Legal English

Advanced Law and Legal Terminology: Word List and Examples Learn C1-level vocabulary for discussing legal proceedings, contracts, and the justice system with precision. Word List jurisdiction (the authority of a court over a matter), statute (a written law), precedent, litigant (a party in a lawsuit), adjudicate (make a formal judgment), arbitration (dispute resolution outside court), mediation, injunction (a court order to stop an action), deposition (sworn out-of-court testimony), subpoena (an order to appear in court), indictment (a formal accusation), plaintiff, defendant, tort (a civil wrong causing harm), liability, negligence (failure to take reasonable care), breach of contract, culpability (blameworthiness), exoneration (clearing someone of blame), acquittal, clemency (mercy, especially in reducing punishment), jurisprudence (the study/philosophy of law), statute of limitations (a time limit for legal action), due process (fair legal treatment), habeas corpus (protection against unlawful detention), affidavit (a written sworn statement), testimony, cross-examination, hearsay (secondhand information, not direct evidence), malpractice (professional negligence), settlement, damages (financial compensation ordered by a court), plea bargain, probate (legal process for a will), custody, executor (manages a deceased person’s estate), beneficiary, waiver (giving up a legal right), indemnity (compensation for loss), disclaimer. Examples: The court doesn’t have jurisdiction over this matter. She was called to give her deposition before the trial. The company was found liable for negligence. He was granted clemency after serving fifteen years. Remember: «acquittal» (found not guilty in a criminal trial) and «exoneration» (formally cleared of blame, often after new evidence) are related but distinct — exoneration often happens after a wrongful conviction is overturned.