Law 01-01: Basic Legal Terms

Question 1

the set of laws of a country and the ways in which they are interpreted

system prawny

“In court, the l__ s__ decides what’s fair using rules and evidence.
Struggling through the ____, she faced the challenge where rules and evidence shaped justice.

Answer 1

legal system

(system prawny)

Question 2

• the court-based process through which Person A can seek to hold Person B liable for some type of harm or wrongful act
• “When there’s a disagreement or problem, a _________ helps decide what is right or wrong in a fair way.”

sprawa cywilna

This is the first c____ c____ that has been brought against the Church in Chile related to allegations of sexual abuse.
One employment discrimination ____ against the national company is scheduled to go to trial in January.

Answer 2

civil case

sprawa cywilna

Question 3

• officially submitting a written statement to a court, outlining concerns or accusations for legal action.”
• John, frustrated, decides to _____ after the unfair treatment from a reckless driver who destroyed his car.

wnieść skargę/powództwo

Answer 3

to file a complaint

wnieść skargę/powództwo

Question 4

• a group of people who have been chosen to listen to all the facts in a trial in a law court and to decide if a person is guilty or not guilty,
• In a courtroom, the ____ listens to the stories and helps decide who is right.
• During a trial, the ____ helps the judge make important decisions about what happened.”

ława przysięgłych

Answer 4

jury

ława przysięgłych

If you are accused of a crime you have the right to be judged by a jury of your peers.

Question 5

• a person or company in a law case that is accused of having done something illegal, or of harming someone else, - accused of crime.
• “Even when the court decided against the ________, it means they couldn’t prove their case

pozwany/a, oskarżony/a,

Answer 5

defendant

pozwany/a, oskarżony/a,

Question 6

a person or company that makes a legal complaint about someone else in a court of law,

powód/ka

Answer 6

plaintiff

powód/ka

Consequently it limited the damages in such cases unless the plaintiff proved actual malice.
The plaintiff accidentally struck a water hydrant whilst manoeuvring his vehicle, causing water to flow out.
The defendant says such damage does not give rise to a compensable loss of the plaintiff in this action.

(tiff - kłótnia, sprzeczka)

Question 7

• a person who is in charge of a trial in a court and decides how a person who is guilty of a crime should be punished, or who makes decisions on legal matters

sędzia

Answer 7

judge (noun)

sędzia

-On Monday, the judge who signed the warrants is expected to appoint public defenders for each of the accused.
-But then you have a decision and a judgment of a single judge of the Federal Court.

Question 8

• a lawyer; a person who has the legal right to act for someone else

prawnik, adwokat

Answer 8

attorney

prawnik, adwokat

-You and your attorney should understand your business situation thoroughly.
-The present system allows for an individual to be represented by a different attorney at each stage.

Question 9

• ## someone who works in a law company, or a company’s legal department, and has some legal training, but does not have all the qualifications to be a lawyer,

praktykant adwokacki; asystent prawnika

Answer 9

paralegal

praktykant adwokacki; asystent prawnika

• Now she was working as a receptionist and sometime counselor, but she was planning to become a paralegal and, after that, an attorney.
• In the meantime, she has been working as a paralegal assistant in Atlanta.
• Her paralegal license allows LaMay to do all of her own legal work.

Question 10

a bad or an illegal action

wykroczenie, przestępstwo, naganne postępowanie

The police officer suspected them of _ after observing their behavior.

Answer 10

wrongdoing

wykroczenie, przestępstwo, naganne postępowanie

Police investigated the allegation but found no evidence of criminal wrongdoing.
Shortly afterwards he held a news conference in which he strenuously denied any wrongdoing.
The police officer suspected them of wrongdoing after observing their behavior.

