Vocabulary Words Every Legal Assistant Should Know

Law

Definition: A system of rules created by a government.

• Everyone must follow the law.
• She studied law at university.
• The law protects people's rights.

Law in a sentence

Court

Definition: A place where legal cases are heard.

• The judge works in a court.
• He went to court for the trial.
• The court decides on important matters.

Court in a sentence

Judge

Definition: To form an opinion about something; a person who decides in legal cases.

• It's not fair to judge someone without knowing them.
• The judge made a decision in the case.
• I try not to judge people too quickly.

Judge in a sentence

Lawyer

Definition: A professional who practices law and represents clients in legal matters.

• The lawyer prepared the case for court.
• She wants to become a lawyer to help others.
• Understanding the role of a lawyer is crucial in legal issues.

Lawyer in a sentence

Case

Definition: A particular situation or example.

• In this case, we need to find a solution.
• The teacher explained the case of the missing book.
• He carried his glasses in a protective case.

Case in a sentence

Client

Definition: A person or organization that receives services from a professional.

• The lawyer met with a client to discuss the case.
• She is a client at the local hair salon.
• The company values every client highly.

Client in a sentence

Document

Definition: A written or printed paper that provides information.

• Please sign the document.
• I need to read this document carefully.
• They stored the document in a safe place.

Document in a sentence

Evidence

Definition: the information that helps prove something

• The detective found evidence at the scene.
• She presented evidence to support her argument.
• The evidence showed that he was telling the truth.

Evidence in a sentence

Trial

Definition: A test of performance, quality, or suitability; a legal process.

• They will conduct a trial for the new product.
• The trial was held in the courtroom.
• She is participating in a trial for a medication.

Trial in a sentence

Witness

Definition: A person who sees an event, often a crime, and can provide information.

• The witness testified at the trial.
• She was a witness to the accident and reported it.
• Witnesses play a crucial role in legal cases.

Witness in a sentence

Crime

Definition: An act that breaks the law.

• The police are investigating a crime in the area.
• Stealing is a serious crime.
• He read a book about crime and its consequences.

Crime in a sentence

Rights

Definition: Legal or moral entitlements that people have.

• Everyone has rights that should be respected.
• They protested to defend their rights.
• Human rights are important for all individuals.

Rights in a sentence

Rules

Definition: guidelines for behavior or actions

• The teacher explained the classroom rules.
• He broke the rules during the game.
• Following the rules helps everyone.

Legal

Definition: Relating to the law; permitted by law.

• It is legal to drive at age sixteen in our state.
• We should follow all legal rules in our community.
• He studied legal issues in school.

Legal in a sentence

File

Definition: A collection of documents or data stored together.

• I need to organize my files on the computer.
• He saved the file in a new folder.
• Please check the file for the latest updates.

File in a sentence

Sign

Definition: A symbol or notice that provides information or directions.

• The sign shows where to find the restrooms.
• Please read the sign before entering.
• They put up a sign for the event.

Sign in a sentence

Report

Definition: A spoken or written account of something.

• I need to write a report about my science project.
• The news report covered the recent event.
• He will report the findings to the class.

Report in a sentence

Hearing

Definition: The ability to perceive sounds; also refers to a formal meeting to listen to evidence.

• Her hearing is very sharp, and she notices sounds easily.
• The judge scheduled a hearing for the case next week.
• He had difficulty hearing in noisy environments.

Hearing in a sentence

Support

Definition: To help or provide assistance to someone or something.

• Friends should support each other.
• The community came together to support the event.
• We need to support local businesses.

Support in a sentence

Question

Definition: A sentence or phrase used to ask for information.

• She raised her hand to ask a question.
• The teacher answered my question.
• He had a question about the homework assignment.

Question in a sentence

Appeal

Definition: to make a request for a decision to be reviewed

• The student decided to appeal the exam results.
• His speech had an emotional appeal that moved many.
• Understanding appeal helps in discussions about rights.

Appeal in a sentence

Sentence

Definition: A set of words that expresses a complete thought.

• Can you write a sentence using this word?
• Every sentence needs a subject and a verb.
• I enjoy reading long sentences in books.

Sentence in a sentence

Guilty

Definition: Feeling responsible for committing a wrongdoing or crime.

• He felt guilty for not telling the truth.
• She looked guilty after breaking the vase.
• The guilty student apologized for his actions.

Guilty in a sentence

Innocent

Definition: not guilty of a crime or wrongdoing

• She was found innocent of all charges.
• His innocent smile made her laugh.
• The innocent child played happily in the park.

Innocent in a sentence

Decision

Definition: A choice made after thinking about something.

• She made a decision to study hard this year.
• It's important to think before making a decision.
• He had to make a difficult decision.

Decision in a sentence

Contract

Definition: A formal agreement between two or more parties.

• They signed a contract for the new job.
• The contract outlines the terms of the agreement.
• It's important to read a contract carefully before signing.

Contract in a sentence

Plaintiff

Definition: A person who brings a case against another in a court of law.

