Law and Justice (Advanced)

Crime and the Justice System Vocabulary: Word List and Examples Learn B2-level vocabulary for talking about crimes, court procedures, and the legal system. Word List offender (person who commits a crime), suspect, witness, testify (give evidence in court), verdict (court’s decision), jury, sentence (punishment given by a court), acquit (declare not guilty), convict (declare guilty), prosecute (bring legal action against), defendant, plaintiff (person bringing a civil case), evidence, alibi (proof of being elsewhere), interrogate (question intensively), custody, bail (money paid for temporary release), parole, probation, felony (serious crime), misdemeanor (minor crime), larceny (theft), burglary, fraud, embezzlement (stealing money entrusted to you), assault, homicide, arson (deliberately setting fire), forgery, vandalism, shoplifting, trespassing, smuggling, bribery, corruption, extradition (sending a suspect to another country), litigation (legal proceedings), lawsuit, appeal (request a higher court to review a case), wrongful conviction. Examples: The jury reached a verdict after three hours of deliberation. He was arrested on suspicion of embezzlement. Her lawyer plans to appeal the sentence. The witness testified that she saw the suspect leave the scene. Remember: «convict» (verb, find guilty) vs. «convict» (noun, a person serving a sentence) — stress and use change with word class; also note «prosecute» (the state’s action) vs. «sue» (a civil action between individuals).