Key Legal Terms and Concepts: Definitions and Examples

Exercise 1: Legal Terminology

1. Commits
2. To sue
3. Press
4. Offenses
5. Crimes
6. Felonies
7. Defendant
8. Imprisonment
9. Settlement
10. Ensure

Exercise 2: Legal Concepts

Land Law vs. Immigration Law

• Land Law: Regulates property ownership, use, and disputes over real estate or land. It deals with property and land use (derecho de propiedad).
• Immigration Law: Regulates the entry, stay, and removal of individuals in a country.

Barrister vs. Solicitor

• Barrister: A lawyer who specializes in court advocacy and litigation.
• Solicitor: Provides legal advice, prepares documents, and represents clients outside the courtroom.

Defendant vs. Prosecutor

• Defendant: The person accused of a crime in a court case.
• Prosecutor: A legal representative who brings charges against the defendant on behalf of the state.

Manslaughter vs. Murder

• Manslaughter: The unlawful killing of a person without intent, often due to negligence.
• Murder: Involves the intentional killing of another person with malice.

Exercise 3: Criminal Offenses

1. Shoplifting
2. Arson (alibi provided)
3. Fraud (alleged accounting irregularities)
4. Burglary (presence at the workplace but claiming innocence)
5. Theft (alleged phone theft)

Exercise 4: Legal Proceedings

a. During the legal proceedings, witnesses are called to testify about the case, providing relevant evidence regarding the alleged offense for the jury's deliberation.

b. If the jury reaches a verdict, the judge may impose a sentence that could include imprisonment for the accused, depending on the severity of the offense.

c. Defendants often face significant pressure, as the prosecution may use threats or coercion to elicit confessions or obtain an admission of guilt.

Exercise 5: Impersonal Passive Sentences

a. It is known that offenders often commit crimes during their parole, which can lead to prolonged litigation.

b. It is alleged that the suspect willfully used a firearm during the robbery.

c. It is stated that there is insufficient proof or grounds for pressing charges against the defendant.

d. It is understood that authorities must deal with the alleged incidents promptly to ensure justice.

Exercise 6: Opinion on Guilt or Innocence

Not Guilty

The prosecution's case relies heavily on circumstantial evidence and emotional appeals, but the facts presented do not demonstrate beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant intended to commit harm. The forensic evidence, as stated, highlights inconsistencies in the timeline and the actions of the defendant, suggesting a lack of intent to cause harm.

Additionally, eyewitness testimony corroborates that the accused attempted to de-escalate the situation, acting out of panic rather than malice. These facts indicate that their actions were neither premeditated nor criminal. The principle of the presumption of innocence must prevail, and based on the presented evidence, the defendant should not be convicted.