Law Vocabulary Quiz
12 multiple-choice questions on essential legal terms: plaintiff, defendant, verdict, evidence and jurisdiction. B1–B2 level.
Law Vocabulary — FAQ
In a civil case, the plaintiff (or claimant) is the person who brings the case to court, claiming they have been wronged. The defendant is the person against whom the claim is made. In criminal cases the equivalent of the plaintiff is the prosecution, acting on behalf of the state.
A verdict is the formal decision made at the end of a trial, usually by a jury, about whether the defendant is guilty or liable. In a criminal case the verdict is 'guilty' or 'not guilty'; the judge then decides the sentence if the verdict is guilty.
Jurisdiction is the official power or authority of a court to hear and decide a particular type of case, often within a defined geographic area. A court can only make binding decisions on matters that fall within its jurisdiction.
A precedent is a decision in an earlier court case that serves as a guide or rule for deciding later cases with similar facts. In common-law systems, courts are generally expected to follow precedents set by higher courts, which helps make the law consistent and predictable.
A verdict is the decision about whether the defendant is guilty or liable. A sentence is the punishment a judge imposes after a guilty verdict, such as a fine, community service or imprisonment. The verdict comes first; the sentence follows only if the defendant is convicted.
An appeal is a formal request asking a higher court to review and possibly change the decision of a lower court. A party may appeal if they believe there was a legal error in the trial. The higher court can uphold, reverse or modify the original decision.
An affidavit is a written statement of facts that the person making it (the deponent) swears or affirms to be true under oath. Affidavits are used as evidence in legal proceedings and can carry penalties for false statements, similar to lying in court.
An alibi is a defence in a criminal case in which the defendant claims to have been somewhere else when the crime was committed, and therefore could not have done it. To be effective, an alibi usually needs to be supported by evidence or witnesses.
A crime is an offence against the state or society, prosecuted by the government and potentially punished by fines or imprisonment. A tort is a civil wrong that causes harm to a person, allowing the injured party to sue for compensation. The same act can sometimes be both a crime and a tort.
A witness is a person who gives evidence in court by stating what they saw, heard or know about the facts of a case. Witnesses usually testify under oath, and their evidence helps the judge or jury decide what actually happened.