Vocabulary Development: Law and Order - JSS2 English language Lesson Note

Key Vocabulary Terms

 

Law: A system of rules created and enforced through social or governmental institutions to regulate behaviour. 

Example: "The new law prohibits smoking in public places."

 

Order: The arrangement or disposition of people or things in relation to each other according to a particular sequence, pattern, or method. Example: "The judge called for order in the courtroom."

 

Court: A place where legal cases are heard and decided.

Example: "The court will hear the case next Monday."

 

Judge: A public official appointed to decide cases in a court of law.

Example: "The judge listened to both sides before making a decision."

 

Jury: A group of people sworn to give a verdict in a legal case based on the evidence presented to them.

Example: "The jury found the defendant guilty."

 

Defendant: An individual, company, or institution sued or accused in a court of law.

Example: "The defendant pleaded not guilty to the charges."

 

Plaintiff: A person who brings a case against another in a court of law.

Example:"The plaintiff is seeking damages for the injury."

 

Prosecutor:

A legal representative who brings charges against a defendant in a criminal case.

Example: "The prosecutor presented evidence against the accused."

 

Defense Attorney:

A lawyer who represents the defendant in a legal proceeding.

Example: "The defence attorney argued that his client was innocent."

 

Verdict:

 The decision made by a jury or judge in a court case.

Example: "The jury delivered a verdict of not guilty."

 

Sentence: The punishment assigned to a defendant who has been found guilty.

Example: "The judge sentenced him to five years in prison."

 

Appeal: Apply to a higher court for a reversal of the decision

of a lower court.

Example: "The defence filed an appeal against the conviction."

 

Bail: The temporary release of an accused person awaiting trial, sometimes on the condition of a sum of money being lodged. Example: "He was released on bail pending his trial."

 

Witness : A person who sees an event, typically a crime or accident, take place.

Example: "The witness testified in court about what she saw."

 

Evidence: The available body of facts or information indicating whether a belief or proposition is true or valid.

Example: "The police found evidence that linked the suspect to the crime."

 

Crime: An action or omission that constitutes an offence and is punishable by law.

Example: "The crime rate in the city has decreased."

 

Punishment: The infliction or imposition of a penalty as retribution for an offence.

Example: "The punishment for theft can include imprisonment."

 

Arrest: Seize (someone) by legal authority and take them into custody.

Example: "The police arrested the suspect at his home."

 

Charge:

Formally accuse (someone) of something, especially an offence under law.

Example: "She was charged with theft."

 

Probation:

The release of an offender from detention, subject to a period of good behaviour under supervision.

Example: "He was sentenced to two years of probation."