Basic Legal Vocabulary Flashcards
I
illegal (adj.)
against the law, unlawful. [opp. legal]
illegal (adj.) (e.g.)
Divorce was illegal in Ireland until very recently
imprisonment (v.)
putting someone in prison or in jail as lawful punishment
imprisonment (v.) (e.g.)
He was sentenced to five years’ imprisonment for theft.
indict (v.)
to accuse officially of a crime
indict (v.) (e.g.)
(UK) He was indicted on drug charges at Snaresbrook Crown Court.
(US) Five people were indicted for making and selling counterfeit currency/ fake money
indictable (adj.)
making it possible for someone to be accused officially of a crime
indictable (adj.) (e.g.)
In England, the Crown Court deals with all indictable cases, which are serious offences triable before a judge and jury. e.g. Robbery is an indictable offence.
indictment (n.)
The formal charge issued by a grand jury saying there is enough evidence that the defendant committed the crime to justify having a trial. Used primarily for felonies.
indictment (n.) (e.g.)
The charges on the indictment include murder and attempted murder.
infraction (n.)
a violation of a law which the only penalty is a fine
infraction (n.) (e.g.)
Speeding is one of the most common traffic infractions. Experience shows that the police often use minor traffic infractions as an excuse for stopping and harassing racial minorities.
infringe (v.)
(~ a right, often an intellectual property right) to do something that is against a law or someone’s legal rights, to violate
infringe (v.) (e.g.)
Using someone else’s photograph without permission can infringe on their intellectual property rights.
infringement (n.)
an action that breaks a rule, law, etc.