• The plaintiff argued that the contract was broken.
• In the trial, the plaintiff presented evidence to support her claim.
• The plaintiff is seeking damages for the accident.

Plaintiff in a sentence

Defendant

Definition: A person accused of a crime in a court of law.

• The defendant pleaded not guilty to the charges.
• The lawyer defended the defendant during the trial.
• He was nervous as the defendant in the case.

Defendant in a sentence

Attorney

Definition: A person who is licensed to practice law and represent clients.

• He hired an attorney to help with his case.
• The attorney explained the legal process to her.
• She wants to become an attorney after finishing law school.

Attorney in a sentence

Testimony

Definition: A formal statement or evidence, often given in court; personal account of an experience.

• Her testimony helped the jury understand the case.
• He gave a testimony about his experience.
• The testimony was important for the trial.

Testimony in a sentence

Settlement

Definition: An official agreement or a community where people live.

• The peace settlement ended the conflict.
• They moved to a new settlement in the countryside.
• The settlement was established many years ago.

Settlement in a sentence

Liability

Definition: the state of being responsible for something, especially in law

• He accepted liability for the accident.
• The company has a liability to its employees.
• Understanding liability is important in business.

Liability in a sentence

Claim

Definition: To state something as a fact or to assert a right to something.

• He will claim his prize at the ceremony.
• She made a claim about her invention.
• You need to claim your lost items at the office.

Claim in a sentence

Jurisdiction

Definition: The official power to make legal decisions and judgments; the area of authority.

• The court has jurisdiction over criminal cases.
• Understanding jurisdiction is important in law.
• They debated the jurisdiction of the local court.

Jurisdiction in a sentence

Mediation

Definition: A process where a neutral third party helps resolve a dispute between two sides.

• Mediation can help settle conflicts without going to court.
• She acted as a mediator during the discussion.
• Understanding mediation techniques can help in negotiations.

Mediation in a sentence

Arbitration

Definition: A process where a neutral third party helps resolve disputes between two sides.

• Arbitration is often used to settle business disagreements.
• They agreed to arbitration to avoid going to court.
• Understanding arbitration can help in conflict resolution.

Arbitration in a sentence

Litigation

Definition: The process of taking legal action; a lawsuit.

• Litigation can be expensive and time-consuming.
• They decided to avoid litigation and settle.
• She studied litigation in law school.

Litigation in a sentence

Deposition

Definition: a formal statement made under oath; the act of removing someone from office

• The lawyer took her deposition on the events of that day.
• His deposition was crucial to the case.
• They scheduled a deposition for next week.

Deposition in a sentence

Affidavit

Definition: a written statement made under oath

• He signed an affidavit to confirm his identity.
• The lawyer submitted an affidavit to the court.
• An affidavit is often used as evidence in legal matters.

Affidavit in a sentence

Subpoena

Definition: A legal document that orders someone to appear in court or produce evidence.

• She received a subpoena to testify as a witness.
• The lawyer issued a subpoena for the missing documents.
• He was nervous about the subpoena he received in the mail.

Subpoena in a sentence

Tort

Definition: A wrongful act leading to legal liability; a civil wrong.

• A tort can result in a lawsuit.
• She filed a tort claim for damages.
• Understanding tort law is important for legal studies.

Tort in a sentence

Negligence

Definition: failure to take proper care; lack of attention

• His negligence led to an accident at work.
• Understanding negligence is essential in law.
• She was sued for negligence after the incident.

Negligence in a sentence

Damages

Definition: Money awarded to a person as compensation for loss or injury.

• The court awarded her damages for the accident.
• He filed a claim for damages to his property.
• Understanding damages is crucial in legal matters.

Damages in a sentence

Prosecution

Definition: The legal party that brings a case against someone in a court.

• The prosecution presented strong evidence.
• The prosecution argued for a tough sentence.
• He worked for the prosecution in criminal cases.

Prosecution in a sentence

Defense

Definition: The action of protecting someone or something; also refers to a legal argument.

• The defense presented evidence to support his case.
• She practiced her defense skills in the tournament.
• Understanding defense strategies can enhance safety and legal knowledge.

Defense in a sentence

Statute

Definition: A written law passed by a legislative body.

• The new statute aims to protect the environment.
• She learned about the statute during her civics class.
• Understanding statutes is important for knowing our rights.

Statute in a sentence

Regulation

Definition: A rule or directive made and maintained by an authority.

• The regulation ensures safety.
• They followed the regulation carefully.
• New regulation was introduced for better practices.

Regulation in a sentence

Compliance

Definition: Following rules or standards.

• The company is in compliance with safety regulations.
• They ensured compliance with the new laws.
• She checked for compliance with the guidelines.

Compliance in a sentence

Discovery

Definition: The act of finding or learning something new.

• The scientist made a great discovery.
• Her discovery changed the way we think about health.
• They celebrated the discovery of a new species.

Discovery in a sentence

Verdict

Definition: A decision made by a jury or judge in a court case.

