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Vocabulary for IELTS (Academic) - The Law

Here you will learn some English words about the law, such as "judge", "charge", "judicial", etc. that are needed for the IELTS exam.

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Words for Academic IELTS
barrister
barrister
[noun]

a legal professional qualified and licensed to advocate on behalf of clients in both lower and higher courts

Ex: The barrister specialized in family law, providing guidance and representation in divorce and custody cases. 
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to break
to break
[Verb]

to fail to obey the law

Ex: She was caught breaking the contract by sharing confidential information. 
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defendant
defendant
[noun]

a person in a law court who is sued by someone else or is accused of committing a crime

Ex: The defendant pleaded not guilty to the charges of theft and fraud. 
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to judge
to judge
[Verb]

to decide whether or not a person is innocent in a court of law

Ex: The jury will judge the defendant based on the evidence presented during the trial. 
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jury
jury
[noun]

a group of twelve citizens, who listen to the details of a case in the court of law in order to decide the guiltiness or innocence of a defendant

Ex: The jury deliberated for several hours before reaching a unanimous verdict. 
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law-abiding
law-abiding
[Adjective]

being obedient to the law

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offender
offender
[noun]

a person who commits a crime

Ex: The police apprehended the offender and took him into custody. 
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solicitor
solicitor
[noun]

(in the UK) a lawyer who is entitled to give legal advice, prepare legal documents for contracts and defend people in lower courts of law

Ex: She consulted a solicitor for advice on buying a house. 
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to prosecute

to try to charge someone officially with a crime in a court as the lawyer of the accuser

Ex: The lawyer was hired to prosecute the case on behalf of the victim’s family. 
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to charge
to charge
[Verb]

to officially accuse someone of an offense

Ex: The prosecutor decided to charge the suspect with theft based on the evidence. 
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trial
trial
[noun]

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

Ex: The trial lasted for several weeks as witnesses testified and evidence was presented. 
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court
court
[noun]

the group of people in a court including the judge and the jury

Ex: The court listened carefully to the witness's testimony. 
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to plead
to plead
[Verb]

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

Ex: The defendant pleaded not guilty to the charges of robbery and assault. 
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to acquit
to acquit
[Verb]

to officially decide and declare in a law court that someone is not guilty of a crime

Ex: The company was accused of wrongdoing, but after a thorough investigation, they were acquitted of any illegal activities. 
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parole
parole
[noun]

(law) the permission for a prisoner to leave prison before the end of their imprisonment sentence, on the condition of good conduct

Ex: After serving half of his sentence in prison, the inmate was eligible for parole, subject to certain conditions and supervision. 
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to sentence

to officially state the punishment of someone found guilty in a court of law

Ex: The judge will sentence the convicted criminal to five years in prison. 
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verdict
verdict
[noun]

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

Ex: The jury reached an unanimous verdict of guilty after deliberating for several hours. 
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to rehabilitate

to help someone to restore to a healthy and independent state after a period of imprisonment, addiction, illness, etc.

Ex: The program aimed to rehabilitate individuals with substance abuse issues, providing support for a drug-free life. 
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misdeed
misdeed
[noun]

a wrongful or immoral act

Ex: A simple misdeed can sometimes lead to serious consequences. 
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retribution

correction imposed as repayment for wrongdoing

Ex: The community sought retribution through justice, not violence. 
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custodial
custodial
[Adjective]

having custody of someone or connected with the legal right to look after them

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to fine
to fine
[Verb]

to make someone pay a sum of money as punishment for violation of the law

Ex: The police officer fined the driver for speeding in a school zone. 
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community service

unpaid work done either as a form of punishment by a criminal or as a voluntary service by a citizen

Ex: After being convicted of vandalism, he was sentenced to 100 hours of community service. 
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corporal punishment

the physical punishment of people, especially of children or convicts

Ex: Corporal punishment, such as spanking or paddling, is a controversial method of disciplining children. 
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capital punishment

the killing of a criminal as punishment

Ex: The debate over capital punishment continues to be a contentious issue in many countries. 
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deterrent
deterrent
[noun]

a thing that reduces the chances of someone doing something because it makes them aware of its difficulties or consequences

Ex: Increased security measures serve as a deterrent to potential thieves. 
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lenient
lenient
[Adjective]

(of a person) tolerant, flexible, or relaxed in enforcing rules or standards, often forgiving and understanding toward others

Ex: The lenient teacher allowed students extra time to complete assignments if they had valid reasons for delays. 
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conviction

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

Ex: The defendant's conviction was based on solid evidence presented during the trial. 
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judicial
judicial
[Adjective]

belonging or appropriate for a court, a judge, or the administration of justice

Ex: The judicial branch of government oversees the interpretation and application of laws through courts and judges. 
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legislation

a formal rule or collection of rules enacted by a governing authority

Ex: The new environmental legislation limits carbon emissions from factories. 
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