Law Words

Legal English is famously opaque, partly because it preserves Latin and Norman French terms that fell out of everyday use centuries ago. "Habeas corpus," "subpoena," "affidavit" — these aren't just fancy words, they name specific legal mechanisms that don't have simple English equivalents. This list covers the terms you're most likely to encounter in news reporting, courtroom dramas, or actual legal documents.

55 words

acquittal affidavit appeal arbitration bail bench brief case clause consent contract counsel court custody damages decree defendant deposition dispute docket evidence felony filing fraud gavel habeas hearing indictment injunction judge jurisdiction jury lawsuit legislation liability litigation mandate misdemeanor motion oath ordinance parole plaintiff plea precedent prosecution ruling sentence statute subpoena testimony trial verdict warrant witness