Criminal Justice Vocabulary

adjective planned or considered beforehand

• The jury found the defendant guilty of first-degree murder, ruling that the crime was committed with malice aforethought.
• She had planned the surprise party with malice aforethought, making sure everything was perfect.
• He went into the meeting with malice aforethought, ready to argue his point no matter what.
• The artist approached the blank canvas with malice aforethought, knowing exactly the masterpiece he wanted to create.

noun a person who assists or supports someone in a wrongful act

verb to assist or support someone in a wrongful act

• The suspect was charged with aiding and abetting the criminal organization.
• I can't believe he would aid and abet in such a serious crime.
• Don't be a fool and aid and abet in their shady dealings.
• His silence only served to aid and abet the spread of false rumors.

• The suspect provided a solid alibi for his whereabouts during the time of the crime.
• She said she was at the movies with friends as her alibi.
• He came up with a lame alibi about getting stuck in traffic.
• His reputation as a reliable witness served as his alibi in the court of public opinion.

verb a word that expresses an action or a state of being, in this case, 'alleged' can also function as a verb meaning to assert without proof

adjective a word that describes or gives more information about a noun or pronoun, in this case, 'alleged' describes something that is claimed to have taken place but not yet proven

• The alleged perpetrator is being held in custody pending further investigation.
• I heard about the alleged cheating scandal at school.
• Did you see the alleged thief running away from the scene?
• The alleged betrayal cut deeper than any physical wound.

noun a formal speech, especially one given as a defense or explanation

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• During his allocution, the defendant expressed remorse for his actions.
• The allocution part of the court hearing was when he apologized for what he did.
• He gave a real heartfelt allocution, man.
• Her allocution was like a weight lifted off her shoulders, finally speaking her truth.

adjective a term used to describe behavior that is harmful or unfriendly towards others, often associated with a lack of interest in socializing or forming relationships

• The psychologist diagnosed him with antisocial personality disorder.
• She tends to be a bit antisocial and prefers to keep to herself.
• He's always been a bit antisocial, never really wanting to hang out with the group.
• His antisocial behavior towards his colleagues isolated him from the team.

verb to cause someone to stop breathing and die or to be unable to breathe

• The victim was found asphyxiated in their home.
• Don't play with plastic bags over your head, you could asphyxiate!
• I felt like I was gonna straight up asphyxiate in that stuffy room.
• The oppressive rules seemed to asphyxiate any creativity in the workplace.

noun a written promise signed by a defendant and surety to ensure that a criminal defendant will appear in court at the scheduled time and date

• The defendant was released from jail after posting a bail bond.
• They had to pay a bail bond to get out of jail.
• I had to fork over a bail bond to get my friend out of trouble.
• Sometimes forgiveness is like a bail bond for the soul, setting us free from guilt.

noun the way in which one acts or conducts oneself, especially towards others

• The psychologist studied the behavior of the patients in the clinic.
• I noticed some strange behavior from my neighbor yesterday.
• His behavior at the party was totally out of line.
• The behavior of the stock market can be unpredictable at times.

noun money paid as compensation for a murder or other violent crime

• The court ruled that the payment was considered blood money and therefore could not be accepted as compensation.
• I heard that he got involved in some shady deal for blood money.
• I can't believe he's willing to do anything for that blood money.
• She felt like she had sold her soul for blood money.

noun a mark or spot made by blood

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• The forensic team found a small bloodstain on the carpet at the crime scene.
• There's a bloodstain on your shirt, you might want to wash it out.
• I accidentally got a bloodstain on my jeans, ugh.
• The bloodstain of betrayal will forever mark their relationship.

noun a nickname or informal term for a police officer or constable

• Bobby is a diligent employee who always completes his tasks on time.
• I heard Bobby is throwing a party next weekend, are you going?
• Bobby is a cool dude, we should hang out with him more often.
• Bobby's words were like a soothing balm to her troubled soul.

noun a person who is bound or tied by a bond to serve someone else

• The bondsman ensured that the defendant appeared in court as required.
• The bondsman helped my friend get out of jail last week.
• I heard the bondsman is a real pro at getting people out of sticky situations.
• In a way, the bondsman acted as a bridge between the accused and the legal system.

noun A sudden or forceful entry into a place

verb To enter suddenly or forcefully, often without permission

• The police had to bust in the door to apprehend the suspect.
• I saw the delivery guy bust in with my pizza just in time for the party.
• I can't believe you just busted in on our conversation like that!
• The news of the scandal was like a bombshell that busted in on their peaceful lives.

noun Knowledge is information or awareness gained through experience, study, or investigation.

• The defendant was charged with having carnal knowledge of a minor.
• I heard she got arrested for having carnal knowledge with that guy from the bar.
• Did you hear about Jake? He got caught getting carnal knowledge behind the school.
• Having carnal knowledge of a subject requires deep understanding and expertise.

noun a device containing electrodes immersed in an electrolyte, used for generating electricity

• The scientist observed the behavior of the cell under the microscope.
• I heard that new cell phone is really popular among teenagers.
• I need to charge my cell before we head out.
• The prison cell felt suffocating, trapping him in his own thoughts.

verb to move towards the speaker or towards a specified place

adverb in a direction towards a specified place

• The witness decided to come forward with new information about the crime.
• I heard that someone is going to come forward and confess to the prank.
• If you know who did it, tell them to come forward and own up to it.
• It's time for the truth to come forward and reveal itself.

noun an alliance of people or groups

• The confederacy was formed by several states in the South during the Civil War.
• The confederacy was a group of states that banded together during the war.
• The confederacy was like a clique of Southern states fighting against the North.
• The confederacy of ideas in his mind led to a breakthrough in his research.

noun the state of being confined; imprisonment

adjective pertaining to being confined or restricted

• The prisoner was placed in solitary confinement for a month.
• I can't stand being in confinement for too long, it drives me crazy.
• Being in confinement is like being in jail without the bars.
• His fear of failure was a self-imposed confinement that held him back from taking risks.

