IELTS Vocabulary: Crime and Law
IELTS vocabulary for discussing criminal justice, law enforcement, and legal systems.
15 words — Band 6 to Band 8+
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Band 6Band 6 Vocabulary
rehabilitation
Restoring an offender to a useful life
“Rehabilitation programs reduce reoffending rates.”
deterrent
Something that discourages action through fear of consequences
“Harsh penalties serve as a deterrent against crime.”
legislation
Laws enacted by a governing body
“New legislation was introduced to combat cybercrime.”
prosecution
The institution of legal proceedings
“The prosecution presented compelling evidence.”
Band 7Band 7 Vocabulary
incarceration
The state of being imprisoned
“Mass incarceration has significant social and economic costs.”
recidivism
The tendency to relapse into criminal behavior
“High recidivism rates suggest prison alone is not effective.”
jurisdiction
The official power to make legal decisions
“The case fell under federal jurisdiction.”
acquittal
A judgment that a person is not guilty
“The acquittal was based on insufficient evidence.”
restorative justice
Focus on rehabilitation through reconciliation
“Restorative justice programs bring victims and offenders together.”
precedent
An earlier event used as a guide
“The court ruling set an important legal precedent.”
Band 8+Band 8+ Vocabulary
jurisprudence
The theory or philosophy of law
“Jurisprudence has evolved to address digital crimes.”
adjudicate
To make a formal judgment on a disputed matter
“The court will adjudicate the land dispute.”
exonerate
To absolve from blame or wrongdoing
“DNA evidence helped exonerate the wrongly convicted man.”
punitive
Inflicting or intended as punishment
“Punitive measures alone do not address the root causes of crime.”
litigious
Tending to engage in lawsuits
“The increasingly litigious society raises legal costs for businesses.”
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