Law & Government Vocabulary

Essential vocabulary for law, government, and civic life. Learn key words for understanding legal systems, government structures, and public administration.

What is Law & Government Vocabulary?

Law & Government Vocabulary covers important terms used in courts, government offices, and public administration. This vocabulary helps you understand legal documents, government policies, and civic responsibilities.

Learning law and government vocabulary helps you:
• Understand your rights and duties
• Participate in civic life
• Follow legal procedures
• Engage with government services

Law & Government Words

Word	Meaning	Example
Law	A rule made by government	Obey the law at all times.
Court	A place where legal cases are heard	The court decided the case.
Judge	A person who decides cases in court	The judge announced the verdict.
Lawyer	A person who practices law	Hire a lawyer for legal advice.
Police	An organization that enforces laws	Call the police in an emergency.
Crime	An act that breaks the law	Theft is a crime.
Punishment	A penalty for breaking the law	The punishment was a fine.
Trial	A formal examination in court	The trial lasted two weeks.
Evidence	Information used to prove something	The evidence was presented in court.
Witness	A person who sees an event	The witness testified in court.
Defendant	A person accused in court	The defendant pleaded not guilty.
Plaintiff	A person who brings a case to court	The plaintiff filed a lawsuit.
Verdict	The decision in a court case	The verdict was guilty.
Sentence	The punishment given by a court	The sentence was five years in prison.
Appeal	A request to review a court decision	They filed an appeal.
Arrest	To take someone into custody	The police made an arrest.
Bail	Money paid for temporary release	The judge set bail at $5000.
Jury	A group that decides a court case	The jury found him innocent.
Attorney	Another word for lawyer	She is an attorney at law.
Prosecutor	A lawyer who brings charges	The prosecutor presented the case.
Defense	The side defending against charges	The defense argued for acquittal.
Acquittal	A judgment of not guilty	The acquittal was celebrated.
Conviction	A judgment of guilty	The conviction led to prison time.
Constitution	The basic law of a country	The constitution protects rights.
Government	The system that rules a country	The government passed a new law.
President	The elected leader of a country	The president gave a speech.
Prime Minister	The head of government	The prime minister met with leaders.
Minister	A government official	The minister announced new policies.
Parliament	A legislative body	Parliament debated the bill.
Senate	A part of parliament or congress	The senate voted on the law.
Congress	A legislative body in some countries	Congress approved the budget.
Bill	A proposed law	The bill was introduced in parliament.
Act	A law passed by government	The act was signed by the president.
Policy	A plan or course of action	The policy aims to reduce crime.
Regulation	A rule made by government	New regulations were announced.
Citizen	A member of a country	Every citizen has rights and duties.
Vote	To choose in an election	Citizens vote for their leaders.
Election	A process to choose leaders	The election is held every four years.
Democracy	A system where people choose leaders	Democracy values freedom.
Dictator	A ruler with total power	The dictator controlled the country.
Monarchy	A country ruled by a king or queen	The monarchy is centuries old.
Republic	A country with elected leaders	The republic was founded in 1947.
State	A region with its own government	The state passed new laws.
Province	A division of a country	The province has its own governor.
Mayor	The leader of a city or town	The mayor opened the new park.
Council	A group that makes decisions	The council approved the project.
Public	Relating to all people	Public services are important.
Civil	Relating to citizens	Civil rights must be protected.
Rights	Freedoms protected by law	Human rights are universal.
Duty	A responsibility required by law	It is your duty to obey the law.
Service	Work done for the public	Government provides many services.
Administration	Management of government affairs	The administration changed policies.
Immigration	Moving to a new country	Immigration laws are strict.
Emigration	Leaving one's country	Emigration increased last year.
Refugee	A person fleeing danger	The country accepted many refugees.
Diplomacy	Managing relations between countries	Diplomacy is important for peace.
Embassy	The office representing a country abroad	Visit the embassy for a visa.
Treaty	An agreement between countries	The treaty was signed by both nations.