Crime & Law Vocabulary Quiz
12 multiple-choice questions on types of crime, legal roles, courtroom terms and the criminal justice system. B1 level. Great for general English learners and IELTS preparation.
This quiz focuses on how the target vocabulary for Crime & Law is actually used in context at B1 level, rather than testing bare definitions. Correct answers you will need to identify include terms such as burglary, witness, prosecutor, acquittal and arson, each embedded in a full example sentence so you have to judge meaning from context, not just recognise an isolated word.
Working through all 12 questions and checking the explanations in the FAQ below is a quick way to spot any terms you are still unsure of. Revisiting the quiz again after a day or two, rather than only once, is one of the most reliable ways to move new vocabulary from passive recognition into words you can use confidently yourself in speaking and writing.
Keep building your crime and law vocabulary.
Crime & Law — FAQ
What is the difference between a 'suspect' and a 'defendant'?
A suspect is a person the police believe may have committed a crime but who has not yet been charged. A defendant is a person who has been formally charged with a crime and is on trial in court. The timeline goes: suspect → defendant (after being charged) → convict (if found guilty).
What does 'innocent until proven guilty' mean?
'Innocent until proven guilty' (the presumption of innocence) is a fundamental legal principle. It means a person accused of a crime must be treated as innocent unless the prosecution proves their guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. The burden of proof lies with the prosecution, not the defendant.
What is the difference between 'burglary' and 'robbery'?
Burglary is the crime of illegally entering a building with the intention of committing a crime inside, especially theft. Robbery is stealing from a person directly, usually using force or the threat of force. Breaking into an empty house is burglary; mugging someone on the street is robbery.
What is the role of a jury in a criminal trial?
A jury is a group of ordinary citizens (usually 12 in the UK and USA) who listen to the evidence in a criminal trial and decide whether the defendant is guilty or not guilty. The jury delivers a verdict. The judge then decides the sentence if the defendant is found guilty.
What are the main vocabulary words for types of crime?
Key crime vocabulary: theft (stealing), burglary (breaking in to steal), robbery (stealing with force), fraud (deception for financial gain), assault (attacking someone), murder (intentional killing), manslaughter (unintentional killing), arson (setting fire to property), kidnapping, smuggling, vandalism (deliberate damage), and bribery (offering money to influence someone).
What is the difference between 'murder' and 'manslaughter'?
Murder is the unlawful and intentional killing of another person — it requires the intention to kill or cause serious harm. Manslaughter is the unlawful killing of a person without the intention to kill, covering situations of extreme negligence or provocation. Murder carries harsher sentences because of the element of intent.
What vocabulary is used in a courtroom in English?
Courtroom vocabulary: judge (presides over the trial), jury (decides guilt), barrister/lawyer (represents parties), prosecutor (argues for guilt), defence (argues for the defendant), witness, oath (formal promise to tell the truth), evidence, testimony (spoken evidence), verdict (guilty or not guilty), sentence (punishment), acquittal (found not guilty), and appeal (request for a higher court to review the decision).
What does 'on bail' mean?
Being 'on bail' means a person charged with a crime is temporarily released from custody before their trial, on the condition they will return to court on the specified date. Sometimes a sum of money (bail money) must be deposited as a guarantee. If the person fails to appear, they forfeit the money and may be re-arrested.
What is the difference between 'jail' and 'prison' in English?
In British English, 'prison' is the standard term for a place where convicted criminals serve their sentences. 'Jail' is used more informally. In American English, 'jail' typically refers to local short-term detention facilities, while 'prison' refers to state or federal facilities for longer sentences. In British English both words are commonly used interchangeably.
What are common English idioms related to crime and law?
Common crime idioms: 'get away with murder' (escape serious consequences), 'take the law into your own hands' (deal with something illegally), 'caught red-handed' (caught in the act), 'the long arm of the law' (the power of the police), 'behind bars' (in prison), 'do time' (serve a prison sentence), and 'turn a blind eye' (deliberately ignore something wrong).