noun a person found guilty of a criminal offense and serving a sentence of imprisonment

verb to declare someone guilty of a criminal offense in a court of law

• The judge declared the defendant guilty and convicted him of the crime.
• They finally caught the thief and convicted him for the robbery.
• The cops busted him for dealing drugs and convicted him.
• His conscience was the convict that haunted him for years.

noun the state of being convinced or persuaded

• The defendant was found guilty and sentenced to prison based on the jury's conviction.
• I have a strong conviction that she is innocent despite what the evidence suggests.
• His conviction for the crime was a real bummer.
• Her conviction to succeed in her career is truly inspiring.

noun a plea

verb cop

• The defendant decided to cop a plea in order to avoid a lengthy trial.
• He knew he was guilty, so he decided to cop a plea.
• He didn't want to risk going to trial, so he decided to cop a plea.
• Sometimes it's better to cop a plea and move on with your life.

noun a person who has committed a crime

adjective relating to crime or criminals

• The criminal was sentenced to ten years in prison for his actions.
• The guy who robbed the bank got caught and is now a criminal.
• That dude is a total criminal, always up to no good.
• His reckless behavior was criminal in nature, causing harm to those around him.

noun a person who is dishonest or a criminal

verb to bend or curve

adjective dishonest or illegal

• The police arrested the crook for embezzlement.
• I heard that guy is a real crook, always trying to scam people.
• That crook is definitely up to no good.
• Beware of the crooks in sheep's clothing.

noun Cruelty is a noun that refers to the quality or state of being cruel; the disposition to inflict suffering or harm on others.

• The documentary shed light on the widespread cruelty towards animals in factory farms.
• I can't stand people who show cruelty towards others, it's just wrong.
• That guy is a real jerk, always dishing out cruelty to those around him.
• The cruelty of time never stops, constantly reminding us of our mortality.

verb to keep someone in official custody, typically for questioning or investigation

• The police have the authority to detain individuals suspected of committing a crime.
• The security guard decided to detain the shoplifter until the authorities arrived.
• The bouncer had to detain the unruly guest and escort them out of the club.
• Her fear seemed to detain her from taking any risks in life.

noun the practice of training people to obey rules or a code of behavior

verb to train oneself to do something in a controlled and habitual way

• Discipline is essential for maintaining order in any organization.
• You need to have some discipline if you want to succeed in your studies.
• I really need to get my discipline in check if I want to reach my goals.
• In life, discipline is like the rudder of a ship that steers us towards our destination.

noun a period of time spent in prison as a punishment for a crime

• The convicted criminal will have to do time in prison for their actions.
• I heard that John got caught stealing and now he has to do time in jail.
• If you get caught, you'll have to do some serious time behind bars.
• Sometimes we have to do time in difficult situations before things get better.

noun a method of execution in which the victim is drawn and quartered

verb to execute by tying each limb to a horse and driving them in different directions

• In medieval times, traitors were often subjected to the punishment of being drawn and quartered.
• I heard they used to draw and quarter people back in the old days.
• If you mess with the boss, he'll have you drawn and quartered.
• The team felt like they were being drawn and quartered by the relentless schedule.

verb to completely remove or get rid of something

• The company implemented a new strategy to eliminate inefficiencies in the production process.
• I need to eliminate all the junk in my closet before I can find anything.
• Let's eliminate that idea right off the bat.
• She tried to eliminate all negative thoughts from her mind before the big presentation.

noun the act of enforcing or the state of being enforced; the carrying out of a law, rule, or obligation

• The enforcement of regulations is crucial for maintaining order in society.
• The police are responsible for enforcement of the law.
• The enforcers are cracking down on illegal activities in the neighborhood.
• The strict enforcement of deadlines ensures timely completion of projects.

verb to catch or ensnare in a trap or a difficult situation

• The police set up a sting operation to entrap the suspect.
• I think someone is trying to entrap me into doing their work for them.
• Don't let them entrap you into their drama.
• The web of lies began to entrap him, leading to his downfall.

noun the act of clearing someone from blame or guilt; vindication

• The defendant's exculpation was based on solid evidence presented by the defense attorney.
• The guy got off the hook because his lawyer proved he didn't do it.
• He totally dodged the blame thanks to some slick maneuvering by his legal team.
• Her exculpation felt like a weight lifted off her shoulders, finally free from accusations.

verb to clear from accusation or blame; to free from guilt or responsibility

• The new evidence helped exonerate the wrongly accused man.
• They finally proved that he didn't do it and exonerated him.
• They cleared his name and exonerated him from all charges.
• The truth came out and exonerated him, washing away all doubts.

noun the act of clearing someone from blame or accusation; the state of being declared not guilty

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• The forensic evidence led to the exoneration of the wrongly accused man.
• They finally proved his innocence and he got off the hook.
• They cleared his name and he was in the clear.
• Her exoneration was like a weight lifted off her shoulders.

verb to erase or remove completely; to eliminate or destroy

• The court granted the motion to expunge the criminal record.
• They decided to expunge the old emails from the system.
• I'm going to expunge that embarrassing photo from social media.
• She tried to expunge the painful memories from her mind.

verb to erase or remove completely, usually from a record or list

• The criminal record was expunged after the individual completed their rehabilitation program.
• Don't worry, once you finish your community service, your record will be expunged.
• After he served his time, his record got expunged.
• She wished she could expunge the memories of that traumatic event from her mind.

adjective Felonious is an adjective that describes something related to or constituting a felony, a serious crime.

