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"Now that I\\u2019m all by myself, I\\u2019m going to indulge in this last cookie. I don\\u2019t think anyone will notice!\\u201d

Today I\\u2019ll explain some words related to\\xa0trials. While I\\u2019m hoping you\\u2019ll never have to use these words in real life, becoming familiar with this language will help you better grasp the subject and engage in conversation on the topic.

Come on, let\\u2019s start!

#1 The Accused or Defendant

The person who is accused of breaking the law is called the\\xa0accused\\xa0or\\xa0defendant. They have the right to tell their side of the story and present evidence to the judge.\\xa0

For example:

The police arrested the\\xa0defendant. He is accused of having eaten the last cookie in the box.

#2 Courtroom

A\\xa0courtroom\\xa0is a place where legal cases are heard and decided. People go there when they are accused of doing something illegal or have a disagreement that needs to be settled by a judge or jury.

Example:

The trial of the defendant will take place in the\\xa0courtroom.

Okay, next word:

#3 Crime

A\\xa0crime\\xa0is an act or omission against the law punishable by a fine, imprisonment, or both. For example, stealing is a crime.\\xa0

Example:

\\u2013 I just committed a crime!

\\u2013 What crime did you commit?\\xa0

\\u2013 I ate the last cookie without sharing \\u2013 that\\u2019s an unforgivable crime!

In this case, legally, it would not be a crime, but it is unforgivable to eat the last cookie without sharing it!

#4 Accomplice

An\\xa0accomplice\\xa0is a person who helps another to commit a crime or offense. There could be more than one person helping with the crime.

Example:

\\u2013 I can\\u2019t believe we did this.

\\u2013 Me neither. But no one saw how we ate the cookie. Now we are accomplices.

#5 Lawyer or attorney

What\\u2019s the difference between a\\xa0lawyer\\xa0and an\\xa0attorney?

What is a lawyer?

A\\xa0lawyer is someone who has been educated in the law and has completed law school. They can provide legal advice, but cannot represent clients in court because they still need to pass the bar exam.

What is an attorney?

An\\xa0attorney\\xa0has graduated from law school and passed the bar exam in their state of practice; therefore, they can represent clients in court.

Let me tell you a joke about lawyers:

\\u2013 Good morning, How much do you charge for a quick consultation?

\\u2013 500 dollars for three questions.

-Wow, isn\\u2019t that a bit expensive?

\\u2013 Yes. And what is your third question?

#6 Presumption of innocence

This is important. The\\xa0presumption of innocence\\xa0means we should consider the\\xa0defendant\\xa0innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

One example:

The judge reminded the audience that the\\xa0presumption of innocence\\xa0must always be maintained. It hasn\\u2019t been determined if the accused ate the last cookie in the box.

\\xa0

Get the transcript on my website: http://speakenglishpodcast.com/podcast/