Legal English

LEGAL ENGLISH NGUYEN THI HUONG LAN
LEGAL
ENGLISH
EDITED BY MS NGUYEN HUONG

LAN
Hanoi University of Law
8 - 2023
UNIT 1: LEGAL SYSTEMS
A. The structure of the law

Read the paragraph A and complete the following sentences
1. The study of law distinguishes between _______________ and _______________.
2. In legal practice in the UK the distinction between _______________ and _______________.
3. In trial operation, law is named _______________ and _______________.
5. _______________ relates to the State which governs processes in local and national
governments.
6. Public law regulates _______________ between the individual and the state in areas such as
immigration and social security.
7. _______________ is concerned with the _______________ between legal persons including
individuals and corporations.
8. Family law, contract law, and property law are branches of _______________.
9. _______________ deals with certain forms of conduct for which the state reserves
punishment.
10. Murder and theft are under regulation of _______________.
11. The state _______________ the offender.
12. Rights and duties of private persons are dealt with _______________.
13. Civil law is concerned with conduct which may give rise to a claim by legal person for
_______________ or an _______________.
14. An _______________ is known as an order made by the court.
15. A _______________ accident case may lead to a criminal prosecution as well as a civil
action for compensation.
16. ______________creates, defines or regulates rights, liabilities, and duties in all areas of law.
17. _______________ depicts the procedures by which a law is to be enforced.
Find the meaning in Vietnamese for the following terms
1. legal system (n): 16. contract law (n)
2. public law (n): 17. property law (n)
3. private law (n): 18. punishment (n)
4. the study of law (n): 19. conduct (n)
5. legal practice (n) 20. offender (n)
6. civil law (n) 21. to give rise to a claim (v)
7. criminal law (n) 22. compensation (n)
8. public law (n) 23. injunction (n)
9. private law (n) 24. criminal prosecution (n)
10. local government (n) 25. civil action (n)
11. central/ national government (n) 26. substantive law (n)
12. conflict (n) 27. procedural law (n)
13. relationship (n) 28. liability (n)
14. legal person (n) 29. duty (n)
15. family law (n) 30. right (n)
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B. The constitution
Read the paragraph B and complete the following sentences
1. The _______________ is the monarch, which is known as the Crown.
2. The _______________ caries the authority of the monarch.
3. The Westminster Parliament has two _______________: the House of Lords (the Upper
House) and the House of Commons (the Lower House).
4. The House of Lords and the House of Commons sit separately and are constituted on
_______________ principles.
5. The Commons is an _______________ of members.
6. The Upper House carries out _______________.
7. The majority of members in the House of Lords are _______________.
8. In the UK, there is no written _______________.
9. The constitutional law consists of _______________, _______________, and
_______________.

1. head of state (n) 11. to carry out (v)
2. the monarch = the Crown (n) 12. to appoint (v)
3. chamber = house (n) 13. to elect (v)
4. The House of Lords = The Upper House (n) 14. the hereditary peer (n)
5. The House of Commons = The Lower 15. majority (n)
House (n) 16. a minority (n)
6. to constitute on (v) 17. written constitution (n)
7. principle (n) 18. common law (n)
8. elected body of member (n) 19. constitutional convention (n)
9. substantial reform (n) 20. the authority (n)
10. to propose (v)
C. Jurisdiction
Read the paragraph C and complete the following sentences
1. Four countries in the United Kingdom include ____________, ____________, ____________,
and ____________.
2. Three distinct jurisdictions in the United Kingdom consist of ____________, ____________,
and ____________.
3. All three jurisdictions have the same ____________in the Westminster Parliament for the
making of new laws and a common ____________.
4. Each jurisdiction in the UK has its own____________, ____________, and ____________.
5. Wales and Northern Ireland each have their own ____________.
6. The Scottish Parliament has power to legislate on any subject except for defence or
____________.
7. The UK is also a ____________ of the European Convention of Human Rights.
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1. jurisdiction (n) 11. to legislate (v)

2. legislature (n) 12. to reserve to (v)
3. to make new laws (v) 13. defence (n)
4. a common law tradition (n) 14. foreign policy (n)
5. hierarchy of courts (n) 15. legislative authority (n)
6. legal rules (n) 16. a signatory of (n)
7. legal profession (n) 17. European Convention of Human Rights
8. Assembly (n) 18. to incorporate into (v)
9. Parliament (n) 19. power = authority (n)
10. Members of Parliament (MPs) 20. distinct (a) = different (a)
Translate the following text into Vietnamese