• The suspect was charged with felonious assault.
• He got caught for his felonious behavior.
• The gang was involved in some really felonious activities.
• Her felonious lies eventually caught up with her.

noun a type of domesticated mammal often used for hunting rodents

verb to search out or discover through persistent investigation

• The detective was able to ferret out the truth through diligent investigation.
• I need to ferret out where I left my keys, they always seem to disappear.
• I had to ferret out the information from my nosy neighbor.
• She was determined to ferret out the hidden meaning behind his words.

noun A slang term for a government agent, particularly an FBI agent

• The G man was tasked with investigating the financial fraud case.
• I heard the G man is coming to check out the situation.
• The G man is always on top of things, you can count on him.
• He's like a G man, always watching and knowing everything that's going on.

noun a person who engages in dishonest or illegal activities in order to gain money or power

• The grafter worked diligently to complete the project ahead of schedule.
• My friend is a real grafter, always putting in the extra hours at work.
• He's a proper grafter, always hustling to make some extra cash.
• Being a successful entrepreneur requires being a grafter and constantly seeking new opportunities.

noun a dishonest or fraudulent establishment or operation, especially a gambling casino

• The authorities shut down the gyp joint for illegal gambling activities.
• I heard there's a gyp joint down the street where people play poker.
• Let's hit up that gyp joint for some blackjack tonight.
• The rundown bar felt like a gyp joint with its dim lighting and shady characters.

noun a pair of lockable linked metal rings for securing the wrists of a prisoner, often handcuffs

verb to put handcuffs on someone

• The police officer used handcuffs to restrain the suspect.
• I can't believe they handcuffed him for such a minor offense.
• The cops slapped the cuffs on him and dragged him away.
• Debt can be like a handcuff, restricting your financial freedom.

noun a state of confusion or disorder

adverb in a disorderly or haphazard manner

• The chaotic scene caused by the helter skelter evacuation was overwhelming for the rescue workers.
• The party turned into a helter skelter mess once the music got too loud.
• The roller coaster was so helter skelter, I almost lost my lunch!
• Her thoughts were like a helter skelter maze, impossible to navigate.

noun a hidden place; a secluded or isolated place

verb to put or keep out of sight; conceal from the view or notice of others

• The criminal attempted to hide the stolen goods in a secret compartment.
• I told you to hide the snacks before mom sees them!
• She tried to hide her phone from her nosy friend.
• His emotions were so intense that he couldn't hide them anymore.

noun a delay or obstacle

verb to support or sustain; to hinder or delay

• Please hold up the document for further review.
• Hey, can you hold up a second? I need to grab something.
• Hold up, I didn't catch what you just said.
• The new evidence could hold up in court.

adjective obtained through dishonest or illegal means

• The businessman was arrested for his involvement in acquiring ill-gotten gains through fraudulent means.
• He got caught with all that ill-gotten cash he was flashing around.
• She's living large off that ill-gotten money she scammed from people.
• The politician's ill-gotten power was slowly slipping away as the corruption scandal unfolded.

adjective a term used to describe something that is illegal or forbidden by law

• The company was found guilty of engaging in illicit business practices.
• I heard they were involved in some illicit activities.
• They were caught doing some shady stuff.
• The illicit affair between the two celebrities was the talk of the town.

verb to show that someone is involved in a crime or a dishonest act

adjective showing that someone is involved in a crime or a dishonest act

• The evidence presented in court could implicate the suspect in the crime.
• I don't want to do anything that could implicate me in this mess.
• I heard that gossip could implicate you in drama you don't want to be a part of.
• Her decision to remain silent could implicate her in the consequences of the group's actions.

noun A deceptive or fraudulent act or scheme

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• The man was accused of committing an imposture by pretending to be a doctor.
• I can't believe she tried to pull off that imposture at the party last night.
• That imposture was so obvious, everyone could see through it.
• The imposture of perfection is often used to hide insecurities.

verb to confine or restrict someone's freedom by putting them in prison

• The judge decided to imprison the criminal for ten years.
• They're going to imprison that guy for a long time.
• They're gonna throw him in the slammer for a while.
• Her guilt imprisoned her mind, preventing her from moving forward.

noun a person who is imprisoned or confined

verb to imprison or confine someone

• The judge decided to incarcerate the criminal for ten years.
• They're going to lock him up for a long time.
• They're sending him to the slammer for a decade.
• His guilt and shame seemed to incarcerate him in his own mind.

noun an instance of something happening; occurrence

adjective relating to or denoting incidence

• The incidence of heart disease has been on the rise in recent years.
• Have you heard about the incidence of car accidents on that road?
• The incidence of drama in that group chat is off the charts.
• The incidence of kindness in the world seems to be decreasing.

noun a person who is incorrigible

adjective incapable of being corrected or reformed

• Despite numerous interventions, the student remained incorrigible in his behavior.
• No matter what we say, he's just an incorrigible troublemaker.
• That guy is totally incorrigible, he never listens to anyone.
• Her love for him was incorrigible, no matter how much he hurt her.

verb to formally accuse or charge someone with a serious crime

• The grand jury decided to indict the suspect on charges of fraud.
• The police are going to indict him for stealing from the store.
• They're gonna indict him for pulling that stunt.
• His actions may indict him in the court of public opinion.

verb to formally accuse or charge someone with a serious crime

• The suspect was indicted by the grand jury for embezzlement.
• They finally indicted him for the crime he committed.
• They got indicted for pulling off that heist.
• The company was indicted for its unethical business practices.

adjective well-known for some bad quality or deed; notorious

• The infamous criminal was finally apprehended by the authorities.
• That restaurant is infamous for their slow service.
• I can't believe you're wearing those infamous shoes again.
• Her infamous temper flared up once more, causing chaos in the office.

noun a person confined to an institution such as a prison or hospital

• The inmate was escorted back to their cell after their scheduled visitation time ended.
• The inmate was taken back to their room after visiting hours were over.
• The inmate was sent back to their crib once visiting time was up.
• The inmate's freedom was restricted once the visitation period concluded.

noun a person who is not guilty of a crime or offense

adjective not guilty of a crime or offense

• The jury found the suspect innocent of all charges.
• She's innocent, I swear!
• He's as innocent as a newborn baby.
• His eyes held an innocent curiosity as he explored the world around him.

noun a state of being seriously mentally ill; madness

adjective insane

• The defense argued that the defendant's actions were a result of temporary insanity.
• She drove me to the brink of insanity with her constant nagging.
• This job is driving me crazy, it's pure insanity!
• The chaos of the city streets was a whirlwind of insanity.

noun a question, especially one posed formally or officially

• The attorney prepared a list of interrogatory questions for the witness.
• The cop hit me with a bunch of interrogatory stuff.
• The teacher grilled us with some interrogatory nonsense.
• The artist's work posed an interrogatory challenge to the viewer.

noun a place of confinement, typically for those awaiting trial or convicted of a crime

• The criminal was sentenced to ten years in jail for his crimes.
• He's going to be stuck in jail for a long time.
• She ended up in the slammer for the night.
• Being trapped in a toxic relationship can feel like being in emotional jail.

noun A person who is in charge of a jail or a prison, responsible for the custody and supervision of prisoners.