Question 11

an opinion or decision made after judging the facts that are given, especially one made at the end of a trial

wyrok, werdykt

Answer 11

verdict

wyrok, werdykt

• The nine-member panel of judges are expected to deliver a verdict within seven days.
• Yesterday’s verdict was originally expected in December but was repeatedly delayed

Question 12

to solve or end a problem or disagreement

rozstrzygnąć

Answer 12

to resolve

rozstrzygnąć

Both sides met in order to try to resolve their differences.
Her arrival did little to resolve the situation.
I’m sure they will soon resolve all the difficulties.

Question 13

to reach a decision or an agreement about something, or to end a disagreement

rozstrzygnąć

Answer 13

to settle

rozstrzygnąć

The company has agreed to settle out of court.
When we approached the till to settle up, he reduced our bill by 50 per cent.
They have been unable to settle/resolve the dispute over working conditions.

Question 14

to request a higher court of law to consider again a decision made by a lower court, especially in order to reduce or prevent a punishment

składać apelację; odwoływać się (against sth od czegoś)

My lawyer said the court’s decision wasn’t correct and that we should file for an ____.

Answer 14

to appeal

składać apelację; odwoływać się (against sth od czegoś)

• My lawyer said the court’s decision wasn’t correct and that we should file for an appeal.
• She will appeal against the judge’s decision.

Question 15

money that is paid to someone by a person or organization who was responsible for causing some injury or loss

money as compensation

odszkodowanie

Answer 15

damages

odszkodowanie

He was ordered to pay damages totalling ￡30 000.
He won the court case and was awarded damages.

Question 16

the hearing of statements and showing of objects, etc. in a law court to judge if a person is guilty of a crime or to decide a case or a legal matter;

proces

Answer 16

trial

proces

• Through a gruelling trial Gill lied and attempted to cover his tracks despite the evidence stacked against him.
• The trial is expected to continue for three months.
• Several men are awaiting trial for robbery.

Question 17

facts or documents that can be used to show that something is true

dowód

He is unlikely to make wild accusations without ____.

Answer 17

proof

dowód

• We have no positive proof of her guilt.
• He is unlikely to make wild accusations without proof.
• The court is only authorized to review cases if it is presented with new facts or proof of innocence.

Question 18

an argument or disagreement, especially an official one

an argument or conflict

spór

Answer 18

dispute

spór

• They hope for a peaceful settlement of the dispute.
• The matter was settled beyond dispute by the court judgment .

Question 19

to be given the right to do or have something

mieć prawo do czegoś; być uprawionym do czegoś

Answer 19

to be entitled to

mieć prawo do czegoś; być uprawionym do czegoś

• By law, returning Kazakhs are supposed to be entitled to certain benefits, including housing and financial assistance.

Question 20

• the act of using a lawyer or a court to help settle a disagreement, etc. that you have with a person or an organization;
• Ms. Britt wants to take …… against her employer for not giving her a promotion.

wystąpienie na drogę sądową

Answer 20

legal action

wystąpienie na drogę sądową

• She threatened to take legal action against the hospital.
• He brought a legal action against the magazine for defamation of character.

Question 21

the legal right to be treated equally and fairly; receive justice according to established rules

sprawiedliwy proces; właściwa procedura prawna

We must remember always that accusation is not proof and that conviction depends upon evidence and d____ of law.

Answer 21

due process

sprawiedliwy proces; właściwa procedura prawna

• The report said that the trials generally lacked any due process of law and most were held in secret.
• The rules of due process were designed to ensure that the government cannot arbitrarily imprison innocent people.

Question 22

to start a process by which a court of law makes a decision to end a disagreement between people or organizations; start the process of legal action;

wytoczyć komuś proces; wytoczyć sprawę; wszcząć postępowanie

You may want to initiate a ____ to recover any assets that were inappropriately transferred to your stepbrother.

Answer 22

to initiate a lawsuit

wytoczyć komuś proces; wytoczyć sprawę; wszcząć postępowanie

The decision to initiate a lawsuit is often made when there’s a dispute that cannot be resolved.

Question 23

to end a lawsuit before the court makes a decision about it

Parties may choose to____ to avoid the time and cost of a trial.