1. Public law relates to the state. It is concerned with laws which govern processes in local
and national government and conflicts between individual and the state. Whereas,
private law is concerned with the legal relationships between legal persons.
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2. Criminal law deals with certain forms of conduct which will be prosecuted punished by
the state. In contrast to, civil law concerns relationships between private persons, their
rights, and their duties.
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3. Substantive law creates, defines or regulates rights, liabilities, and duties in all areas of
law. It is contrasted with procedural law, which defines the procedures by which a law is
to be enforced.
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4. The United Kingdom has four countries but three distinct jurisdictions. Although these
jurisdiction share the Westminster Parliament, each of them has its own hierarchy of
courts, legal rules and legal profession.
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UNIT 2: SOURCES OF LAW: LEGISLATION

A. Background to making new law
1. There are two predominant sources of law in the United Kingdom including primary
legislation and ____________ .
2. Acts of Parliament or ____________ are known as primary legislation.
3. Statutory instruments, bye-laws, and professional regulations are classified under
____________.
4. The laws in form of draft is called ____________.
5. A new Act is past in order to ____________ or ____________ existing legislation.
6. A new Act is past in order to ____________ for new circumstances and ____________
government policies.
7. A new Act is past in order to ____________ national law compliance with international law.
8. A new Act is past in order to ____________ laws by bringing together into one statute all the
existing statutes on one topic.
9. A new Act is past in order to ____________rules by bringing together all the case law and
statutes on a particular subject where the principles are established.
10. ____________ can enact any law it chooses or repeal obsolete laws which are no longer
relevant.
11. The Court must enforce ____________ passed by the Parliament.

1. predominant sources of law (n) 11. To pass = to enact = to legislate (v)
2. primary legislation (n) 12. to update = to amend (v)
3. Acts of Parliament (n) 13. legislation (n)
4. statute (n) 14. compliance with (n)
5. Bill (n) 15. to consolidate (v)
6. to draft = to draw up (v) 16. to codify (v)
7. secondary legislation = delegated 17. case law (n) = common law (n)
legislation (n) 18. to repeal (v)
8. statutory instrument (n) 19. obsolete law (n)
9. bye-law (n) 20. government policy (n)
10. professional regulation (n)
B. Early development of a Bill

1. A Green Paper will be published to initiate a ____________ of the government.
2. The public will respond and comment on ____________ in the Green Paper.
3. The proposals in the White Paper will be more ____________ because they are published
following consultation or discussion with pressure groups, professional bodies, or voluntary
organization.
4. In the earlier draft form, A Bill may have been presented for ____________.

1. to proceed (v) 8. consultation (n)
2. to initiate (v) 9. discussion (n)
3. a consultative process (n) 10. pressure group (n)
4. proposal (n) 11. professional bodies (n)
5. to set out (n) 12. voluntary organization (n)
6. publish response (n) 13. public scrutiny (n)
7. publish comment (n) 14. to precede (v)
C. Passing an Act
1. All Acts must be ____________ both Houses of Parliament in the draft form of a Bill.
2. The legislative process involves three ____________ in both Houses.
3. The title will be ____________ to Members of Parliament at the first reading.
4. The content of proposals will be ____________ by Members of Parliament at the second
reading.
5. The provisions will be ____________in the Bill by the standing committee.
6. The provisions will be amended to enshrine the ____________ debated and approved at the
second reading.
7. The Bill will be ____________ at the third reading.
8. The Bill then goes through ____________ in the upper house.
9. Parliament Counsel actually undertakes the drafting of the ____________
10. The Bill must receive the ____________ from the monarch before it becomes law on a
specified date.
11. Government Bills are introduced by the ____________.
12. Private Members Bills are proposed by ____________.
13. Public Acts govern the ____________.
14. Private Acts affect particular ____________ or ____________.
1. Act (n) 10. to enshrine (v)
2. to summit (v) 11. to re-present (v)
3. legislative process (n) 12. to undertake (v)
4. reading (n) 13. to receive (v)
5. to debate (v) 14. Royal Assent (n)
6. proposal (n) 15. Government Bill (n)
7. standing committee (n) 16. Private Member Bill (n)
8. to scrutinize (v) 17. Public Act (n)
9. the provision (n) 18. Private Act (n)
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1. In the process of early development of a Bill, at first a Green Paper will be published to
attract the public response and comment. Then, a White Paper will be published with
more definite proposal to become a Bill after being presented for public scrutiny.
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2. Parliament can enact any law it chooses to update or amend existing legislation or
legislate for new circumstances and enforce government policies, or repeal obsolete lwas
which are no longer relevant, and the court must enforce it..
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3. Government Bills are introduced by the Government to form Public Acts which govern
general public while Private Members Bills that affect particular individuals or institutions
are proposed by MPS .
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4. After the second reading at the House of Commons, the standing committee will
scrutinize and amend the proposed provisions to ensure that they enshrine the principles
debated and approved. .
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5. There are two main predominant sources of law in the United Kingdom including primary
legislation known as Acts of Parliament or statutes and secondary legislations such as
statutory instruments, bye-laws, and professional regulations.
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UNIT 3: SOURCES OF LAW: COMMON LAW