• The jailer escorted the prisoner back to his cell.
• The jailer told the inmate to quiet down or face consequences.
• The jailer gave the troublemaker a warning to behave.
• The restrictions felt like a jailer holding me back from reaching my goals.

noun a person who is addicted to a particular substance, typically drugs

adjective relating to or characteristic of a junkie

• The rehabilitation center specializes in treating drug addicts and junkies.
• I heard he used to be a junkie but has been clean for years now.
• She's a total junkie for reality TV shows.
• He's a junkie for adrenaline, always seeking out extreme sports and risky activities.

noun a place where laundering is done

verb to wash or clean (clothes, linens, etc.)

• The company was accused of using offshore accounts to launder money.
• I heard that some people use cryptocurrency to launder their money.
• I can't believe he tried to launder his dirty money through a car wash.
• She tried to launder her reputation by making a large donation to charity.

noun laws or rules made by a government or authority

adjective relating to the making of laws

• The new legislation aims to regulate the use of drones in public spaces.
• Have you heard about the new legislation regarding smoking in public places?
• I'm not sure if I agree with that legislation, it seems a bit too much.
• The legislation acted as a safety net for consumers in the market.

noun the ability to cause death or harm

• The lethality of the new virus strain is a major concern for public health officials.
• Dude, did you hear about the lethality of that snake bite?
• The lethality of that gossip is off the charts!
• The lethality of his words cut deep into her heart.

noun a drink laced with a drug to make someone unconscious or incapacitated

• The suspect was accused of slipping a Mickey Finn into the victim's drink.
• I heard that bartender is known for serving Mickey Finns to rowdy customers.
• Watch out for that guy, he's been known to spike drinks with a Mickey Finn.
• The shady businessman tried to pull a Mickey Finn on his competitors by spreading false information.

adjective describing someone or something that is capable of or inclined to commit murder

• The jury found the defendant guilty of committing a murderous act.
• He has a murderous look in his eyes whenever he gets angry.
• That guy is straight up murderous, I wouldn't mess with him.
• The competition in the industry is so fierce, it's like a murderous battle for market share.

adjective relating to or characterized by opposition

• The oppositional party presented a strong argument against the new legislation.
• She always takes the oppositional stance in our debates.
• I'm not feeling very oppositional today, let's just go with the flow.
• His oppositional behavior towards authority figures often gets him into trouble.

verb to make something illegal; to prohibit by law

• The new law outlawed the use of plastic bags in the city.
• They outlawed smoking in public places.
• They totally outlawed skateboarding in the park.
• She felt like her emotions were outlawed in her family.

noun the condition of being an outlaw or the practice of living as an outlaw

• Outlawry was a common punishment in medieval England for serious crimes.
• Back in the day, outlawry meant you were basically banished from society.
• If you keep causing trouble, you're gonna end up in outlawry.
• In modern times, some consider tax evasion to be a form of financial outlawry.

noun an excessive and dangerous dose of a drug

verb to take an excessive and dangerous dose of a drug

• The patient was rushed to the emergency room after an overdose of medication.
• I heard that she had an overdose last night, but she's okay now.
• He's always partying too hard and risking an overdose.
• The company's marketing campaign was an overdose of bright colors and loud music.

noun a promise or agreement made between prisoners and their jailers for the release of the prisoner before the completion of their sentence

• The prisoner was released on parole after serving half of his sentence.
• He's out on parole now, so he has to follow strict rules.
• I heard he got off on a technicality and is now on parole.
• Being on parole feels like walking on thin ice, always afraid of slipping up.

noun A term used to refer to a law enforcement officer

• The peace officer ensured that all traffic laws were being followed.
• The peace officer helped direct traffic during the parade.
• The peace officer busted the party for noise complaints.
• She was a peace officer in the office, always mediating conflicts.

noun the offense of willfully telling an untruth in a court after having taken an oath or affirmation

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• The defendant was charged with perjury after lying under oath during the trial.
• I can't believe she committed perjury just to protect her friend.
• Don't be stupid and risk perjury by lying in court.
• His actions amounted to perjury of the heart, as he deceived his loved ones.

noun a deliberate desire to behave in an unreasonable or unacceptable way; contrariness

• The perversity of his actions shocked the entire community.
• I can't believe the perversity of her behavior at the party last night.
• That guy's perversity knows no bounds.
• The perversity of nature never ceases to amaze me.

noun the act of stealing small amounts or items

verb to steal (typically small items) in a casual way

• The employee was caught pilfering office supplies from the supply closet.
• I heard that someone has been pilfering snacks from the break room.
• I can't believe she's still pilfering money from her parents.
• The politician was accused of pilfering votes during the election.

noun the act of locating or identifying something precisely

verb to locate or identify precisely

• Pinpointing the exact cause of the issue requires a thorough investigation.
• We're still working on pinpointing where the problem started.
• I'm having trouble pinpointing the glitch in the system.
• Her keen observation skills were like a compass, pinpointing the truth amidst the lies.

verb to admit or declare that one has committed a crime or offense

adjective showing a willingness to admit wrongdoing or fault

• The defendant decided to plead guilty to the charges brought against them.
• He finally admitted his mistake and pleaded guilty.
• She caved and pled guilty to avoid a longer trial.
• In the court of public opinion, he had no choice but to plead guilty.

noun A person who is a member of a police force and is responsible for enforcing the law and maintaining public order.

