You will be surprised to know that standard English and legal English have a lot of differences. In a legal context, a normal English word can have a different meaning. For example, the word 'consideration' in plain English means to think about others. But from a legal perspective, it means a thing of value that is passed between others in exchange for another thing.
If you have seen any legal document you will know that there are grammatical and punctuation differences in legal English. To improve your knowledge of legal English you can follow these tips.
Listen to audiobooks
You can improve your listening and speaking skills by listening to law-based audiobooks. You will learn the right pronunciation and better understand the topics discussed in the legal meetings.Read legal texts
You can skim through several legal documents like deeds or contracts to get accustomed to the various legal vocabularies. You can ask your lawyer friend or family member for an explanation if you don't understand certain words.Listen to podcasts
In legal podcasts, you will hear discussions on various legal issues. You will hear about the analysis of cases and interviews of legal professionals. Here you can find good use of the legal terms that you have learned. By listening to podcasts you can improve your understanding of any vital legal concept as well.Networking
Look out for networking opportunities with legal professionals from all over the world. This allows you to learn about famous cases and how other lawyers are approaching different legal scenarios. You can express your legal perspective as well.If you are in the legal profession, then improving your legal English skills will impact your career positively. You will be able to draft legal documents and communicate more effectively with your colleagues and clients. Legal English is something that you don't use every day. So, it may be difficult to use or understand. But with practice, you can understand it well.
Common legal terms that you should know
Attorney/Lawyer : A legal professional providing legal advice. This person also represents clients in court.Solicitor : A lawyer who advises clients, prepares legal documents, and represents clients in lower courts.
Barrister : A lawyer who specializes in courtroom advocacy and represents clients in higher courts.
Judge : A public official appointed to make decisions based on the law and evidence presented.
Prosecutor : A professional who represents the state or government in criminal proceedings.
Paralegal : A non-lawyer who assists lawyers in legal work, such as research, drafting legal documents, and client communication.
Notary Public : A public officer authorized to authenticate documents, administer oaths, and witness signatures for various legal purposes.
Litigation : The process of resolving disputes through the court system, involving a lawsuit and formal legal proceedings.
Trial : A formal proceeding in a court where evidence is presented, and witnesses are called. The judge decides whether a person is guilty or not.
Appeal : A request made to a higher court to review the decision of a lower court.
Plaintiff : The party who initiates a lawsuit by filing a complaint.
Defendant : The party against whom a lawsuit is filed. The person is accused in a criminal case.
Evidence : Information, materials, or facts presented in court.
Burden of Proof : The obligation of a party to prove the validity of their claims or allegations.
Cross-examination : The questioning of a witness by the opposing party's attorney during a trial.
Witness : A person who provides evidence in a legal proceeding.
Jury : A group of individuals selected from the community who provide verdicts based on the evidence presented in the court.
Contract : A legally binding agreement between two or more parties. The parties' rights, responsibilities, and obligations are mentioned in detail here.
Agreement : mutual understanding
Affidavit : A written statement made under oath used as evidence in legal proceedings.
Supreme Court : The highest appellate court in a country responsible for reviewing decisions made by lower courts.
High Court : A court with general jurisdiction that hears both civil and criminal cases.
District Court : A trial court with limited jurisdiction within a specific geographic area or district.
Magistrate Court : A court that handles minor criminal offenses and civil disputes.
Breach : Failure to fulfill terms of a contract.
Indemnification : An act of compensating one party for losses.
Arbitration : A method of alternative dispute resolution.
Pro Bono : Refers to legal services provided by a lawyer voluntarily without any charge.
Ad Hoc : Something created for a particular purpose.
Parole : Conditional release from imprisonment.
Summons : A request for being present.
Writ : A legal document issued by a court or judicial officer
Charge sheet : A formal police record presented to the court showing the names of each person accused of the criminal offense and other details about the crime committed.
Circumstantial Evidence : Indirect evidence not based on direct observation.
Cross-examination : The examination of a witness by the opposite party.
FIR : A written document prepared by the police when they first receive information about an offense.
Forgery : Making false documents
Homicide : Killing a human being.
Jurisdiction : Legal authority or power of a court to hear and decide a case.
Juvenile : A person who is under the age of 16 years in the case of boys, or 18 years in the case of girls.
Legislature : A branch of the government having the power to make laws in a country.
Modus Operandi : The mode in which a person commits a crime.
Petition : A formal written request presented to a court.
Probation : The release of a convict from prison subject to good behavior and other conditions.
Search Warrant : An order signed by a judge for owners of private property to allow the police to enter and search their home or other premises.
Settlement : An agreement reached by the parties to resolve their dispute.
Testimony : Evidence presented under oath by a witness in court.
Knowing these legal terms will help you in court dealings. You will also be able to communicate well with the lawyers regarding any personal or professional legal matters.
