Unit 26. A Reasonable Doubt

Word

Definition

Example

accuse

to say that someone did something wrong

A government minister has been accused of having unfair office rules for her staff.

allegedly

according to what people say

John allegedly had struck Bill on the head

civil

involving a dispute between two citizens, not a criminal charge

Civil war caused a lot of casualties

convict

to decide that someone is guilty of a crime

He was convicted of murder and sent to prison for life.

guilty

responsible for doing something bad

But I don' t feel guilty about Hector.

offense

an act that breaks the law

He was charged with the offense of driving without a license.

peer

a person who is one's social equal

American children did less well in math than their peers in Japan

suspect

someone who might have committed a certain crime

A suspect appeared in the court but the trial was postponed

verdict

a judgment in a court case

After two days the jury reached their verdict.

witness

to see something happen first hand

Did anyone witness the attack?