Legal Vocabulary and Real World Cases Week 4

Acquittal

A legal judgment that clears the defendant of criminal charges and ends the trial without punishment.

Arraignment

A formal court hearing where the accused is informed of the charges and enters a plea.

Civil trial

A court case in which one party sues another for money or compensation, rather than for criminal punishment.

Criminal trial

A legal proceeding to determine whether someone is guilty of breaking the law.

Verdict

The final decision made by a jury or judge about a person’s guilt or innocence.

Prosecution

The legal side representing the government that tries to prove the defendant committed a crime.

Defense

The legal team or strategy used to argue that the accused is not guilty or deserves less punishment.

Testimony

A spoken or written statement given under oath by a witness in court.

Evidence

Information or material presented in court to prove or disprove facts in a case.

Wrongful death

A legal claim made when someone dies due to another person’s actions or negligence.

Mistrial

A trial that ends without a conclusion due to legal errors or problems with the jury.

Perjury

The crime of lying while under oath during a legal proceeding.

Reasonable doubt

The level of uncertainty that prevents a jury from convicting a defendant in a criminal trial.

Plea

A defendant’s official answer to criminal charges, such as "guilty" or "not guilty."

Jury deliberation

The process in which jurors privately discuss the case to reach a final verdict.

Plaintiff

The person or party who brings a lawsuit in a civil trial.

Defendant

The individual or group accused of wrongdoing in either a criminal or civil case.

Damages

The financial compensation awarded to someone who has suffered harm or loss.

Cross-examination

The questioning of a witness by the opposing legal team to challenge their statements.

Bias

A personal belief or preference that may unfairly influence decisions or actions.

Racial divide

A sharp difference in perspectives or treatment based on race, often seen in public reactions to legal outcomes.

Celebrity culture

A social condition where famous individuals receive special attention that can influence serious issues like justice.

Media circus

A situation where excessive and sensational news coverage distracts from the seriousness of a legal case.