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Law and legal vocabulary word list

This list supports civics students, law school applicants, and anyone learning how courts and the justice system work. It gathers common legal vocabulary used in the judicial branch, criminal cases, and everyday discussions of the law.

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Law and legal vocabulary word list

30 words
WordMeaningIn a sentenceSave
defendantnounA person or organization accused of a crime or sued in a court of law.The defendant pleaded not guilty and requested a trial by jury.
plaintiffnounA person who brings a legal case against another person in a court of law.The plaintiff argued that the company had failed to honor the contract.
verdictnounThe formal decision made by a jury or judge on a disputed question in a trial.The jury deliberated for six hours before delivering a guilty verdict.
testimonynounA formal statement, especially one given under oath in a court of law, that serves as evidence.The witness gave testimony describing exactly what she saw on the night of the robbery.
evidencenounInformation or observations that help show whether a claim is true.The footprints provided evidence that an animal had crossed the garden.
witnessnounA person who sees an event happen, or who gives evidence about what they saw, especially in a court of law.The witness described the car speeding through the red light moments before the crash.
jurynounA group of citizens sworn to hear evidence and reach a verdict in a legal case.The jury deliberated for two days before reaching a unanimous verdict.
judgenounA public official with the authority to hear and decide cases in a court of law.The judge listened carefully before delivering her decision on the case.
prosecutornounA lawyer who represents the government in bringing criminal charges against a defendant in court.The prosecutor presented strong evidence linking the suspect to the crime.
attorneynounA person who is legally qualified and authorized to act on behalf of others, especially in legal matters.The attorney reviewed the contract carefully before advising her client to sign it.
litigationnounThe process of taking legal action or settling a dispute through the court system.The two companies avoided litigation by reaching a settlement out of court.
statutenounA written law formally enacted by a legislative body.The new statute requires all restaurants to display calorie counts.
precedentnounAn earlier event, decision, or case that is used as an example or guide for later similar situations.The court's ruling set a precedent that influenced dozens of later cases.
appealverbTo make a serious or urgent request, especially for help, or to formally ask for a decision to be reviewed.The charity appealed to the public for donations after the earthquake.
indictmentnounA formal written accusation charging a person with a serious crime.The court unsealed the indictment, revealing twelve separate counts of embezzlement.
felonynounA serious crime, typically one punishable by a lengthy prison sentence or death, as opposed to a lesser offense.The prosecutor charged him with felony assault after the fight left the victim hospitalized.
misdemeanornounA criminal offense that is less serious than a felony, usually punishable by a fine or a short jail sentence.Shoplifting a small item was charged as a misdemeanor rather than a felony.
custodynounThe legal right or responsibility to care for and make decisions about a child.The parents shared custody of their two children after the divorce.
warrantnounA legal document issued by a judge or official that authorizes an action, such as an arrest or search.Local police obtained a signed warrant before searching the suspect's downtown apartment.
subpoenanounA legal document ordering a person to appear in court or produce evidence.The witness received a subpoena requiring her to testify next Monday.
arraignmentnounA court hearing at which a defendant is formally read the charges and enters a plea.At the arraignment, the defendant pleaded not guilty to all three charges.
bailnounA sum of money paid to a court to temporarily release an accused person until their trial.His family paid the bail so he could return home while awaiting his court date.
sentencenounA set of words that expresses a complete thought and typically contains a subject and a verb.Her essay opened with a short sentence that immediately grabbed the reader's attention.
acquittalnounA formal legal judgment that a defendant is not guilty of the crime charged.The lawyer celebrated the acquittal after months of preparing the defense.
jurisdictionnounThe official power or authority to make legal decisions and judgments, or the territory in which that authority applies.The case fell outside the court's jurisdiction, so it was transferred elsewhere.
pleanounAn urgent and heartfelt request, or a formal statement made by a defendant in court.She made a tearful plea for donations to help rebuild the flooded school.
contractnounA written or spoken agreement, especially one that is legally enforceable.Both companies signed the contract after months of careful negotiation.
liabilitynounLegal or financial responsibility for something, especially a debt or for damage that has been caused.The company accepted liability for the damage caused by its faulty product.
tortnounA wrongful act, other than a breach of contract, that causes harm and can lead to a civil lawsuit.Slipping on a wet floor with no warning sign can be the basis of a tort claim.
constitutionnounThe fundamental laws and principles that govern a country or organization, or a person's physical or mental makeup.The nation's constitution guarantees freedom of speech and assembly to all citizens.

Words for the judicial branch

The judicial branch relies on specific vocabulary to describe how courts operate. A judge oversees a trial and applies the law, while a jury listens to evidence and testimony before reaching a verdict. Jurisdiction describes a court's authority to hear a case, and precedent refers to an earlier decision that guides how similar cases are judged in the future.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between a felony and a misdemeanor?

A felony is a more serious crime that usually carries a longer prison sentence, while a misdemeanor is a less serious offense with lighter penalties.

What does acquittal mean?

An acquittal is a court decision that finds a defendant not guilty of the charges against them.