established by the outcome of former cases.
• Example: The lawyer referenced case law to support her argument.

Common Law

• Definition: Law developed through decisions of courts and similar tribunals rather than through legislative statutes or executive branch action.
• Example: Common law principles guide many civil cases.

Civil Law

• Definition: A legal system originating in Europe, intellectualized within the framework of Roman law.
• Example: Civil law deals with disputes between private parties.

Criminal Law

• Definition: A system of law concerned with the punishment of offenders.
• Example: He was prosecuted under criminal law for theft.

Tort

• Definition: A wrongful act or an infringement of a right leading to civil legal liability.
• Example: The company was sued for tort due to negligence.

Damages

• Definition: Monetary compensation that may be awarded to a party in a lawsuit.
• Example: The plaintiff was awarded damages for the injuries sustained.

Liability

• Definition: Legal responsibility for one’s acts or omissions.
• Example: The company accepted liability for the accident.

Negligence

• Definition: Failure to take proper care in doing something, resulting in damage or injury to another.
• Example: The lawsuit alleged negligence on the part of the driver.

Contract

• Definition: A legally binding agreement between two or more parties.
• Example: They signed a contract to formalize the business arrangement.

Breach

• Definition: The violation of a law, duty, or other form of obligation, including obligations formed through contracts or warranties.
• Example: The company was sued for breach of contract.

Mediation

• Definition: A method of settling disputes outside of court by using a neutral third party.
• Example: The parties agreed to mediation to resolve the dispute.

Arbitration

• Definition: A method of dispute resolution where an impartial third party makes a decision, which is usually binding.
• Example: The case was settled through arbitration rather than litigation.

Accused

• Definition: A person or group of people charged with a crime or on trial for a crime.
• Example: The accused pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Advocate

• Definition: A person who publicly supports or recommends a particular cause or policy, also used for lawyers.
• Example: She worked as an advocate for human rights.

Arbitrator

• Definition: A neutral third party who resolves disputes outside of court.
• Example: The arbitrator ruled in favor of the plaintiff.

Argument

• Definition: A statement or series of statements for or against something; a reason or set of reasons given with the aim of persuading others.
• Example: The attorney presented a strong argument for his client.

Attachment

• Definition: A legal seizure of property.
• Example: The court ordered the attachment of the debtor’s assets.

Attorney

• Definition: A person appointed to act for another in business or legal matters.
• Example: The attorney filed a motion to dismiss the case.

Auction

• Definition: A public sale in which goods or property are sold to the highest bidder.
• Example: The seized property was sold at auction.

Banishment

• Definition: The act of sending someone away from a place as a punishment.
• Example: The criminal was sentenced to banishment from the kingdom.

Barrister

• Definition: A lawyer entitled to practice as an advocate, particularly in higher courts.
• Example: The barrister represented the client in the high court.

Bribe

• Definition: Money or favor given or promised in order to influence the judgment or conduct of a person in a position of trust.
• Example: The official was accused of accepting a bribe.

Case

• Definition: A legal action or lawsuit.
• Example: The case was dismissed due to lack of evidence.

Cheating

• Definition: Act dishonestly or unfairly in order to gain an advantage.
• Example: He was charged with cheating on his taxes.

Claim

• Definition: A demand or request for something considered one’s due.
• Example: The plaintiff filed a claim for damages.

Client

• Definition: A person or organization using the services of a lawyer or other professional person.
• Example: The attorney met with her client to discuss the case.

Complainant

• Definition: A person who makes a formal complaint in a court.
• Example: The complainant testified about the harassment she faced.

Compromise

• Definition: An agreement or settlement of a dispute reached by each side making concessions.
• Example: The dispute was resolved through a compromise.

Dacoity

• Definition: An act of violent robbery committed by an armed gang.
• Example: The gang was notorious for dacoity in the rural areas.

Decision

• Definition: A conclusion or resolution reached after consideration.
• Example: The judge’s decision was based on the evidence presented.

Decree

• Definition: An official order issued by a legal authority.
• Example: The court issued a decree dissolving the marriage.

Deportation

• Definition: The action of deporting a foreigner from a country.
• Example: He faced deportation due to his illegal immigration status.

Dismissal

• Definition: The act of ordering or allowing someone to leave.
• Example: The court ordered the dismissal of the case.

Dock

• Definition: The enclosed space in a courtroom where the defendant stands or sits.
• Example: The defendant stood in the dock as the charges were read.

Document

• Definition: A piece of written, printed, or electronic matter that provides information or evidence.
• Example: The lawyer submitted the document as evidence.

Fine

• Definition: A sum of money exacted as a penalty by a court of law or other authority.
• Example: He was ordered to pay a fine for the traffic violation.

Forgery

• Definition: The action of forging or producing a copy of a document, signature, banknote, or work of art.
• Example: She was arrested for forgery of a government document.

Fraud

• Definition: Wrongful or criminal deception intended to result in financial or personal gain.
• Example: The company was involved in an elaborate fraud scheme.

Hanging – Definition: Execution by strangling or breaking the neck by a suspended noose. – Example: Hanging was historically used as a method of capital punishment.

Homicide – Definition: The deliberate and unlawful killing of one person by another. – Example: The detective investigated the homicide case.

Imprisonment – Definition: The state of being imprisoned; captivity. – Example: He was sentenced to life imprisonment for his crimes.

Issue – Definition: A point in question or dispute between parties. – Example: The judge addressed the legal issue raised by the defense.

Jail – Definition: A place for the confinement of people accused or convicted of crimes. – Example: The suspect was held in jail pending trial.

Judgement – Definition: The ability to make considered decisions or come to sensible conclusions. – Example: The judge showed good judgment in handling the complex case.

Juror – Definition: A member of a jury. – Example: The juror deliberated with fellow jurors to reach a verdict.

Justice – Definition: The quality of being fair and reasonable. – Example: The court sought to uphold justice in all its decisions.

Law – Definition: The system of rules that a particular country or community recognizes as regulating the actions of its members and may enforce by the imposition of penalties. – Example: The new law regulates internet privacy.

Lease – Definition: A contract by which one party conveys land, property, services, etc., to another for a specified time, usually in return for a periodic payment. – Example: They signed a lease agreement for the apartment.

Limitation – Definition: A legally specified period beyond which an action may be defeated or a property right is not to continue. – Example: There is a statute of limitations on filing lawsuits.

Murder – Definition: The unlawful premeditated killing of one human being by another. – Example: The suspect was charged with first-degree murder.

Oath – Definition: A solemn promise, often invoking a divine witness, regarding one’s future actions or behavior. – Example: Witnesses in court swear an oath to tell the truth.

Offence – Definition: A breach of a law or rule; an illegal act. – Example: Drunk driving is a serious criminal offense.

Office – Definition: A position of authority, trust, or service. – Example: He held the office of district attorney for many years.

Officer – Definition: A person holding a position of authority in the armed services, in any of various organizations, or in some other profession. – Example: The police officer arrested the suspect.

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