• The jury reached a verdict after hours of deliberation.
• The verdict was announced in the courtroom.
• He awaited the verdict with anxiety.

Verdict in a sentence

Summons

Definition: a legal document ordering someone to attend court

• She received a summons for jury duty.
• The lawyer presented the summons to the defendant.
• He was surprised by the summons in the mail.

Summons in a sentence

Brief

Definition: Short in duration or extent; concise.

• He gave a brief summary of the meeting.
• The teacher's explanation was brief and clear.
• We had a brief chat before class started.

Brief in a sentence

Law Firm

Definition: A business that provides legal services and advice.

• She works at a law firm in the city.
• The law firm specializes in family law.
• He dreams of starting his own law firm one day.

Law Firm in a sentence

Precedent

Definition: An action or decision that serves as an example for future situations.

• The court's ruling set a legal precedent.
• They referred to a precedent in their argument.
• Understanding precedent is crucial in law and governance.

Precedent in a sentence

Injunction

Definition: a legal order that requires someone to do or refrain from doing something

• The court issued an injunction against the company.
• An injunction can stop harmful activities.
• She filed for an injunction to protect her rights.

Injunction in a sentence

Adjudication

Definition: the process of making a formal judgment

• The adjudication of the case took several months.
• We learned about adjudication in law class.
• Adjudication helps resolve disputes fairly.

Adjudication in a sentence

Retainer

Definition: A fee paid in advance to secure services, often from a professional.

• She paid a retainer to the lawyer for ongoing legal advice.
• The consultant requires a retainer for their services.
• With a retainer, you ensure access to expert help when needed.

Retainer in a sentence

Tortfeasor

Definition: A person or entity that commits a tort.

• The tortfeasor was held responsible for the damages.
• Understanding the role of a tortfeasor is important in law.
• In court, the tortfeasor must justify their actions.

Tortfeasor in a sentence

Due Diligence

Definition: The careful review and consideration of important information.

• Due diligence is necessary before making big decisions.
• He conducted due diligence before investing in the company.
• Performing due diligence helps prevent mistakes.

Tortious

Definition: Relating to or involving a tort; wrongful act leading to civil legal liability.

• His actions were considered tortious and led to a lawsuit.
• Understanding tortious behavior helps in legal cases.
• A tortious act can result in compensation for damages.

Tortious in a sentence

Indemnity

Definition: Security or protection against a financial loss or damage.

• The policy offered indemnity against theft.
• They sought indemnity for damages caused by the storm.
• Indemnity clauses are common in contracts.

Indemnity in a sentence

Litigation Support

Definition: assistance provided during legal disputes

• Litigation support includes gathering evidence and research.
• She works in litigation support to help lawyers.
• Understanding litigation support is important for legal processes.

Case Law

Definition: Law established by the outcome of former court cases.

• Case law is important for understanding legal principles.
• They studied case law to prepare for the exam.
• Understanding case law helps in legal decision-making.

Case Law in a sentence

Motion

Definition: The act of moving or changing position.

• The motion of the car was smooth on the road.
• He studied the motion of planets in science.
• Her hand made a motion to wave goodbye.

Motion in a sentence

Probate

Definition: The legal process of verifying a will.

• The probate process can take several months.
• After his death, the family went through probate.
• Probate ensures that the deceased's wishes are followed.

Probate in a sentence

Contractual

Definition: Related to formal agreements or contracts.

• They have a contractual obligation to meet deadlines.
• She reviewed the contractual terms carefully.
• Contractual agreements protect both parties involved.

Contractual in a sentence

Fiduciary

Definition: A person entrusted with the responsibility to manage someone else's money or assets.

• A fiduciary must act in the best interest of their clients.
• He serves as a fiduciary for the family trust.
• Understanding fiduciary duties is essential in finance.

Fiduciary in a sentence

Jurisprudence

Definition: The theory or philosophy of law and legal systems.

• Jurisprudence examines the principles behind laws.
• He studied jurisprudence to understand legal reasoning.
• Understanding jurisprudence is essential for aspiring lawyers.

Jurisprudence in a sentence

Bailiff

Definition: an officer of the court responsible for maintaining order

• The bailiff called the court to order.
• He worked as a bailiff during the trial.
• The bailiff ensured everyone followed courtroom rules.

Bailiff in a sentence

Paralegal

Definition: A person trained to assist lawyers in legal work but not qualified to practice law.

• The paralegal prepared documents for the trial.
• She works as a paralegal in a law firm.
• Paralegals play an important role in legal processes.

Paralegal in a sentence

Due Process

Definition: The legal requirement that the state must respect all legal rights.

• Due process ensures fair treatment under the law.
• He learned about due process in civics class.
• Understanding due process is essential for justice.

Due Process in a sentence

Clause

Definition: A group of words with a subject and verb.

• A clause can be independent or dependent.
• The sentence has a main clause and a subordinate clause.
• He identified the clause in the sentence.

Clause in a sentence