Summary of Criminal Justice Vocabulary

## Introduction Crime vocabulary covers words used to describe illegal acts, people involved in crimes, court processes, and consequences. This guide explains key terms, gives clear definitions, examples, and shows how related words compare. It is written for a student learning crime-related English vocabulary. ## Basic categories Break the vocabulary into four easy groups: ### 1. Types of crimes - **theft**: taking someone else's property without permission. - **robbery**: taking property from someone using violence or threat. - **murder**: intentionally killing another person. - **manslaughter**: killing someone by accident or without intent. - **kidnapping**: taking someone away by force to demand money or other advantages. - **mugging**: an attack in public to steal from a person. - **hacking**: illegally accessing computer systems. - **smuggling**: moving illegal goods across borders. - **vandalism**: deliberately damaging property. - **terrorism**: using violence to achieve political or religious goals. - **stalking**: repeatedly following or harassing someone. - **rape**: forcing someone to have sex against their will. > Note: Each crime has legal definitions that vary by country. ### 2. Court and legal process words - **judge**: the official who decides legal points and sentences. - **jury**: a group of people who listen to evidence and decide guilt. - **verdict**: the jury’s or judge’s decision about guilt. - **sentence**: the punishment ordered by the judge. - **punishment**: the consequence (e.g., prison, fine). - **investigate**: to examine evidence and facts about a crime. - **question**: to ask a suspect or witness about events. - **proof**: evidence that shows whether someone committed a crime. - **witness**: a person who saw or knows something important about the crime. > Note: The process usually goes investigation → charges → trial → verdict → sentence. ### 3. People and roles - **guilty (adj.)**: found responsible for committing a crime. Example: Carl was found guilty. - **judge (n.)**: the court official who decides sentences. - **jury (n.)**: the group that decides guilt based on evidence. - **witness (n.)**: someone who testifies about what they saw or know. ### 4. Actions and evidence - **investigate (v.)**: police investigate the crime. - **question (v.)**: police questioned the suspects. - **proof (n.)**: physical items or testimony that support a case (prints, documents). - **mugging, robbery, theft**: compare how violence and location change the word (table below). ## Comparison table: theft vs robbery vs mugging | Term | Violence involved | Typical location | Typical target | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | theft | No violence required | Anywhere (home, shop) | Property without owner present | | robbery | Violence or threat | Banks, shops, streets | Person or place, uses force or threat | | mugging | Physical attack | Public streets | A person, usually on the street | ## Example sentences and short scenarios - Hacking: "Hacking into computer systems can enable people to steal private information." (cybercrime scenario) - Robbery: "Robbery usually is violent and involves a weapon." (bank or shop robbery example) - Murder vs manslaughter: "He went to prison for the murder of five people." vs "Manslaughter is killing someone by accident." (different intent) - Court: "The jury looked at and heard all the evidence and after two days reached their verdict." "The judge decided what Carl's punishment should be and sentenced him to ten years in prison." > Definition: **guilty** — legally responsible for committing a crime; found guilty by a court. ## Useful collocations and verbs - **commit a crime**, **investigate a crime**, **question a suspect/witness**, **reach a verdict**, **sentence someone to X years**, **serve a sentence**, **produce proof/evidence**. ## Practical tips for learning and using these words - Learn words in small groups (types of crimes, court words, people, actions). - Practice