A. Common law in the UK
1. Some countries such as Australia, Canada and others base on the legal system of _________.
2. The common law consists of the _________ and _________.
3. The judicial decisions are created to form _________.
4. _________ make the judicial decisions.
5. _________ may be more powerful than the judicial decisions.
6. The _________ is subject to interpretation and refinement in the courts.
7. The _________ and the _________ are the essential factors to the common law system in
the UK jurisdiction.
8. Practically, the decision of a higher court is binding _________ a lower court.
9. The higher court will also _________ decisions made in a lower court, but they are not
_________ them.
10. A judicial decision made by higher courts or equal status courts must be applied if it is
_________ (relevant or pertinent).
11. The counsel will _________ during a trial.

12. The _________will be cited to distinguish from those referred to, or to persuade to follow.
13. The case law is known as judicial decisions or _________.
14. A case inevitably involve many facts and _________.
15. The eventual decision of the court itself doesn’t actually _________.
16. The _________ is the rule of law which the first instance judge relied on in determining the
case’s outcome.
17. The subsequent cases may be cited judge’s other statement s of law which are not binding
precedents as _________.
1. to practice (v) 13. counsel (n)
2. common law (n) 14. to cite cases (v)
3. judicial decision (n) 15. to distinguish the case (v)
4. to override (v) 16. the rule at law reasoned (np)
5. subject to 17. case law (n)
6. interpretation (n) 18. to set the precedent (v)
7. refinement (n) 19. to rely on (v)
8. the hierarchy of the courts 20. the case’s outcome (np)
9. the principle of binding precedent 21. statements of law (np)
10. to bind on (n) 22. persuasive authority (n)
11. to consider (v) 23. the ultimate authority
12. to the point (Pre phr) 24. the European Court of Human Rights
B. Law reports
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1. The development and application of the _________ system pivots upon the existence of a
comprehensive system of reporting cases.
2. The Law Reports are published by the Council of Law Reporting _________.
3. The Law Reports are perhaps the most _________and frequently cited set of reports.
4. The law reports contain summaries of counsel’s arguments and are revised by the judge
sitting in case before _________.
5. Cases aren’t always reported in the year that they decided so a _________ will refer to the
volume and year in which the case was published.
6. Meah v Rorberts is referred the name of a _________ case, in which Meah and Roberts are
names of two parties in a claim, and ‘v’ = and.
7. R v Smith is known as the name of a _________ case, in which R is Rex (King)or Regina
(Queen) and ‘v’ = against

1. application (n) 6. summary (n)
2. the common law system 7. counsel’s argument
3. to pivot (v) 8. to revise (v)
4. reporting case (n) 9. the judge sitting
5. series of law reports 10. a case citation

1. The common law consists of the substantive law and procedural rules that created by the
judicial decisions made in the courts. Although legislation may override such decisions,
the legislation itself is subject to interpretation and refinement in the courts.
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2. The essential elements to the common law are the hierarchy of the courts in all of the UK
jurisdictions and the principle of binding precedent. In practice, this means that the
decision of a higher court is binding on a lower court, that is, the decision must be
followed, and in the course of a trial the judges must refer to existing precedent.
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3. A case will inevitably involve many facts and issues of evidence. The eventual decision
itself doesn’t actually set the precedent. The precedent is the rule of law which the first
instance judge relied on in determining the case’s outcome.
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4. Judges in a case may take other statements of law. Whilst not constituting binding
precedents, these may be considered in subsequent cases and may be cited as persuasive
authority, if appropriate.
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5. The development and application of the common law system pivots upon the existence
of a comprehensive system of reporting cases. The Law Reports, published annually by
the Council of Law Reporting, are perhaps the most authoritative and frequently cited set
of reports, differing from other series of law reports .
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UNIT 4: THE COURT SYSTEM