Hopefully. Mr. Wilton will be able to s____ this problem without going to court.
Settling a ____ means reaching an agreement between the parties involved without going to trial.

rozstrzygnąć sprawę

Answer 23

to settle a case

rozstrzygnąć sprawę

Parties may choose to settle a case to avoid the time, cost, and uncertainty of a trial.

Question 24

the document that explains all details about the patient’s
history, clinical findings, diagnostic test results, patient’s progress and medication

dokumentacja medyczna

• Results are incorporated within personalised ____ which serve as clinical review forms.
• After patients supply their ____, a company medical team contacts their physicians for any required information not in the records.

Answer 24

medical records

dokumentacja medyczna

• Arrange for the transfer of medical records to your new doctor.
• Medical records are also useful in helping the student to learn about all aspects of a patient’s care.

Question 25

written communications such as letters and emails

korespondencja

This was due to a staff shortage which consequently resulted in delayed c____ with members of the public.

Answer 25

correspondence

korespondencja

Her correspondence with Jim lasted many years.
Where’s the file of our recent correspondence?

Question 26

a documentation made by a police officer which includes the important details and events about an incident

raport policyjny

According to the state ____, witnesses said about 12 men walked into the village shortly after 7 p.m.

Answer 26

police report

raport policyjny

The police report stated that he was arrested for allegedly assaulting his wife.

Question 27

sets out the fees, as well as the terms of the lawyer-client relationship. The agreement should clearly explain how the lawyer's fees will be paid, who will work on the matter, and if you are involved in a lawsuit, how the court costs will be paid.

umowa o honorarium

Under the contingency ____ agreement, the private lawyers hired by the state would be paid only if they win the case.

Answer 27

fee agreement

umowa o honorarium

The agreement may also include details about other costs and expenses related to the legal representation.

Question 28

a list of items to be discussed at a formal meeting

porządek obrad,

Answer 28

agenda

porządek obrad, agenda

• An 18-point agenda was drawn up for the meeting.
• Every year, the state opening of Parliament includes the Queen’s Speech, which sets out the government’s agenda for the coming year.

Question 29

initial summary of a potential client’s case, used by law firms and clinics

notatka służbowa

• Attorneys rely on the ____________ to systematically organize client data, enabling a comprehensive understanding of potential legal issues.
• Completing the ____________ is a pivotal step in initiating legal proceedings, providing lawyers with a roadmap for building a robust case strategy.

Answer 29

intake memo

notatka służbowa

Question 30

a fee that the client pays upfront to an attorney
before the attorney has begun work for the client

umowa o honorarium za pozostawanie w dyspozycji

Attorneys often require a signed ____________ to formally commence work, ensuring clarity on fees, responsibilities, and expectations.

Answer 30

retainer agreement

umowa o honorarium za pozostawanie w dyspozycji

Also, please be reminded that you have signed an hourly rate retainer agreement with this law firm. The agreed rate is $200 per hour.

Question 31

a letter on a subject of frequent recurrence that can be sent to different people without essential change except in the address

list seryjny

After typing a ____ letter in the word processor, this program adds each customer’s name, address and heading to copy of the letter and prints them all out.

Answer 31

form letter

list seryjny

• Should I use a form letter or a personalized reply?
• She later received a form letter advising her that she had been selected for this position.

Question 32

consists of a demand letter and a collection of documents that inform the insurance company that an accident has occurred, lay out the details of the case, and request a specific amount as compensation for the injuries sustained.

wniosek o odszkodowanie wraz z dokumentacją

• The attorney prepared a detailed ____________ to strengthen the client’s position, outlining the facts and desired outcomes.
• In legal proceedings, a ____________ is a comprehensive document presenting evidence, claims, and demands to support a case.

Answer 32

demand package

wniosek o odszkodowanie wraz z dokumentacją

Question 33

the legal process that happens before a lawsuit is filed/the process of taking legal action.

postępowanie przedsądowe/spór sądowy

Most lawyers spend most of their time helping clients prevent or resolve disputes, trying their best to avoid costly l___.

