Legal English

By Linh

Defending Case
Table of Contents

03 Vocabulary

04 Collocations

05 Phrases

06 Roleplay
Vocabulary
Criminal Defense
Definition: The legal representation of someone accused of committing a crime.
Example: The attorney built a strong criminal defense to prove his client’s innocence.
Defendant
Definition: The person accused of a crime in a court case.
Example: The defendant pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Prosecution
Definition: The legal team representing the government and arguing that the defendant is guilty.
Example: The prosecution presented key evidence against the suspect.
Vocabulary
Burden of Proof
Definition: The obligation to prove the defendant’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Example: In a criminal trial, the burden of proof lies with the prosecution.
Reasonable Doubt
Definition: The level of uncertainty that prevents a juror from convicting a defendant.
Example: The lawyer argued that there was enough reasonable doubt to acquit the defendant.
Alibi
Definition: Proof that a person was somewhere else when a crime occurred.
Example: The defendant had an alibi showing he was at work at the time of the crime.
Vocabulary
Cross-Examination

Definition: Questioning a witness from the opposing side to challenge their testimony.

Example: The defense attorney’s cross-examination exposed inconsistencies in the witness’s statement.

Plea Bargain

Definition: An agreement where the defendant pleads guilty in exchange for a lesser charge.

Example: The defendant accepted a plea bargain to avoid a long prison sentence.

Acquittal

Definition: A legal judgment that officially clears the defendant of criminal charges.

Example: The jury returned a verdict of acquittal, and the defendant was released.
Vocabulary
1. Mitigating Circumstances
Definition: Factors that may lessen the severity of a crime or punishment.
Example: The defense presented mitigating circumstances, arguing that the accused acted in self-
defense.
2. Hearsay
Definition: Testimony about what someone else said, which is usually inadmissible in court.
Example: The judge ruled that the statement was hearsay and could not be used as evidence.
3. Self-Defense
Definition: A legal defense where the accused argues they acted to protect themselves.
Example: The defendant claimed self-defense after being attacked.
4. Perjury
Definition: Lying under oath in a legal proceeding.
Example: The witness was charged with perjury for providing false testimony.
Vocabulary
1. Verdict

2. Definition: The final decision made by a jury or judge regarding a case.

3. Example: The jury reached a verdict of guilty.

4. Sentence

5. Definition: The punishment assigned to a defendant who has been convicted.

6. Example: The judge handed down a 10-year sentence.

Scenario:
Michael is a criminal defense lawyer representing his
client, James, who is accused of robbery. James insists
he is innocent and claims to have an alibi. The
prosecution presents evidence against him, but Michael
argues for reasonable doubt in court.
 Roleplay
Judge:
Mr. Michael, you may present your defense.
Michael (Defense Lawyer):
Thank you, Your Honor. Ladies and gentlemen of the jury, my client, Mr. James, is innocent. The burden of proof rests on
the prosecution, and they must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that he committed this crime.
Prosecutor:
Your Honor, the evidence clearly shows that James was near the crime scene.
Michael:
However, my client has an alibi—he was at a restaurant at the time of the robbery. We have security footage to support this.
Judge:
The defense may present its evidence.
Michael:
Furthermore, the prosecution’s key witness has changed their story under cross-examination, making their testimony
unreliable.
 Roleplay

Prosecutor:
Objection, Your Honor! The witness was nervous.
Judge:
Overruled. Proceed, Mr. Michael.
Michael:
Additionally, there are mitigating circumstances to consider. Even if James were involved, he acted under
duress.
Judge:
Very well. The jury will deliberate.
Jury Foreperson:
We, the jury, find the defendant not guilty.
Judge:
Mr. James, you are acquitted. Case dismissed.
 End

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