A. Civil courts
1. Both criminal and civil courts in England and Wales primarily _________ and aim to
determine what exactly happened in a case.
2. The lower courts decide _________ and the upper courts normally deal with _________.
3. _________ have different titles depending on their experience, training, and level.
4. In the Magistrates’ Court, there is a single stipendiary magistrate or three lay magistrates.
5. Contract disputes, compensation claims, consumer complaints about faulty goods or
services, and bankruptcy are classified into _________.
6. _________ may seek a legal remedy for some harm or injury they have suffered.
7. _________ are now rare in civil actions, so normally the judge considers both law and fact.
8. More complex civil cases are heard in the _________, which is divided into three divisions:
Family, Chancery and Queen’s Bench.
9. The High Court of Justice has both original and _________.
10. The case may goes on appeal from the High Court of Justice to the civil division of the
_________.
11. The Court of Appeal can _________ or _________ a decision of the lower courts.
12. Decisions of the Court of Appeal _________ all the lower civil court.
13. Civil cases may _________ from the High Court to the House of Lords, by passing the Court
of Appeal.
14. _________ must apply for leave to appeal.
15. Decisions of the _________ are binding on all other courts but not necessarily on itself.
16. The court of the House of Lords consists of twelve life peers appointed from _________ and
_________.
17. The _________ of law lords for an appeal hearing is normally three, but generally there is a
sitting of five judges.
18. A _________ is a full-time paid magistrate who has qualified as a lawyer.
19. A _________ is unpaid and is an established member of the local community.
20. A _________ is a geographical division for legal purposes; England and Wales are divided
into six.
21. A _________ is a part-time judge with ten years standing as a barrister or solicitor.

1. to hear evidence (v) 18.harm
2. to decide matters of fact (v) 19. injury
3. to deal with points of law (v) 20. to seek
4. the upper court (n) 21. complex civil cases
5. the lower court (n) 22. the administration of estates
6. civil action (n) 23. actions for the recovery of land
7. stipendiary magistrate (n) 24. original jurisdiction
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8. lay magistrate (n) 25. appellate jurisdiction

9. jury (n) 26. to reverse or uphold a decision of the
10. juror (n) lower court
11. first instance civil cases 27. to leapfrog
12. contract dispute 28. appellant
13. compensation claim 29. apply for leave to appeal
14. consumer complaint about faulty goods 30. quorum (n)
or service 31. an appeal hearing
15. bankruptcy 32. a sitting of
16. claimant = plaintiff 33. life peer
17. legal remedy 34. to bypass
B. Criminal courts
1. About 95% of all criminal cases in England and Wales are tried in _________.
2. Petty crimes or less serious crimes are dealt with in _________.
3. The _________ deals with more serious crimes with more severe punishment, either by way
of a fine or imprisonment.
4. A _________ is a branch of the Magistrates’ Court.
5. _________are more serious crimes and reserved for trial in the Crown Court.
6. _________ prosecutes a person alleged to have committed a crime.
7. In England and Wales , a _________ of 12 people decides whether the defendant is guilty of
the crime she or he is charged with.
8. The _________ may hear cases in circuit areas.
9. Appeals against conviction or sentence go from the Crown Court to the _________ in the
Criminal Division.
10. In some cases, if leave to appeal is granted by the Court of Appeal, cases may go on appeal
to the _________.

