Idiomatic Expressions 22

A series of vocabulary flashcards covering terms related to criminal justice, legal systems, social rules, and authority structures.

fight/ combat crime

try to reduce or stop crime.

the scene of a crime

place where it happened.

Organised crime

criminal gangs/mafia

Crime prevention

actions to stop crime before it happens.

Crime rate

number of crimes in an area

Crime Wave

sudden increase in crimes

deny (all) responsibility for

say it's not your fault

make an example of

punish someone to warn others.

Set an example

behave well so others copy

classic/prime example

perfect /clear example

force sth on sb

make someone accept sth.

force a smile

pretend to smile

armed forces

army/navy/air force

grant sb permission/authority

allow officially

grant sb's wish

make someone's wish come true

become law

officially start being law.

Pass/amend/repeal a law

officially create a new law/ change, modify/cancel remove

lay down the law

say rules very strictly

Practice law

work as a lawyer

above the law

not controlled by law.

Law & Order

public safety + control crime.

lock horns with

argue/fight strongly.

Locksmith

person who fixes/opens locks

abuse power

use power unfairly

Power struggle

fight for control

Power base

group that supports someone politically

prison reform

improving prison system.

Open prison

low-security prison

provoke sb into doing…

force someone emotionally

provoke outrage

cause strong anger

human rights

basic freedoms for all humans.

animal rights

protection of animals

bend the rules

cheat slightly

rule of law

everyone obeys the law

rule of thumb

general practical guideline

Pass sentence

officially announce punishment

Serve a sentence

spend time in prison

death sentence

execution punishment

Social Security

government financial support system

Social services

help (welfare, care, support)

Social worker

person helping vulnerable people

subject sb to

force someone to experience sth unpleasant

subject to

likely to experience / depending on/affected by

British Subject

Person under the British Crown (legal nationality term).