• The police officer conducted a thorough investigation at the crime scene.
• I saw the police officer giving out parking tickets on Main Street.
• The police officer busted the party and shut it down.
• She acted like a police officer, enforcing the rules and keeping everyone in line.

noun a formal accusation of a crime made by a prosecutor or law enforcement

verb to officially accuse someone of committing a crime

• The prosecutor will decide whether to prefer charges against the suspect.
• The police might prefer charges if they have enough evidence.
• If they catch him red-handed, they'll definitely prefer charges.
• In the court of public opinion, people may prefer charges even before the legal process begins.

verb to think out, plan, or scheme beforehand

• The prosecutor argued that the defendant had premeditated the crime.
• I don't think he premeditated it, he just acted on impulse.
• She totally premeditated that prank on her brother.
• His decision to quit his job seemed premeditated, as if he had been planning it for a while.

noun a word used to identify any of a class of people, places, or things

verb a word used to describe an action, state, or occurrence

preposition a word governing, and usually preceding, a noun or pronoun and expressing a relation to another word or element in the clause

• The victim has decided to press charges against the perpetrator for theft.
• If someone steals from you, you should definitely press charges.
• I heard she's planning to press charges against her ex-boyfriend for cheating on her.
• The company will press charges against any employee found leaking confidential information.

noun a natural inclination or tendency to behave in a particular way

• Her propensity for detail-oriented work made her the top candidate for the job.
• I've noticed your propensity for sleeping in late on weekends.
• His propensity for drama always makes things more interesting.
• The artist's propensity for using bold colors in his paintings sets him apart from others.

noun the occupation of engaging in sexual activity in exchange for payment

• Prostitution is illegal in many countries around the world.
• I heard that there is a lot of prostitution in that area of town.
• Some people refer to prostitution as 'the oldest profession'.
• Selling out your beliefs for money is like emotional prostitution.

adjective describing a behavior or action that can be subject to punishment

• The crime he committed is punishable by up to ten years in prison.
• If you don't follow the rules, you could end up facing a punishable offense.
• Skipping school is punishable by detention.
• Neglecting your responsibilities is punishable by missed opportunities.

adjective inflicting or intended as punishment

• The judge imposed a punitive fine on the company for violating environmental regulations.
• The teacher gave a punitive assignment to the students who were talking during class.
• My parents are being so punitive by grounding me for a month.
• The punitive measures taken by the coach pushed the team to work harder and improve their performance.

noun a planned or prearranged job

• The police suspected that the burglary was a put up job to frame an innocent person.
• I heard that the whole thing was a put up job to make someone look bad.
• I can't believe they pulled off that put up job without getting caught.
• Her perfect Instagram photos are a put up job, she's not as happy as she looks.

noun a bond or obligation entered into before a court or magistrate, binding a person to do a particular act

• The judge released the defendant on his own recognizance.
• The cop let me go on my own recognizance.
• I got out of jail on my own recog.
• She kept her promises out of a sense of moral recognizance.

noun the act of entering or coming back into a place or situation

adjective relating to the act of entering or coming back into a place or situation

• The spacecraft successfully completed its reentry into the Earth's atmosphere.
• After their vacation, they had a smooth reentry into their daily routine.
• I'm nervous about my reentry into the dating scene after being single for so long.
• His reentry into society after being in prison for years was challenging.

verb to restore to a normal life through therapy or education

• The main goal of the prison system is to rehabilitate inmates and help them reintegrate into society.
• The rehab center is helping my friend rehabilitate after his surgery.
• I heard he's going to rehab to get himself straightened out.
• The company is working hard to rehabilitate its damaged reputation after the scandal.

noun a legal action by which a decision is referred back to the court that made it

verb to send back or refer a case to another court or authority for further consideration

• The judge decided to remand the suspect to custody until the trial.
• They're going to remand him in jail until the court date.
• They're gonna lock him up until his court date.
• Her emotions were remanded to the depths of her heart, never to be revealed.

verb to restrain, prevent, or inhibit something from happening or expressing

• The government attempted to repress the protests by deploying riot police.
• She always tries to repress her emotions and put on a brave face.
• I can't believe he's trying to repress me like that!
• The memories of that traumatic event were repressed deep in her subconscious.

noun a cancellation or postponement of a punishment or obligation

verb to cancel or postpone a punishment or obligation

• The judge granted a temporary reprieve to the defendant.
• The boss gave us a reprieve from the deadline.
• I was so relieved when I got a reprieve from that boring meeting.
• The rain provided a much-needed reprieve from the summer heat.

noun an act of retaliation

• The country warned of potential reprisals if the trade agreement was violated.
• She was afraid of reprisals from her boss if she made a mistake.
• I wouldn't mess with him if I were you, he's known for his brutal reprisals.
• His cold shoulder was a silent reprisal for her betrayal.

adjective describing an action or behavior that is done in response to a perceived injury or offense

• The country implemented retaliatory tariffs in response to the trade dispute.
• She gave him a retaliatory look after he made a snide comment.
• He threw a retaliatory punch after being pushed in the schoolyard.
• Her words were like a retaliatory strike, hitting back at his criticism with force.

noun punishment inflicted on someone as vengeance for a wrong or criminal act

• The judge ruled in favor of retribution for the crime committed.
• He got what was coming to him as retribution for his actions.
• She dished out some serious retribution for that betrayal.
• The storm seemed like nature's retribution for our mistreatment of the environment.

noun the tendency to derive pleasure from inflicting pain, suffering, or humiliation on others

• The psychologist studied the case of the patient exhibiting sadism towards animals.
• I heard that guy has a weird sadism streak when it comes to pranks.
• That horror movie was full of sadism, it was too much for me.
• The dictator ruled with an iron fist and a sadism that knew no bounds.

adjective bloodthirsty or murderous

• The sanguinary conflict resulted in many casualties on both sides.
• The sanguinary battle was a bloodbath.
• That sanguinary movie was so gory!
• His sanguinary thirst for power knew no bounds.

noun a person who escapes without paying

adverb without suffering any punishment or injury

• The accused was acquitted and walked away scot free from the courtroom.
• He managed to skip out of work early and got away scot free.
• The shoplifter was caught red-handed, but somehow got off scot free.
• She always manages to make mistakes but comes out scot free in the end.

