Law and Obligations

to begin a process or course of action

After discussing the matter, they decided to proceed with the plan.

a written statement affirmed by oath that can be used as evidence in court

She signed an affidavit, swearing under oath to tell the truth in her statement to the court.

a formal statement saying something is true, particularly made by a witness in court

The witness provided compelling testimony that corroborated the victim's account.

the act of blaming and charging someone for their wrong act

instructions or guidelines that determine how a game or sport is played

The rules of chess dictate how each piece moves.

a serious crime such as arson, murder, rape, etc.

Tax evasion is a felony offense that can lead to substantial fines and imprisonment if convicted.

(law) the permission for a prisoner to leave prison before the end of their imprisonment sentence, on the condition of good conduct

After serving half of his sentence in prison, the inmate was eligible for parole, subject to certain conditions and supervision.

(in games and sports) a disadvantage that a team or player is given for violating a rule

a published false statement that damages a person's reputation

The celebrity sued the tabloid for libel after it published false and damaging statements about her personal life.

the act of breaking or not obeying a law, agreement, etc.

The police issued a citation for the minor infraction of jaywalking.

a person or group of people who control the property or money that belongs to another person

The trustee managed the estate to ensure the beneficiaries received their inheritance according to the will.

a response in court, stating an opposing demand

a person who commits a crime

The police apprehended the offender and took him into custody.

an action that is against a law. regulation, or agreement

to publicly support or recommend something

The environmentalist passionately advocates for sustainable living practices.

an official decision made by the jury in a court after the legal proceedings

The jury reached an unanimous verdict of guilty after deliberating for several hours.

an official judgment in court of law that declares someone not guilty of the crime they were charged with

The defendant was relieved to receive an acquittal after a lengthy trial, as the jury found them not guilty of all charges.

an institution designed to reform or rehabilitate young offenders rather than simply punish them

The troubled teenager was sent to a reformatory to receive guidance and education.

a prison or correctional facility where individuals convicted of serious crimes are confined and undergo rehabilitation

The notorious criminal was sentenced to life in the state penitentiary.

according to or allowed by law

The company's actions were found to be in compliance with statutory regulations.

issued, ordered, or carried out by a court or judge

The judicial decision ended years of legal dispute.

not known, measured, or specified precisely

The future of the project remains indeterminate, as the team is still evaluating various factors.

to officially accuse a person of a crime

The grand jury decided to indict the suspect on charges of robbery and assault.

to force someone to leave a country, often as a form of punishment or to keep them away

The king decided to banish the traitor from the kingdom for his treachery.

a false and malicious statement made about someone with the intent to harm their reputation or character

The actress sued for slander after false rumors were spread about her personal life.

to force someone to live away from their native country, usually due to political reasons or as a punishment

The political dissident was exiled from the country for speaking out against the government.

a person who operates outside the boundaries of established rules and may engage in illegal activities

During the Wild West era, many outlaws sought refuge in remote hideouts to evade law enforcement.

to voluntarily relinquish or give up a right, claim, or privilege

to officially give permission for a specific action, process, etc.

The manager will authorize the contract by signing it, giving official approval for the business deal.

to approve a proposed law

The legislature voted to enact new regulations governing environmental protection.

to announce officially that someone is guilty of a crime in a court of law

The jury deliberated and decided to convict the defendant of murder.

to kill someone, especially as a legal penalty

The condemned criminal was executed by lethal injection after exhausting all appeals.

to try to charge someone officially with a crime in a court as the lawyer of the accuser

The lawyer was hired to prosecute the case on behalf of the victim’s family.

to officially resolve a disagreement between people

The two companies, unable to reach an agreement, decided to have a third party arbitrate their dispute.

a legally binding contract between parties, typically individuals or businesses, that outlines confidential information that the parties agree not to disclose to others

Before discussing the details of the new product, the company required all employees to sign a non-disclosure agreement.

the state of being secret

an action that one must perform because they are legally or morally forced to do so

Paying taxes is a civic obligation that supports public services and infrastructure.

an agreed-upon condition or requirement outlined in an agreement, law, or document

The contract includes a provision for early termination with a penalty.

unable to be broken or dishonored, often due to its importance or protection by law or custom

The nation's constitution is considered an inviolable document, safeguarding the rights of its citizens.

(of a person) not subject to an obligation, duty, or liability that applies to others

Firefighters are exempt from paying parking tickets while on duty.

to do a particular thing that is unlawful or wrong

He was arrested for attempting to commit fraud by falsifying financial documents.

to give someone the responsibility of taking care of something important, such as a task, duty, or information

The manager decided to entrust the key project to the experienced team lead.

to formally promise to do something

He pledged to support the charity throughout his life.