Vocabulary Worksheet — Intro
Crime & Justice
Key Vocabulary
| Word | Meaning | Example sentence | |
|---|---|---|---|
| offence | n. | an illegal act | The offence was not serious. |
| suspect | n. | a person believed to have committed a crime | The suspect was arrested yesterday. |
| witness | n. | a person who saw or heard something happen | The witness described the car. |
| evidence | n. | facts or objects that help prove something | The police found new evidence. |
| trial | n. | a formal court process to decide if someone is guilty | The trial lasted three weeks. |
| verdict | n. | the official decision in a court case | The jury reached a verdict. |
| sentence | n. | a punishment given by a court | The sentence was two years in prison. |
| appeal | n./v. | a request for a court decision to be changed | The lawyer plans to appeal. |
| victim | n. | a person harmed by a crime or accident | The victim reported the theft. |
| investigate | v. | to try to find the facts about something | Police investigate serious crimes. |
| charge | v. | to officially accuse someone of a crime | They may charge the suspect tomorrow. |
| acquit | v. | to decide in court that someone is not guilty | The jury decided to acquit the defendant. |
Common Collocations
offence: criminal offence, minor offence
suspect: main suspect, question a suspect
witness: key witness, witness statement
suspect: main suspect, question a suspect
witness: key witness, witness statement
evidence: strong evidence, collect evidence
trial: fair trial, murder trial
verdict: guilty verdict, final verdict
trial: fair trial, murder trial
verdict: guilty verdict, final verdict
sentence: prison sentence, pass sentence
appeal: appeal a decision, successful appeal
victim: crime victim, support a victim
appeal: appeal a decision, successful appeal
victim: crime victim, support a victim
investigate: investigate a case, investigate a complaint
charge: charge someone with theft, criminal charge
acquit: acquit a defendant, be acquitted of a crime
charge: charge someone with theft, criminal charge
acquit: acquit a defendant, be acquitted of a crime
Language Tips
People in a case
A suspect is thought to be involved. A witness saw or heard something. A victim was harmed.
Do not confuse victim with witness.
Court words
A trial is the court process. A verdict is the decision. A sentence is the punishment.
An appeal asks a higher court to review a decision.