📘 Law Vocabulary for IELTS

Understanding law-related vocabulary is essential for IELTS candidates, especially in Reading, Writing, and Speaking tests where legal and social issues are common. Below is a collection of key terms and phrases related to law and justice, along with definitions and example sentences.

1. General Legal Terms

• Law (n) – the system of rules that a society or government develops.
  Example: Everyone is expected to obey the law.
• Legislation (n) – laws created by a government or parliament.
  Example: New legislation was introduced to protect workers’ rights.
• Regulation (n) – official rule or directive.
  Example: The company failed to comply with safety regulations.
• Constitution (n) – the set of basic laws and principles of a country.
  Example: Freedom of speech is guaranteed by the constitution.

2. Law Enforcement & Crime

• Offence (n) – an illegal act; crime.
  Example: Stealing is considered a serious offence.
• Felony (n) – a serious crime, such as murder or robbery.
  Example: He was charged with multiple felonies.
• Misdemeanor (n) – a minor crime.
  Example: Parking violations are usually treated as misdemeanors.
• Penalty (n) – punishment given for breaking a law.
  Example: The penalty for speeding is a fine.
• Deterrent (n) – something that discourages people from doing something illegal.
  Example: Strict penalties act as a deterrent to crime.

3. Legal Process

• Trial (n) – the process of examining a case in court.
  Example: The trial lasted for six months.
• Verdict (n) – the decision made by a jury or judge.
  Example: The jury returned a guilty verdict.
• Appeal (v/n) – to ask a higher court to change a decision.
  Example: The defendant decided to appeal the court’s decision.
• Sentence (n/v) – the punishment given by a court.
  Example: He was sentenced to five years in prison.
• Acquittal (n) – the decision that someone is not guilty.
  Example: She was relieved when the court announced her acquittal.

4. People in Law

• Defendant (n) – the person accused in a trial.
  Example: The defendant pleaded not guilty.
• Plaintiff (n) – the person who brings a case to court.
  Example: The plaintiff demanded compensation for damages.
• Judge (n) – an official who decides cases in court.
  Example: The judge delivered a fair decision.
• Lawyer / Attorney (n) – a person who represents clients in legal matters.
  Example: She hired a lawyer to handle the case.
• Jury (n) – a group of citizens who decide the verdict.
  Example: The jury found the defendant innocent.

5. Common Law Collocations

• Break the law – commit an illegal act.
  Example: Teenagers should be educated about the consequences of breaking the law.
• Uphold justice – maintain fairness in society.
  Example: Courts exist to uphold justice and protect citizens.
• Enforce regulations – ensure that rules are followed.
  Example: Authorities must enforce environmental regulations strictly.
• Serve a sentence – spend time in prison as punishment.
  Example: He served a ten-year sentence for armed robbery.
• Bring to justice – make someone face trial and punishment.
  Example: The police finally brought the criminal to justice.

✅ Conclusion

Law-related vocabulary is not only useful for legal contexts but also frequently appears in IELTS questions about crime, society, and justice. By mastering these terms, candidates can write more accurately in Task 2 essays and speak more confidently in Part 3 discussions.