Answer 33

pre-litigation/litigation

postępowanie przedsądowe/spór sądowy

It is hoped that the dispute will be settled without litigation.

Question 34

in the US, a court of law that makes decisions relating to legal cases in which people do not accept the decision of a lower court

sąd apelacyjny

Answer 34

Court of Appeals

sąd apelacyjny

The plaintiff appealed the decision of the court of appeals, and the Colorado Supreme Court agreed to hear the case.

Question 35

in the US, a court that makes decisions about cases
according to state laws rather than federal law

sąd stanowy

Cases involving state law are brought before the ____________ for resolution and judgment.

Answer 35

state court

sąd stanowy

Question 36

a situation in which a business or a person becomes unable to pay their debts, and is officially bankrupt

bankructwo, upadłość

The bank loan saved her company from b___.

Answer 36

bankruptcy

bankructwo, upadłość

His firm is just on thin ice of bankruptcy.

Question 37

in the US, one of the courts in the federal court system, which uses a jury to make decisions about a crime or legal argument

sąd okręgowy

• The legal dispute was brought to ____________ in Anchorage, where it will be resolved according to state laws.
• If you have a legal matter related to state laws, you would typically bring it to a ____________ for resolution.

Answer 37

district court

sąd okręgowy

• She was appointed to the U.S. District Court, serving six years as a trial judge where she presided over hundreds of cases.
• The lawsuit filed in U. S. District Court in Anchorage claims that federal officials violated laws designed to protect the animals.

Question 38

to reexamine judicially or administratively a lower court judgment by an appellate court, determining if there were legal errors sufficient to require reversal.

ponownie rozpoznać decyzję/wyrok/postanowienie

After the court issued its verdict, the losing party decided to ________ the decision in hopes of a more favorable outcome.

Answer 38

to review a decision

ponownie rozpoznać decyzję/wyrok/postanowienie

poddać decyzję ponownemu rozpoznaniu/ponownej rewizji

Question 39

when a judge or a court of law hears a case, or evidence in a case, they listen to it officially in order to make a decision about it.

rozpoznać sprawę

• The judge scheduled a date to ________ the case and listen to the arguments from both sides.
• The court is prepared to ________ your case next week, so make sure you have all necessary documents.

Answer 39

to hear a case

rozpoznać sprawę

Supreme Court has agreed to hear a case on whether workers should be paid for their time donning and doffing protective safety gear.

Question 40

to sue somebody, to start legal proceedings against somebody, to attempt to prosecute somebody

wnieść sprawę do /oddać sprawę do sądu

After the car accident, Sarah decided to ________ against the negligent driver who caused the damage.

Answer 40

to bring a case to/ before the court

wnieść sprawę do sąd /oddać sprawę do sądu

Question 41

the authority that a particular court of law or official organization has to make laws, rules, or legal decisions

jurysdykcja, kompetencja

The British police have no j____over foreign bank accounts.

Answer 41

jurisdiction

jurysdykcja, kompetencja

These matters do not fall within our jurisdiction.
The Supreme Court ruled that the US government had no jurisdiction over crimes committed on Indian lands.

Question 42

the pursuit of recognized territorial ownership by a group or individual

roszczenia dotyczące prywatnych gruntów

• The family had to ________ to resolve the boundary dispute with their neighbors over the backyard.
• The farmer decided to ________ to protect his ownership rights over the disputed piece of land.
• The real estate developer had no option but to ________ after the conflicting land claims emerged.

Answer 42

private land claims

roszczenia dotyczące prywatnych gruntów

Question 43

to say that you disagree with or disapprove of something;

sprzeciwić się czemuś

The homeowner decided to o____ to the construction of a new building that would block their view.
The tenant had the right to o____ to the rent increase imposed by the landlord.

Answer 43

to object to sth

sprzeciwić się czemuś

Question 44

to make a final decision on a dispute

rozstrzygnąć spór

The neighbors chose to decide a d____ through a community mediation service.
The couple opted to decide a d____ with a collaborative divorce process.

