Legal proceedings
Below is a detailed list of vocabulary related to "Legal Proceedings," which will help you discuss different aspects of the legal process in English, suitable for the IELTS band score range of 6.5-8.0:
Plaintiff:
Definition: A person or party who brings a legal action or lawsuit against another party.
Example: The plaintiff alleges that the company's negligence caused their injuries.
Defendant:
Definition: A person or party against whom a legal action or lawsuit is brought.
Example: The defendant denies any wrongdoing and will present evidence to support their defense.
Petitioner:
Definition: The party who files a petition or formal application to a court or authority.
Example: The petitioner is seeking a court order to protect their rights.
Respondent:
Definition: The party who responds to a petition or application in a legal proceeding.
Example: The court will notify the respondent about the pending case.
Evidence:
Definition: Information, documents, or objects presented in court to support or prove a claim.
Example: The prosecution provided compelling evidence of the defendant's guilt.
Testimony:
Definition: Oral or written statements given under oath by a witness during a trial or hearing.
Example: The witness's testimony played a crucial role in the outcome of the case.
Subpoena:
Definition: A legal order requiring a person to appear in court as a witness or to produce documents.
Example: The subpoena was issued to compel the witness to testify at the trial.
Cross-examination:
Definition: The questioning of a witness by the opposing party's attorney after direct examination.
Example: The defense attorney aggressively cross-examined the prosecution's key witness.
Due process:
Definition: The legal requirement that ensures fair treatment and protection of rights in legal proceedings.
Example: The defendant's constitutional right to due process must be respected during the trial.
Admissible:
Definition: Evidence that is allowed to be presented in court based on relevance and legality.
Example: The judge ruled that the document was not admissible as evidence.
Hearsay:
Definition: Secondhand information or statements made outside of the court, often considered unreliable.
Example: The witness's testimony was dismissed as hearsay and not admissible.
Verdict:
Definition: The decision reached by a jury or judge at the end of a trial.
Example: The jury deliberated for hours before reaching a unanimous verdict of "not guilty."
Appeal:
Definition: A legal process through which a higher court reviews and reconsiders a lower court's decision.
Example: The defendant plans to appeal the verdict based on new evidence.
Courtroom:
Definition: The physical space where legal proceedings, including trials, hearings, and arraignments, take place.
Example: The courtroom was packed with spectators eager to observe the high-profile trial.
Oath:
Definition: A solemn promise to tell the truth, often made before giving testimony or presenting evidence.
Example: The witness took an oath to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth.
Jury:
Definition: A group of citizens selected to listen to evidence and determine the facts in a trial.
Example: The jury deliberated for days before reaching a unanimous decision.
Bail:
Definition: The temporary release of a defendant from custody pending trial, often secured with money or collateral.
Example: The judge set a high bail amount to ensure the defendant's appearance in court.
Affidavit:
Definition: A written statement made under oath and used as evidence in legal proceedings.
Example: The witness submitted an affidavit detailing their account of the incident.
Probation:
Definition: A period of supervision and monitoring as an alternative to imprisonment for certain offenders.
Example: The court sentenced the defendant to five years of probation.
Settlement:
Definition: An agreement reached between parties to resolve a legal dispute without going to trial.
Example: The parties agreed to a settlement to avoid the time and expense of a trial.
By familiarizing yourself with these legal proceedings-related terms and using them appropriately in your discussions or writing, you can demonstrate a strong grasp of advanced academic vocabulary and enhance your communication skills for achieving a higher band score in the IELTS exam. Good luck with your studies!
