法律英语900句

Introduction

Legal English involves specific terminology and phrases that are essential for understanding and practicing law in an Englishspeaking context. Whether you are studying law, working in a legal profession, or simply interested in legal matters, learning key legal English phrases will be beneficial. Here are 900 essential legal English phrases to help you navigate the world of law with confidence.

Legal Terminology

1.

Abet

: To assist or encourage the commission of a crime.

2.

Abeyance

: A temporary suspension of an activity or law.

3.

Accessorial

: Involvement in the commission of a crime as an accomplice or accessory.

4.

Acquittal

: A legal judgment that a person is not guilty of the crime with which they have been charged.

5.

Admissible

: Evidence that is allowed to be considered in a court of law.

6.

Affidavit

: A written statement of facts confirmed by the oath of the party making it.

7.

Allegation

: A claim or assertion that someone has done something illegal or wrong, typically made without proof.

8.

Amicus Curiae

: A person or organization that is not a party to a case but offers information to assist the court in making a decision.

9.

Appeal

: The process of asking a higher court to review the decision of a lower court.

10.

Arraignment

: The formal reading of a criminal charge to a defendant, who then must enter a plea.

11.

Bail

: The temporary release of an accused person awaiting trial, sometimes with a financial surety.

12.

Habeas Corpus

: A writ requiring a person under arrest to be brought before a judge or into court, especially to secure the person's release from unlawful detention.

13.

Indictment

: A formal charge or accusation of a serious crime.

14.

Jurisprudence

: The theory or philosophy of law.

15.

Litigation

: The process of taking legal action.

Court Proceedings

16.

May it please the court, I am representing...

17.

Your Honor, I'd like to call my first witness.

18.

Objection, Your Honor. Leading the witness.

19.

I'd like to request a brief recess, Your Honor.

20.

I hereby call for a mistrial, Your Honor.

21.

We are ready to present our closing argument, Your Honor.

22.

The witness is excused.

23.

The defense moves for a motion to dismiss.

24.

Your Honor, the prosecution requests a continuance.

25.

I object on the grounds of hearsay, Your Honor.

Legal Agreements

26.

Agreement

: A legally binding arrangement between two or more parties.

27.

Consideration

: Something of value given by both parties to a contract that induces them to enter into the agreement to exchange mutual performances.

28.

Breach of Contract

: The failure to perform provisions of a contract without a legal excuse.

29.

Counteroffer

: A response to an offer in which the terms are changed.

30.

Force Majeure

: Unforeseeable circumstances that prevent someone from fulfilling a contract.

31.

Indemnity

: Security or protection against a loss or other financial burden.

32.

Lien

: A legal claim on assets that enables the holder to obtain what is owed.

33.

Warranty

: A promise about the quality or performance of a product or service.

Legal Rights and Responsibilities

34.

Adverse Possession

: Acquiring title to someone else's real property through continuous, hostile, open, and notorious possession for a statutory period of time.

35.

Child Custody

: The legal and practical relationship between a parent and a child.

36.

Emancipation

: The legal process by which a minor is freed from control by their parents or guardians and the parents are freed from any and all responsibility toward the child.

37.

Guardianship

: Legal right given to a person to be responsible for the food, housing, health care, and other necessities of a person deemed incapable of providing these necessities for themselves.

38.

Intellectual Property

: Creations of the mind, such as inventions; literary and artistic works; designs; and symbols, names, and images used in commerce.

39.

Probate

: The legal process of administering the estate of a deceased person.

40.

Res Ipsa Loquitur

: The thing speaks for itself; a doctrine in the law of torts.

Legal Disputes and Resolution

41.

Arbitration

: The process of resolving a dispute by an impartial adjudicator outside the court.

42.

Mediation

: Negotiation to resolve a dispute facilitated by a neutral third party.

43.

Conciliation

: A form of alternative dispute resolution in which the parties to a dispute use a conciliator, who meets with the parties separately in an attempt to resolve their differences.

44.

Adjudication

: The legal process of resolving a dispute by the judgment of a court.

45.

Settlement

: An agreement between two opposing parties before a court case is resolved.

Legal Practice and Ethics

46.

Conflict of Interest

: A situation in which a person is in a position to derive personal benefit from actions or decisions made in their official capacity.

47.

Client Confidentiality

: The principle that an attorney cannot reveal communications with a client or information received from a client within a professional relationship without the client's informed consent.

48.

Billable Hours

: The time spent by a lawyer performing work on behalf of clients and for which the client will be billed.

49.

Code of Ethics

: A set of principles of conduct within an organization that guide decisionmaking and behavior.

50.

Legal Malpractice

: The failure of a lawyer to perform in accordance with the standards of professional behavior.

Legal System and Authorities

51.

Adversarial System

: A legal system where two advocates represent their parties' positions before an impartial person or group of people, usually a jury or judge, who attempt to determine the truth of the case.

52.

Inquisitorial System

: A legal system where the court or a part of the court is actively involved in investigating the facts of the case.

53.

Statute

: A written law passed by a legislative body.

54.

Precedent

: A legal decision or form of proceeding serving as an authoritative rule or pattern in future similar cases.

55.

Court Order

: A ruling or direction issued by a court or a judge.

Conclusion

Understanding legal English is crucial for anyone involved in the legal field or dealing with legal matters. Whether you're a student, a practicing attorney, or an individual navigating the legal system, these 900 legal English phrases will provide a strong foundation for comprehending and discussing various legal concepts and proceedings.