noun a person who is easily affected by emotions or physical conditions; someone who is easily offended or hurt

adjective referring to a person who is easily affected by emotions or physical conditions; easily offended or hurt

• It is important to handle sensitive information with care and confidentiality.
• She is very sensitive to criticism and gets upset easily.
• I can't believe he's so sensitive about his hair, he gets defensive whenever someone mentions it.
• The artist's work is so sensitive to light that it changes appearance throughout the day.

noun a publication such as a magazine or television program that appears in regular installments

adjective relating to or arranged in a series

• The police were investigating a series of serial killings in the city.
• I heard there's a new serial on Netflix that everyone is talking about.
• That guy is a total serial dater, he never stays single for long.
• Her serial procrastination was hindering her progress on the project.

verb to attack or assault someone

preposition used to indicate an action or event that is directed towards someone or something

• The group of protesters set upon the government building demanding change.
• The kids set upon the playground as soon as the bell rang for recess.
• The gang set upon their rival in a back alley showdown.
• The feeling of dread set upon her as she realized she was lost in the maze.

noun a physical activity involving sexual intercourse or other sexual activities

• The laws in this country clearly define what constitutes a consensual sex act.
• I heard they got caught in the act while engaging in a risky sex act in the park.
• They were busted for doing some freaky sex act in public.
• The negotiation between the two companies was like a delicate dance, each trying to perform the perfect sex act to come out on top.

noun an act of testing or assessing something

• The company underwent a shakedown to identify any potential areas of improvement.
• The police conducted a shakedown at the nightclub to check for illegal substances.
• I heard there was a shakedown at the party last night, but luckily I left before it happened.
• The sudden market crash felt like a shakedown of the entire financial system.

noun A law enforcement officer in charge of a sheriff's department

• The sheriff was responsible for maintaining law and order in the county.
• The sheriff busted the party last night.
• The sheriff is known as the 'big cheese' around here.
• The sheriff of the town's gossip is always up to date.

noun a sudden and rapid increase in something

verb to inject drugs into one's body using a syringe

• The stock prices shot up after the positive earnings report.
• Did you see how the prices shot up after the announcement?
• Man, those prices just shot up out of nowhere!
• Her confidence shot up after receiving praise for her work.

noun a brief or cursory treatment or attention

• The judge gave the defendant short shrift during the trial.
• I asked for more time to finish my project, but my boss gave me short shrift.
• My friends always give my ideas short shrift, they never take them seriously.
• The new policy was given short shrift by the employees, who felt it was unfair.

noun A person who gives legal advice and prepares legal documents

• The solicitor advised his client on the legal implications of the contract.
• My solicitor helped me sort out my will and estate planning.
• I heard that shady solicitor got caught taking bribes from clients.
• She was a solicitor of good taste, always recommending the best restaurants in town.

noun the act of staking out or watching a location for a period of time

• The police conducted a stakeout outside the suspect's house to gather evidence.
• We had to do a stakeout to catch the raccoon that's been getting into the trash cans.
• Let's go on a stakeout to see if we can catch those kids who keep egging our house.
• She felt like she was on a stakeout, waiting for her boss to make a decision on her promotion.

noun a garment shaped like a jacket with long sleeves that is used to bind the arms tightly against the body as a means of restraining a violent person

• The patient was restrained in a straitjacket to prevent any self-harming behavior.
• They had to put him in a straitjacket because he was getting too rowdy.
• They really need to loosen up that straitjacket, it's way too tight.
• Being stuck in a job you hate can feel like wearing a mental straitjacket.

verb to kill by squeezing the throat or neck, especially until dead

• The victim was found strangled in her own home.
• I heard that the suspect strangled his roommate during an argument.
• I can't believe she strangled that guy at the party last night!
• The lack of funding has strangled the progress of the project.

verb to give evidence or testimony against someone or something in a court of law

• The witness was called to testify against the defendant in court.
• I can't believe they asked me to testify against my own friend.
• I ain't testifying against nobody, no matter what they offer me.
• Her actions testify against her character more than any words could.

noun a piece of advice or inside information given to someone

verb to give someone a hint or warning about something

preposition used to indicate the starting point of a race or competition

• The informant decided to tip off the authorities about the illegal activities happening in the neighborhood.
• I heard that someone tipped off the police about the party next door.
• I'm gonna tip off my friend about the surprise party we're planning for her.
• Her sudden change in behavior tipped off her friends that something was wrong.

noun inherent baseness

• The judge considered the defendant's actions to be of great turpitude.
• His behavior was just full of turpitude.
• She's always getting into trouble because of her turpitude.
• The dark clouds of turpitude hung over the city as corruption ran rampant.

adjective describing someone who feels no regret or guilt for their actions

• The defendant remained unremorseful throughout the trial, showing no signs of regret for his actions.
• She was unremorseful about missing the deadline, claiming she had more important things to do.
• He's so unremorseful about cheating on his girlfriend, it's like he doesn't even care.
• The storm raged on, unremorseful in its destruction of everything in its path.

verb to make someone a victim of mistreatment or harm

• The suspect was accused of attempting to victimize several elderly residents in the neighborhood.
• I heard that someone tried to victimize Mrs. Smith last night.
• That scammer is always trying to victimize unsuspecting people.
• The company's decision to cut benefits seemed like a move to victimize its employees.

noun a person who does something that is morally or legally wrong

• The wrongdoer was brought to justice and faced severe consequences for their actions.
• The wrongdoer got caught red-handed and had to pay for what they did.
• That wrongdoer is always up to no good, I can't trust them.
• The wrongdoer's actions cast a dark shadow over the entire community.

noun a person who shares a prison cell with another person

• The prisoner was assigned a new cellmate after his previous one was transferred to another facility.
• I hope my cellmate doesn't snore loudly at night.
• My cellmate is pretty chill, we get along well.
• In a way, our fears can be like a constant cellmate, always present and weighing us down.

