Summary of English Vocabulary: Crime and Law

## Introduction This study guide covers essential vocabulary and concepts related to crime and the legal system. It is designed for learners who are not attending formal classes and need clear, concise explanations, examples, and practice tips to understand common crimes, courtroom roles, and legal procedures. ## Basic Crime Vocabulary > **guilty**: legally responsible for committing a crime. - Example: Carl was found guilty. His fingerprints were on the gun used in the robbery. > **hacking**: illegally accessing computer systems. - Example: Hacking into computer systems can enable people to steal private information. > **hijacking**: taking control of a vehicle (often a plane) by force. - Example: The hijacking of the plane forced the airport to close. > **kidnapping**: taking someone away illegally and holding them captive. - Example: Kidnapping often happens when a criminal tries to get money from a rich person. > **manslaughter**: unintentionally causing someone's death. - Example: Manslaughter is killing someone by accident. > **mugging**: attacking someone in public to steal from them. - Example: Mugging is like robbery, but on the street. > **murder**: the deliberate killing of another person. - Example: He went to prison for the murder of five people. > **rape**: forcing someone to have sexual intercourse without consent. - Example: Rape is often about power and control. > **robbery**: taking property from someone using force or threat. - Example: Robbery usually is violent and involves a weapon. > **smuggling**: moving goods illegally across borders. - Example: Smuggling involves taking illegal products from one country to another. > **stalking**: repeatedly following or harassing someone. - Example: Stalking can happen physically or on the internet. > **terrorism**: violent acts with political or ideological motives. - Example: Terrorism is often political or religious. > **theft**: taking someone else's property without permission. - Example: The theft was very stressful for the victim. > **vandalism**: intentionally damaging property. - Example: Some people say graffiti is art; others say it is vandalism. ## Legal Roles and Courtroom Terms > **judge**: the official who interprets the law and gives sentences in court. - Example: The judge decided what Carl's punishment should be. > **jury**: a group of citizens who listen to evidence and decide guilt or innocence. - Example: The jury looked at and heard all the evidence. > **witness**: a person who saw or knows information about the crime. - Example: The witness told the court what they had seen or knew. > **investigate**: to examine facts and gather evidence about a crime. - Example: The police investigated the crime. > **question**: to ask suspects or witnesses for information. - Example: The police questioned them for ten hours. > **proof**: evidence that shows someone did or did not commit a crime. - Example: There was no proof that Adam had committed the crime. > **punishment**: a penalty given after someone is found guilty. - Example: The judge decided what Carl's punishment should be. > **sentence**: the formal punishment given to a convicted person. - Example: He sentenced him to ten years in prison. > **verdict**: the decision of a jury or judge about guilt. - Example: After two days the jury reached their verdict. ## Comparing Related Concepts | Concept A | Concept B | Main difference | | --- | --- | --- | | Theft | Robbery | Theft is taking property without force; robbery involves force or threat | | Manslaughter | Murder | Manslaughter is accidental killing; murder is intentional | | Mugging | Robbery | Mugging is robbery that happens in public, often on the street | | Smuggling | Hacking | Smuggling moves goods across borders illegally; hacking accesses computer systems illegally | ## How a Criminal Case Usually Progresses 1. Crime reported or discovered 2. Police investigate and collect evidence 3. S