Basic Legal Vocabulary

Question 1

Fault (n.)

Answer 1

responsibility for a bad situation or event not a legal term, see liability

Question 2

Fault (n.) (e.g.)

Answer 2

It was John’s fault that we were late. He forgot to bring the map.

Question 3

Felony (n.)

Answer 3

A serious crime for which the punishment is prison for more than a year or death. Crimes of less gravity are called misdemeanors. This term is no longer used in England or other Commonwealth countries but remains a major distinction in the United States.

Question 4

felony (n.) (e.g.)

Answer 4

He was charged with a felony for committing armed robbery.

Question 5

file (v.)

Answer 5

to officially give a paper to a court clerk. That paper becomes part of the record of a case.

Question 6

file (v.) (e.g.)

Answer 6

She filed her suit for divorce as soon as she heard about her husband’s mistress.

Question 7

fine (n.)

Answer 7

The money a person must pay as punishment for doing something illegal or for not doing something they were supposed to do.

Question 8

fine (n.) (e.g.)

Answer 8

The fine for smoking in restaurants is at least 500 euros, but it doesn’t seem to deter people from lighting up.

Question 9

fine (v.)

Answer 9

to charge someone an amount of money as a punishment for not obeying a rule or law

Question 10

fine (v.) (e.g.)

Answer 10

The judge fined the motorist for speeding.