Answer 44

to decide a dispute

rozstrzygnąć spór

Question 45

the authority appellate courts have to decide which appeals they will consider from among the cases submitted to them

swoboda decyzyjna /uprawnienia dyskrecjonalne

It is generally an appellate court that operates under d____ r____, which means that the** Court can choose which cases to hear. **
The Supreme Court has the authority to exercise d____ r____, choosing cases that it deems important for national legal precedents.

Answer 45

discretionary review

swoboda decyzyjna /uprawnienia dyskrecjonalne

uprawnienia uznaniowe w rozpatrywaniu decyzji sądów (niższej instancji)

Question 46

To deliver or pronounce an official or formal judgment that is to the advantage of or approving of someone or something.

orzekać na korzyść

• The judge decided to ________ the plaintiff, declaring that the evidence supported their claims.
• After careful consideration, the jury opted to ________ the defendant, finding them not guilty of the charges.

Answer 46

to rule in favour of

orzekać na korzyść

The Court of Justice will rule in favour of freedom of movement.

Question 47

an official organization, often created by the government,
which is responsible for managing a particular duty or
service

organ władzy

The judge holds the ________ to interpret and apply the law in this courtroom.

Answer 47

authority

organ władzy

Policemen have authority to arrest lawbreakers.
I’m always wary of men wearing suits, as I equate this with power and authority.

Question 48

jurisdiction over cases arising in or involving persons residing within a defined territory

jurysdykcja terytorialna/ ogólna

• The court has _________ to hear cases that arise within its geographical boundaries.
• They exercised t_____ j____ over areas often inhabited by tens of thousands of people.

Answer 48

territorial jurisdiction

jurysdykcja terytorialna/ ogólna

Question 49

to make an official decision about something, especially about who is right in a disagreement; make a formal judgement on a disputed matter.

Their purpose is to a____ disputes between employers and employees.

orzekać/ rozstrzygać

Answer 49

to adjudicate

orzekać/ rozstrzygać

• Would you please adjudicate on who should get the prize
• He has been asked to adjudicate in the disagreement between the city council and the citizens.

Question 50

the authority of a court to hear cases of a particular type or cases relating to a specific subject matter
*means the special area where a certain court has the right to decide cases. It’s like assigning different jobs to different courts based on what they’re best at.

jurysdykcja przedmiotowa

• The family court has ________ to handle divorce and child custody matters.
• The bankruptcy court has ________ to handle cases related to financial insolvency.

Answer 50

subject jurisdiction/
subject-matter jurisdiction

jurysdykcja przedmiotowa

Question 51

to form an opinion about through careful weighing of evidence and testing of premises; to make a final decision in a legal disagreement

sądzić

• The experienced judge was chosen to ________ over the complex legal dispute involving international contracts.
• The honorable judge was well-prepared to ________ over the emotionally charged divorce proceedings.

Answer 51

to judge over sth

sądzić

Question 52

refers to power of a court to adjudicate a case to the exclusion of all other courts. It is the sole forum for determination of a particular type of case. It is decided on the basis of the subject matter dealt with by a particular court.

jurysdykcja wyłączna

The specialized environmental court has e____ j____ in cases related to environmental regulations.

Answer 52

exclusive jurisdiction

jurysdykcja wyłączna

• The commissioners had exclusive jurisdiction to decide.
• The senate committees have exclusive jurisdiction over the FBI.

Question 53

it exists where two or more courts from
different systems simultaneously have jurisdiction over a
specific case. This situation leads to forum shopping, as parties will try to have their civil or criminal case heard in the court that they perceive will be most favorable to them.

jurysdykcja niewyłączna/ fakultatywna/ przemienna

• In cases of c____ j____, multiple courts have the authority to hear the same type of case.
• Litigants may opt for a forum that best suits their needs due to the existence of c____ j____ between different courts.

