Vocabulary
Study the following vocabulary.
Crime and law
illegal
The police have to investigate when someone commits a crime.
theft – taking someone else’s property without permission
robbery
thief – a person who steals
robber
steal – take things which are not yours
rob
burglary – get into someone’s house and steal
burglar – a person who gets into a house and steals
burgle / break into – get into a house without a key
A thief can break into a car in less than ten seconds.
shoplifting – stealing in shops
shoplifter
shoplift
murder – kill somebody with a plan
murderer – a person who kills with a plan
rape
rapist
If the police find the responsible person for the crime, they arrest him.
The police are allowed to carry guns, stop anyone in the street and question them.
The person is charged with the crime.
The court
judge
attorney
jury – a group of ordinary citizens who have been selected to listen to the facts of a case and to decide whether the accused person is guilty or not
defendant / accused – a person accused in a legal case
prove
innocent – you are innocent when you did not do anything wrong
guilty – you are guilty when you did something wrong and so you should go to prison
evidence
Punishment
If the defendant is convicted of the crime, the judge gives the sentence.
capital punishment
fine
parking fine
prison
prisoner
cell
Prevention
Lock all doors and windows when you go out.
Fit a burglar alarm.
Put money and valuables in a safe.
Carry a mace spray.
Don't walk late at night on your own.