English Exam - Vocabulary

Trial

The formal examination before a competent tribunal of the matter in issue in a civil or criminal cause in order to determine such issue.

Verdict

The finding or decision of a jury on the matter submitted to it in trial.

Defendant

A person or group in whom a criminal or civil action is brought.

Allege

To assert without proof or before proving.

Lynch

To put to death (as by hanging) by mob action without legal approval or permission.

Appeal

Apply to a higher court for a reversal of the decision of a lower court.

Mistrial

A trial that has no legal effect with regard to one or more of the charges brought against the defendant because of some serious error or prejudicial misconduct in thee proceedings or a hung jury.

Hung jury

A jury whose members cannot agree about what the verdict should be.

Convict (verb)

To find or prove to be guilty

Stay of Execution

An order that temporarily stops an execution.

Counsel

A lawyer engaged in the trial or management of a case in court.

Refute

To prove wrong by argument or evidence.

Recant

To withdraw or repudiate a statement or belief formally and publicly.

Testimony

A solemn declaration usually made orally by a witness under oath in response to interrogation by a lawyer or authorized public official.

Parole

A conditional release of a prisoner serving an indeterminate or unexpired sentence.

Extradite

To give up an alleged fugitive to another state or nation at its request.