Answer 53

concurrent jurisdiction

jurysdykcja niewyłączna/ fakultatywna/ przemienna

Question 54

to make a decision about something; to settle a case

podjąć decyzję w danej sprawie

• The jury deliberated extensively to decide the ____ of the defendant’s guilt.
• Mediation offers a collaborative approach to help parties d____ the i____ and find a mutually acceptable resolution

Answer 54

to decide an issue

podjąć decyzję w danej sprawie

Question 55

the practice of choosing the court or jurisdiction that has the most favorable rules or laws for the position being advocated;

możliwość wyboru sądu

• Some people engage in f____ sh____ by seeking jurisdictions with favorable laws or sympathetic judges.
• Lawyers may engage in f____ sh____ to gain tactical advantages, such as selecting a court with a history of favorable rulings

Answer 55

forum shopping

możliwość wyboru sądu

(ze względu na korzystniejsze rozstrzygnięcie sprawy)
To limit the damage that would result from forum shopping, it is desirable that the same law is applied to achieve the same result no matter where the case is litigated.

Question 56

If you have seen Lamu, you’ll easily recognize this style of architecture. [Użyj odpowiedniej formy zaimka
kto.]

Answer 56

Ten, kto widział Lamu, łatwo rozpozna ów styl architektury.

Question 57

With our new K1250 cutter, you can cut rails faster and more efficiently than ever. [Jako podmiotu użyj** nazwy
reklamowanego urządzenia**.]

Answer 57

Nasza nowa przecinarka K1250 pozwala ciąć szyny szybciej i wydajniej niż do tej pory.

Question 58

Before you open the cover, make sure that power is off. [Użyj prostego okolicznika i formy bezosobowej.]

Answer 58

Przed otwarciem pokrywy należy sprawdzić, czy urządzenie zostało wyłączone z prądu.

Question 59

Be warned that they won;t sell you a ticket unless you already have the visa. [Pomiń początek zdania i użyj formy bezosobowej.]

Answer 59

Żeby kupić bilet, najpierw trzeba zdobyć wizę.

Question 60

It’s almost impossible to get lost: just keep going upwards until you see a dilapidated church. [Użyj słowa
**wystarczy **i uprość końcówkę zdania.]

Answer 60

Zgubić się właściwie nie sposób: wystarczy iść pod górę aż do zrujnowanego kościoła.

Question 61

You can vote if you’re a European Union citizen who is 16 or over and resident in the UK. [z informatora dla
wyborców]

Answer 61

Głosować może każdy obywatel Unii Europejskiej, który ukończył 16 lat i mieszka w Zjednoczonym
Królestwie.

Question 62

You can easily imagine how, when they were away on these voyages, they longed for hearth and home. [mowa
o dawnych żeglarzach]

Answer 62

Nietrudno sobie wyobrazić, jak bardzo podczas tych wypraw/podróży musieli tęsknić za domem i rodziną/domowym ogniskiem.

Question 63

The lost property office is at the main station. Allow two working days for articles lost on buses to reach the
office.

Answer 63

Biuro rzeczy znalezionych mieści się na dworcu głównym. Przedmioty pozostawione w autobusach można
odbierać najwcześniej po upływie dwóch dni roboczych.

Question 64

If you look at the palace from Via del Paradiso, the Doric column can still be clearly seen.

Answer 64

Dorycką kolumnę widać wyraźnie/można łatwo dojrzeć, kiedy patrzy się na pałac od strony Via del Paradise.

Question 65

Remember to use light colours to enlarge small rooms and avoid vertical stripes in taller ones, [porady, jak
samemu pomalować dom].

Answer 65

W niewielkich pomieszczeniach, aby je powiększyć optycznie, stosujemy/stosuje się jasne kolory, w wysokich zaś należy unikać pionowych pasów.

Question 66

When you first kiss someone, make it light and exploratory, rather than fevered and oppressive.

Answer 66

Całując się z kimś po raz pierwszy, należy czynić to delikatnie, jakby eksperymentalnie, a nie gorączkowo i
natarczywie.