verb to clear from accusation or blame; to declare or prove someone's innocence

• The new evidence presented in court ended up exonerating the defendant of all charges.
• The new proof that came to light totally exonerated him!
• They finally found the evidence that cleared his name completely.
• The truth came out, exonerating him like a weight lifted off his shoulders.

noun a person who is likely to try to escape or flee, especially from legal custody

• The judge denied bail due to concerns that the defendant is a flight risk.
• They didn't let him out on bail because they think he might try to run away.
• They're keeping her locked up because they're worried she might skip town.
• Her commitment to the project is so strong, she's definitely not a flight risk.

noun the act of restraining someone by fastening their hands together with handcuffs

verb restraining someone by fastening their hands together with handcuffs

• The police officer was trained in proper handcuffing techniques.
• I heard they caught the suspect by handcuffing him behind his back.
• The security guard was quick with the handcuffing when the troublemaker started causing a scene.
• The strict rules felt like handcuffing my creativity.

noun a formal request from a court in one country to a court in another country for judicial assistance in the form of obtaining evidence or serving documents

• The judge approved the letter rogatory to be sent to the foreign court for assistance in the case.
• The lawyers are working on getting a letter rogatory to help with the legal proceedings abroad.
• We're gonna need to send a letter rogatory to get the necessary information from the overseas authorities.
• Sending a letter rogatory is like asking for a helping hand from another country's legal system.

adjective able to be arrested

• The suspect's actions were deemed arrestable by the authorities.
• If you keep speeding, you're going to do something arrestable.
• Don't do anything arrestable or you'll end up in jail.
• His reckless behavior was arrestable in the eyes of the law.

verb a verb is a word that expresses an action or a state of being. 'Stole' is a past tense form of the verb 'steal', which means to take something without permission or unlawfully.

• The thief stole valuable jewelry from the museum.
• I can't believe she stole my idea and presented it as her own.
• He stole my thunder by making the announcement before I could.
• Time stole the color from her hair, leaving behind strands of gray.

noun a word that represents a person, place, thing, or idea. In this phrase, 'possession' and 'law' are nouns.

verb a word that expresses an action, occurrence, or state of being. In this phrase, 'is' is a verb.

adjective a word that describes or modifies a noun. In this phrase, 'nine-tenths' is an adjective.

preposition a word that shows the relationship between a noun (or pronoun) and other words in a sentence. In this phrase, 'of' is a preposition.

article a word that is used to specify a noun. In this phrase, 'the' is an article.

• In legal terms, possession is nine-tenths of the law, meaning that whoever physically holds a property has a stronger claim to it.
• Basically, possession is nine-tenths of the law, so if you have something in your hands, it's yours.
• Dude, possession is like, nine-tenths of the law, so if you got it, you keep it.
• In life, it often feels like possession is nine-tenths of the law, as those who have control or ownership tend to have the most power.

noun a person's manner of walking

adjective not in prison or captivity; at liberty

• The defendant was found not guilty and was able to walk free from the courtroom.
• After the charges were dropped, he was able to walk free without any consequences.
• He thought he would get in trouble, but he ended up walking free in the end.
• Once she let go of her past mistakes, she was able to walk free and start fresh.

noun an evil deed; a crime or wrongdoing

• The accused was charged with multiple counts of malefaction in the court.
• I heard he was involved in some malefaction, but I don't have all the details.
• Don't get caught up in that malefaction, it's not worth it.
• His lies and deceit were a form of malefaction against his friends.

noun A word that represents a person, place, thing, or idea. In this case, 'victim' is a noun as it refers to a person who has been harmed, injured, or killed as a result of a crime, accident, or other event.

• The victim impact statement is a crucial part of the sentencing process in criminal cases.
• The victim impact statement lets the court know how the crime has affected the victim.
• The victim impact statement is where the victim tells their side of the story to the judge.
• The victim impact statement is like a window into the emotional aftermath of the crime.

noun a person who is under suspicion or investigation

preposition of

• The police are currently investigating a person of interest in connection to the robbery.
• They're looking into that guy as a person of interest for the crime.
• The cops have their eye on that dude as a person of interest.
• She was like a person of interest in the group, always drawing attention.

noun a type of behavior that is harmful or disruptive to society or others

adjective describing behavior that is harmful or disruptive to society or others

• The city council is implementing measures to address the issue of antisocial behaviour in public spaces.
• The neighbors are complaining about the antisocial behaviour of some teenagers in the area.
• Dude, that guy's antisocial behaviour is really getting on my nerves.
• The neglect of community values can be seen as a form of antisocial behaviour.

noun a person without a criminal record or history of wrongdoing

adjective referring to a wine made from grapes that have not been sprayed with chemicals

• The dermatologist recommended using a gentle cleanser for those with clean-skin.
• I envy people with clean-skin, they don't have to worry about acne.
• She's lucky to have clean-skin, she never gets any pimples.
• Having a clean-skin in this industry means having no prior experience or connections.

noun a Latin phrase meaning 'wrong in itself'

preposition in this context, 'in' is used as a preposition to indicate the relationship between 'malum' and 'se'

• The concept of malum in se refers to acts that are inherently wrong, regardless of whether they are illegal or not.
• Some people believe that stealing is malum in se, meaning it is wrong in and of itself.
• Dude, cheating on your partner is totally malum in se, you just don't do it.
• His actions were like a malum in se, causing irreparable harm to those around him.

verb a word used to describe an action or state of being, in this case, 'take' is the verb indicating the action of accepting blame or punishment

article a word that specifies a noun, in this case, 'the' is the article specifying the noun 'fall'

• The CEO decided to take the fall for the company's financial mismanagement.
• I can't believe he's willing to take the fall for something he didn't even do.
• I ain't gonna take the fall for your mistake.
• She knew she had to take the fall in order to protect her friend from getting in trouble.

noun a person who is accused of a crime or wrongdoing

• The accusee has the right to defend themselves in court.
• The person being accused can hire a lawyer to help them.
• The one getting blamed can plead their case with a good attorney.
• The accused party must present their side of the story to clear their name.

noun a house or other building used for illegal drug dealing or other criminal activity

