Legal Vocab

Vocab for English Just Mercy

Appeal

A legal person in which a convicted person asks a higher court to review and possibly reverse the decision of a lower court

Conviction

A formal statement that someone is guilty of a crime. Mostly made by a jury or a judge.

Death Penalty (Capital Punishment)

The legal execution of someone as punishment for a crime

Due process

The constitutional right to fair treatment in court, especially as it relates to one’s life and liberty

Exoneration

The official release of a person from blame or guilt after they’ve been proved innocent

Incarceration

The state of being in a prison or confined

Injustice

A situation when the legal system fails to deliver fair or moral outcomes

Juvenile

A person under the age of 18 who is subject to a different part of the justice system designed for minors

Mitigation

Evidence or arguments presented to lessen the severity of a punishment

Parole

The conditional release of a prisoner before the sentence is served, based on good behavior

Plea bargain

An agreement in which a defendant pleads guilty to a lesser crime to get a less severe penalty

Prosecution

The legal party responsible for presenting a case against someone accused of a crime

Public defender

A lawyer appointed by the court to represent a defendant that can’t afford private attorneys

Racial bias

Discrimination against a person based on race that influences legal decisions or outcomes

Habeas corpus

A legal action that allows someone to challenge the legality of their detention or punishment

Precedent

A previous court decision that serves as an example or rule for future cases

Perjury

The crime of lying under oath in court

Rehabilitation

Efforts to reform criminals so they can return to society as law-abiding citizens

Retribution

A punishment inflicted as vengeance for a wrong or a crime

Sentencing

The punishment assigned to a defendant who has been convicted

Testimony

A written or spoken statement given in court by a witness

Corroborate

To confirm or support a statement or piece of evidence with additional proof

Wrongful conviction

When an innocent person is found guilty of a crime

Acquittal

A legal judgement that clears a defendant of criminal charges

Indictment

A written charge issued by a grand jury accusing someone of a serious crime

Recant

To take back or redraw a previous statement or testimony

Unconstitutional

Something that violates the US Constitution or a person’s constitutional rights

Pro bono

Legal work performed voluntarily and without payment, usually to help those who can’t afford representation

Fabrication

The deliberate act of creating false evidence or testimony; a false or invented story used to deceive

Impunity

Exemption from punishment or freedom from consequences of wrongdoing

Clemency

Mercy or leniency granted by a governor or the president to reduce a sentence of pardon or conviction

Allegation

Statements affirming or denying certain matters of fact that you are prepared to prove