This lesson focuses on the essential vocabulary needed to follow a legal proceeding, from courtroom terms to case outcomes.
Trials and Juries
At the center of the legal process is the محاكمة (trial). When a case goes to court, it is often heard by a jury. In Arabic, a jury is هيئة المحلفين, which literally translates to a "body" (هيئة) of "jurors" (محلفين).
Oaths and Fairness
Before giving testimony, a witness must take an oath (أقسم). Naturally, the ultimate goal of the trial is a decision that is عادل (fair).
Convictions and Appeals
If the court decides the defendant is guilty, the verb أدان (to convict) is used. Following a conviction, the defense will often استأنف (appeal) the decision. You can link these events using transition words like لذلك (therefore).
Acquittals, Release, and Bail
If the defendant is found innocent, it results in a براءة (acquittal). Consequently, the judge will release the defendant. Note that the verb أفرج (to release) must be followed by the preposition عن to indicate who is being released.
Temporary release can also happen before the trial ends by paying كفالة (bail).
Legal Scenarios and Exceptions
You can use the hypothetical structure لو (if) and the prefix لـ (then / would) to discuss alternative verdicts.
When pointing out a dissenting vote, use the word إلا (except). In this type of affirmative sentence, the noun directly following إلا takes the accusative case, marked here by the double fatha ending (محلفا).