NRTC English: Some useful vocabulary related to crime

It’s important to know crime-related vocabulary because it’s common in news, literature, and everyday conversations.

1. Crime and Criminals

• Burglary: The illegal entry into a building with the intent to commit a crime, usually theft.
  Example: The police are investigating a series of burglaries in the neighborhood.

• Robbery: The act of taking someone’s property by using force or the threat of force.
  Example: She was brave enough to thwart the robbery at the convenience store.

• Assault: Intentionally causing someone to fear that they will be harmed, often involving physical violence.
  Example: He was charged with assault after the bar fight last night.

• Forgery: Creating a fake document, signature, or other imitation with the intent to deceive.
  Example: The counterfeit money was so well-made that it fooled many businesses.

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2. Legal Terminology

• Arrest: To take someone into custody due to alleged involvement in a crime.
  Example: The police arrested the suspect after gathering enough evidence.

• Warrant: A legal document issued by a judge allowing law enforcement to perform a specific action, like a search or arrest.
  Example: The detectives obtained a search warrant to enter the suspect’s residence.

• Testimony: A formal statement given by a witness under oath, especially in court.
  Example: Her testimony was crucial in convicting the defendant.

3. Investigation and Evidence

• Detective: An investigator who collects information to solve crimes.
  Example: The detective analyzed the crime scene to find crucial clues.

• Forensics: Scientific techniques used to solve crimes, such as DNA analysis or fingerprinting.
  Example: Forensics played a key role in identifying the unknown victim.

• Alibi: Proof that a suspect was elsewhere at the time a crime occurred.
  Example: The security footage provided a solid alibi for the accused.

4. Punishment and Legal Proceedings

• Sentence: The punishment given to a person convicted of a crime.
  Example: He received a ten-year prison sentence for his involvement in the fraud scheme.

• Parole: The supervised release of a prisoner before the completion of their sentence.
  Example: The parole board decided to grant her parole after serving half of her term.

• Appeal: A formal request to a higher court to review a decision made by a lower court.
  Example: The defense attorney filed an appeal, seeking a lighter sentence for his client.