Key Vocabulary List. prison/ jail (Am), to put in prison, to put smb under arrest, to release from prison, prisoner/ inmate

prison/ jail (Am), to put in prison, to put smb under arrest, to release from prison, prisoner/ inmate, prisoner of war, to imprison, imprisonment, prison term

incarceration, to be incarcerated, the rate of incarceration

custody, to be in custody/ to be remanded/held in custody, to be apprehended

to convict smb of smth, convict, to be convicted of smth, to have conviction for smth, to overturn the conviction

to outlaw, an outlaw

to appeal, appeal, to appeal against the conviction, to dismiss an appeal

evidence, forensic evidence, to produce evidence, to consider the evidence/ testimony/ proof

witness, a witness for the prosecution/ for the defence, a witness to a crime

charges against smb, to be charged with, to drop charges against smb

to plead guilty/ not guilty to a crime, plea

bail, on bail, to be put on bail, to stand bail for smb

parole, on parole, to be released on parole, remission and parole system, non-custodial alternatives

the age of criminal responsibility

sentence, lenient sentence, suspended sentence, to pass a sentence, to impose a sentence, to suspend a sentence, to complete a sentence, to serve a prison sentence

penalty

probation, to be put on probation, to be on probation

to suspect smb of smth, suspect, to be under/ beyond suspicion, suspicious-looking to be represented by a lawyer

investigation, to undertake investigation

inquiry, to make inquiries/ inquest

to find smb guilty/ not guilty, to give smb a free pardon, to acquit smb, to find the case not proven

major crime, petty crime, minor offence

a hole-in-the-wall cash dispenser

Some offences: unlawful possession of a weapon, blackmail, burglary, robbery, armed robbery, shoplifting, petty theft, kidnapping, arson, trespassing, murder, manslaughter, felony, smuggling, bigamy, conspiracy, espionage, treason, fraud, forgery, baby- or wife battering, rape, assault, mugging, driving without due care and attention, drug peddling, hijacking, carjacking, joyriding, sexual abuse, bribery, bribe-taking, corruption, embezzlement, obscenity, libel, slander, perjury, an offence against property

to be robbed at gunpoint

to raid, raider, smash-and-grab raid, ram-raid heist

squatters, ravers, hunt saboteurs

Some of the sentences: to impose a fine, to pay compensation, to give smb community service, to be banned from driving, to endorse smb’s licence, revocation of a privilege (e.g. driver’s licence, hunting permit), to put smb on probation, life imprisonment, death penalty/ capital punishment

Text A

Real Crime and Pseudo Crime!

In the traditional English detective story, written by someone like Agatha Christie, the crime is nearly always murder. It often takes place in a country house, and the local inspector, who undertakes investigation, is incapable of solving the case, and needs the help of a private detective. The detective begins making a series of inquiries and looking for clues. The suspects are usually upper-class, and have a motive for killing a victim. The detective eventually resolves the mystery by inviting all those under suspicion to meet. He sets a trap for the murderer, and establishes his guilt by going through the evidence. The murderer obligingly gives himself away, and confesses, providing the proof of the detective’s accusation. The grateful police inspector arrives to make the formal charge and put the murderer under arrest.

In real life, the crime is usually not murder but an offence against property, on a scale ranging from shoplifting through theft to burglary and robbery with violence. Other offences involving money, like fraud and forgery, are also much more common than murder. If the case is solved, it is usually because the police receive information that puts them on the track of the criminal, or he leaves traces behind him such as fingerprints. Sometimes offering a reward helps to convict someone. But few thieves or robbers confess unless they know they will be found guilty and hope to get a lighter sentence, and the police seldom invite them to a party with other suspects!

When a crime is committed there is a police investigation. The suspect is questioned by the police. He may be then arrested and charged. And perhaps held in custody. He appears in a Magistrates’ Court. He may be represented by a solicitor. Minor cases are dealt with at this Court. Serious cases go to the Crown Court, where there is a jury and a judge. The defendant may be represented by a barrister. The jury finds him guilty or not guilty and the judge will acquit him or put him on probation or fine him or send him to prison.

He can appeal against conviction.