• The police raided a suspected trap house in the neighborhood.
• Let's swing by the trap house later and see what's going on.
• I heard there's a lit party happening at the trap house tonight.
• Her mind was like a trap house, filled with hidden secrets and dangers.

noun a person who steals cattle or livestock

• The abactor was charged with stealing cattle from the farm.
• The abactor got caught stealing cows from the ranch.
• The abactor was busted for swiping some cows.
• He was like an abactor, taking what didn't belong to him without permission.

noun the killing of someone during the commission of a felony

• The defendant was charged with felony murder after committing a robbery that resulted in a death.
• They got hit with felony murder for that botched robbery.
• They're looking at a felony murder rap for that job gone wrong.
• The consequences of his actions snowballed into a felony murder charge.

noun get (something that is obtained)

adjective tough (difficult to deal with or overcome)

• Securing funding for the project was a tough get, but we managed to convince the investors in the end.
• Getting tickets to the concert is a tough get, they sell out so quickly.
• Trying to borrow his car is a tough get, he's very protective of it.
• Winning her trust was a tough get, but once I did, our relationship grew stronger.

noun Narrative is a spoken or written account of connected events; a story.

• The coroner delivered a narrative verdict at the end of the inquest.
• The coroner gave a detailed explanation in the narrative verdict.
• The verdict was like a story told by the coroner.
• The narrative verdict painted a clear picture of what happened.

verb to release or free someone from arrest or custody

• The police officer decided to de-arrest the suspect after new evidence came to light.
• The cop let the guy go after realizing he made a mistake, he de-arrested him.
• The cops had to un-arrest the dude because they got the wrong guy.
• She felt like she needed to de-arrest herself from the toxic relationship she was in.

noun the act of inciting or assisting someone to commit a crime

• The defendant was charged with aiding and abetting the criminal act, also known as abetment.
• She was accused of helping him commit the crime, which is called abetment.
• He got caught abetting his friend in the prank, what a troublemaker!
• Her constant encouragement only served as abetment to his reckless behavior.

noun the act of absconding or fleeing from justice or avoiding detection

• The suspect's abscondence from the scene of the crime raised suspicions among the investigators.
• His sudden abscondence left everyone wondering where he had gone.
• I can't believe she pulled an abscondence on us like that!
• The company's abscondence from the market was a strategic move to focus on other opportunities.

verb to leave hurriedly and secretly, typically to avoid detection or arrest

• The suspect absconds from the scene of the crime before the police arrive.
• I heard that he absconds with the money every time he gets a chance.
• She absconds with her boyfriend whenever she wants to skip school.
• When faced with a difficult situation, he tends to abscond from his responsibilities.

noun Absente reo is a legal term that refers to a situation where the accused is absent or missing from a court proceeding.

verb There is no applicable verb for 'absente reo'.

adjective There is no applicable adjective for 'absente reo'.

adverb There is no applicable adverb for 'absente reo'.

pronoun There is no applicable pronoun for 'absente reo'.

preposition There is no applicable preposition for 'absente reo'.

conjunction There is no applicable conjunction for 'absente reo'.

interjection There is no applicable interjection for 'absente reo'.

article There is no applicable article for 'absente reo'.

• The judge declared the defendant absente reo, meaning they were absent and did not have legal representation.
• The guy didn't show up to court, so they called him absente reo or something like that.
• They marked him as absente reo because he bailed on his court date.
• In the eyes of the law, he was considered absente reo, a ghost in the legal proceedings.

adjective able to be accused or charged with a crime

• The suspect is accusable of committing the crime.
• They think he's accusable for stealing the money.
• They're saying he's totally accusable for the mess.
• Her actions make her highly accusable in the eyes of the public.

noun a formal charge or accusation of wrongdoing

adjective relating to or involving an accusation

• The accuser's accusal of the defendant led to a lengthy legal battle.
• Her accuasl of him cheating caused a big argument.
• I can't believe the accuasl she made against him!
• His accuasl pierced through her heart like a knife.

noun The person who is accused of a crime or wrongdoing.

• The accusant presented compelling evidence to support their claim in court.
• The accusant was really upset about being blamed for the mistake.
• The accusant was throwing shade at everyone in the room.
• The accusant's words were like arrows, piercing through the defense's arguments.

noun a person who accuses someone else, typically in a court of law

• The accuser presented their evidence to the court.
• The accuser told their side of the story to the police.
• The accuser spilled the tea to everyone at school.
• The accuser's words cut through the room like a sharp blade.

noun a person who is declared not guilty in a court of law, especially after a trial

verb not applicable

adjective not applicable

adverb not applicable

pronoun not applicable

preposition not applicable

conjunction not applicable

interjection not applicable

article not applicable

• The jury decided to acquit the defendant of all charges.
• The judge let him off the hook and acquitted him.
• They let him walk and acquitted him.
• His conscience acquitted him of any wrongdoing.

noun a plural form of the word 'acusia', which refers to the loss of the ability to hear sounds normally

• The lawyer presented compelling evidence to refute the acusiae against his client.
• I heard there are some acusiae floating around about that new employee.
• Don't believe all those acusiae, they're just rumors.
• Her sharp words were like acusiae, piercing through his defenses.

adjective relating to or involving judgment or adjudication

• The adjudicative process in court involves a thorough examination of evidence and legal arguments.
• The judge's decision-making during the trial is part of the adjudicative process.
• I heard that the adjudicative procedures can be quite complex and lengthy.
• In a way, life itself can be seen as an ongoing adjudicative process of making choices and facing consequences.

noun a noisy quarrel or fight

verb to engage in a noisy quarrel or fight

• The police were called to break up the affray that broke out at the protest.
• There was a big affray at the party last night, things got out of hand.
• Did you hear about the affray between those two gangs? It was intense!
• The affray between the two political parties escalated quickly, leading to heated debates.

noun a noisy argument or fight

verb to engage in a noisy argument or fight

• The police were called to the scene of multiple affrays in the downtown area.
• There were a bunch of affrays happening at the party last night.
• Things got pretty heated and turned into affrays at the bar.
• The conflict between the two countries escalated into affrays on the international stage.