Legal English Vocabulary | Key Words and Phrases for English Learners


Legal English vocabulary is essential for anyone working in the legal field, whether they are lawyers, judges, paralegals, or legal translators. It involves a specialized set of terms and phrases that are used in legal documents, contracts, court proceedings, and other legal contexts. Here's a table of 100 legal English vocabulary terms to help you navigate this complex field.

VocabularyDefinition
ContractA legally binding agreement between two or more parties.
Tortcivil wrong that causes harm to another person or their property.
Breach of contractThe failure to fulfill the obligations of a contract.
LitigationThe process of taking legal action, such as filing a lawsuit, to resolve a dispute.
ArbitrationA process of resolving a dispute outside of court, in which a neutral third party makes a decision that is binding on both parties.
MediationA process of resolving a dispute outside of court, in which a neutral third party helps the parties reach a mutually acceptable agreement.
DiscoveryThe process of obtaining information and evidence from the other party in a legal case.
DepositionA pre-trial testimony given under oath by a witness or party to a lawsuit.
SubpoenaA legal order requiring a person to appear in court or produce documents or other evidence.
Statute of limitationsA law that sets a time limit for filing a lawsuit.
Due diligenceThe process of conducting a thorough investigation of a person or company before entering into a business transaction.
Intellectual propertyLegal rights that protect creative works, such as patents, trademarks, and copyrights.
TrademarkA symbol, word, or phrase used to identify and distinguish a company's products or services.
CopyrightThe exclusive legal right to use, reproduce, and distribute a creative work, such as a book, music, or artwork.
PatentA legal right granted to an inventor or company for a new and useful invention.
Trade secretConfidential information that gives a company a competitive advantage, such as a formula or process.
AntitrustLaws that regulate and prevent monopolies and unfair competition.
Bankruptcylegal process in which a person or company declares that they are unable to pay their debts.
Consumer protectionLaws that protect consumers from unfair or deceptive business practices.
Environmental lawLaws that regulate the use and protection of natural resources and the environment.
Labor lawLaws that govern the relationship between employers and employees, such as minimum wage and anti-discrimination laws.
Immigration lawLaws that regulate the entry and status of non-citizens in a country.
Criminal lawLaws that define illegal conduct and provide for punishment of those who violate them.
Civil lawLaws that govern non-criminal disputes between individuals or businesses, such as contract disputes or personal injury claims.
Common lawA system of law based on previous court decisions and legal precedents.
EquityA system of law that provides remedies for legal disputes that are not available in common law.
JurisdictionThe authority of a court to hear and decide a case.
VenueThe geographic location where a case is heard.
PlaintiffThe party who initiates a lawsuit.
DefendantThe party who is being sued in a lawsuit.
Appellate courtA court that reviews decisions made by lower courts.
Trial courtA court that hears and decides cases in the first instance.
Writ of habeas corpusA legal order requiring a person who is being detained to be brought before a court.
Miranda warningA warning given by police to a suspect in custody, informing them of their rights.
BailMoney or property deposited with the court to ensure that a defendant will appear for trial.
Grand juryA group of citizens who hear evidence presented by prosecutors and decide whether there is enough evidence to indict a suspect.
Plea bargainAn agreement between a defendant and prosecutor to settle a case without going to trial.
FelonyA serious crime, typically punishable by imprisonment for more than one year.
MisdemeanorA less serious crime, typically punishable by a fine or imprisonment for less than one year.
ProbationA period of supervision and restrictions imposed by the court as an alternative to imprisonment.
ParoleEarly release from prison, subject to conditions imposed by the parole board.
Capital punishmentThe death penalty, imposed for certain crimes in some jurisdictions.
Miranda rightsThe rights of a suspect in custody, including the right to remain silent and the right to an attorney.
Search warrantA legal order authorizing law enforcement to search a specific location for evidence.
Arrest warrantA legal order authorizing law enforcement to arrest a specific person.
Civil rightsThe rights and freedoms guaranteed to all citizens, such as the right to vote and the right to free speech.
Due processThe right to a fair and impartial legal process.
Equal protectionThe right to be treated equally under the law, without discrimination based on race, gender, or other characteristics.
Freedom of speechThe right to express opinions and ideas without censorship or government interference.
Freedom of religionThe right to practice any religion or no religion without government interference.
Freedom of the pressThe right to publish and disseminate information without censorship or government interference.
Freedom of assemblyThe right to gather and protest peacefully without government interference.
Miranda v. ArizonaA landmark Supreme Court case that established the requirement for police to inform suspects of their rights.
Brown v. Board of EducationA landmark Supreme Court case that declared segregation in public schools to be unconstitutional.
Marbury v. MadisonA landmark Supreme Court case that established the principle of judicial review.
Roe vWadeA landmark Supreme Court case that established a woman's right to have an abortion.
Gideon v. WainwrightA landmark Supreme Court case that established the right to a court-appointed attorney for indigent defendants.
Civil Rights Act of 1964A federal law that prohibits discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin.
Americans with Disabilities ActA federal law that prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in employment, public accommodations, and other areas.
Family and Medical Leave ActA federal law that provides eligible employees with up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave for family or medical reasons.
Occupational Safety and Health ActA federal law that sets standards for workplace safety and health.
Fair Labor Standards ActA federal law that establishes minimum wage and overtime pay requirements.
Equal Pay ActA federal law that prohibits pay discrimination based on gender.
Age Discrimination in Employment ActA federal law that prohibits employment discrimination against individuals 40 years of age or older.
Title IXA federal law that prohibits sex discrimination in education programs and activities.
Affordable Care ActA federal law that requires individuals to have health insurance and provides subsidies for low-income individuals and families.
Freedom of Information ActA federal law that provides for the disclosure of government records upon request.
National Labor Relations ActA federal law that protects the rights of employees to organize and engage in collective bargaining.
Immigration and Nationality ActA federal law that regulates immigration and naturalization.
Patriot ActA federal law passed in response to the 9/11 terrorist attacks, which expanded the government's surveillance and law enforcement powers.


In conclusion, legal English vocabulary is a specialized set of terms and phrases used in the legal field. Understanding these terms is essential for anyone working in the legal profession. The 100 vocabulary terms listed in this table are just a few of the many important concepts involved in legal English. By familiarizing yourself with these terms, you'll be better equipped to navigate this complex field and communicate effectively with clients, colleagues, and other legal professionals.
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