Legal Terms Vocabulary

to make a formal judgment or decision about

“The court will adjudicate the dispute.”

to reach an authoritative judgment or settlement

“An independent panel will arbitrate the conflict.”

to take a claim or dispute to a court of law

“They decided to litigate rather than settle.”

to institute legal proceedings against

“The state will prosecute the offenders.”

to absolve someone from blame or a criminal charge

“DNA evidence exonerated the wrongly convicted man.”

to formally accuse of or charge with a crime

“The grand jury voted to indict the suspect.”

to free someone from a criminal charge

“The jury acquitted her of all charges.”

to declare guilty of a criminal offense

“He was convicted of fraud and sentenced to prison.”

deserving blame; guilty

“Both parties were found culpable in the accident.”

responsible by law; legally answerable

“The company is liable for damages.”

failing to take proper care in doing something

“The doctor was found negligent in his duties.”

a written law passed by a legislative body

“The statute clearly prohibits such conduct.”

an earlier event or action regarded as a guide

“The ruling set an important legal precedent.”

the theory or philosophy of law

“His work shaped constitutional jurisprudence.”

a person who brings a case against another in court

“The plaintiff sought damages for breach of contract.”

a person accused or sued in a court of law

“The defendant pleaded not guilty.”

a formal written or spoken statement

“Her testimony proved crucial to the case.”

a formal statement taken outside of court

“He gave a deposition lasting several hours.”

a written statement confirmed by oath

“She submitted an affidavit supporting her claim.”

an authoritative order issued by a court

“The court issued an injunction halting construction.”

a writ ordering a person to attend a court

“He was issued a subpoena to testify.”

unreasonably prone to go to law to settle disputes

“The company's litigious nature discouraged competitors.”