1. criminal case 11. drug dealing
2. petty crime 12. murder
3. accused person 13. a trial = a hearing
4. severe punishment 14. to prosecute
5. fine 15. to commit a crime
6. imprisonment 16. to charge with
7. minor 17. conviction
8. to try = to hear 18. sentence
9. Youth Court 19. leave to appeal
10. assault 10. to grant
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1. Both criminal and civil courts in England and Wales primarily hear evidence and aim to
determine what exactly happened in a case. Broadly speaking, the lower courts decide
matters of fact and the upper courts normally deal with points of law.
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2. Judges have different titles depending on their experience, training, and level. A single
stipendiary magistrate or three lay magistrates sit in the Magistrate’s Court. There is no
jury in a Magistrate’s Court.
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3. Claimants, previously referred to as plaintiffs, may seek a legal remedy for some harm or
injury they have suffered. Juries are now rare in civil actions, so normally the judge
considers both law and fact.
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4. The High Court of Justice has both original and appellate jurisdiction. The Court of Appeal
can reverse or uphold a decision of the lower court, but its decisions bind all the lower
civil court. Decisions of the House of Lords are binding on all other courts but not
necessarily on itself.
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5. About 95% of all criminal cases in England and Wales are tried in the Magistrates’ Courts,
which deal with petty crimes. However, more serious crimes are heard in the Crown Court
for more severe punishment, either by way of a fine or imprisonment.
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UNIT 5: CRIMINAL JUSTICE AND CRIMINAL PROCEEDINGS
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A. Criminal justice
1. The state _________ those charged with crimes.
2. The police _________ a crime and may _________ suspects and detain them in custody.
3. A file on the case is sent to the Crown Prosecution Service if the police decide an _________
should be prosecuted.
4. The Crown Prosecution Service must consider whether there is enough _________ for a
realistic prospect of conviction.
5. Criminal proceedings can be initiated either by the serving of a _________.
6. The summons is used to set out the offence and require the _________ to attend court.
7. In more serious cases, a _________ rather than a summons will be issued by a Magistrates’
Court.
8. Lawyers from the Crown Prosecution Service may act as _________.
9. The Criminal Defence Service provides _________, which funds the services of an independent
duty solicitor who represents the accused in the police station and in court.
10. At the end of a Crown Court case, the judge has the power to order the defendant to pay
some or all of the _________.

1. to investigate a crime 11. a warrant of arrest
2. to apprehend suspects 12. public prosecutor
3. to detain sb in custody 13. legal aid
4. offender 14. the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS)
5. evidence 15.The Criminal Defence Service
6. a realistic prospect of conviction 16. legal aid
7. a caution 17. defendant
8. criminal proceedings 18. defence cost
9. the serving of a summons 19. to represent
10. the accused 20. a file on the case
B. Categories of criminal offence

1. In England and Wales _________ are classified into three types.
2. _________ ,which are tried without a jury, are minor crimes only triable in the Magistrates’
Court.
3. _________ are serious crimes, such as murder, which can only be heard in the Crown Court.
4. The _________ is the formal document containing the alleged offences, supported by facts.
5. Crimes like theft or burglary can be _________ in either Magistrates’ Court or the Crown Court.
6. The _________ can decide more severe penalties.
7. In some cases, the court can decide the mode of _________.
1. summary offence (n) 6. To plead guilty
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2. triable (a) 7. To proceed to sentence

3. indictable offence (n) 8. To commit to the Crown Court for
4. minor (n) sentence
5. indictment (n) 9. A trial by jury
6. alleged offence (n) 10. Severe penalty
11. Defendant (n)
C. Criminal court proceedings

1. In the _________ system of justice, each side collects and present their own evidence and
attacks their opponent’s by cross-examination.
2. In a criminal trial, the _________ is on the prosecution to prove beyond reasonable doubt.
3. A person accused or under arrest for an offence may be granted _________ and temporarily
release.
4. If there are grounds for believing that the accused would fail to appear for trial or commit an
offence, the bail may be _________.
5. In the Crown Court, there may be a _________ for a complex case before the jury is sworn in.
6. Prior to the trial, there is a statutory requirement for _________ by the prosecution and
defence of material relevant to the case.
7. _________ are people who can provide proof of the accused’s whereabout at the time of the
crime.
8. _________ are the people who may have seen something relevant to the crime.
9. In order to be granted a _________, the defendant may be advised by counsel to change his
or her plea to guilty.
10. The defendant is acquitted if the court’s _________ is not guilty.

1. adversarial (a) 11. to fail to appear for trial
2. cross – examination (n) 12. a preparatory hearing
3. the burden of proof (np) 13. the jury
4. to prove beyond reasonable doubt 14. to swear in
5. a person accused 15. disclosure
6. a person under arrest 16. alibis
8. to be granted bail 17. witness
9. temporary release 18. a reduced sentence
10. grounds for believing 19. verdict
20. to be acquitted
1. The state prosecutes those charged with a crime. The police investigate a crime and may
apprehend suspects and detain them in custody. If the police decide an offender should
be prosecute, a file on the case is sent to the Crown Prosecution Service.
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2. There are three categories of criminal offence. Summary offences, tried without a jury,
are minor crimes only triable in the Magistrate’s Court. Indictable offences are serious
crime, such as murder, which can only be heard in the Crown Court.
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3. The English system of justice is adversarial, which means that each side collects and
presents their own evidence and attacks their opponent’s by cross-examination. In a
criminal trial, the burden of proof is on the prosecution to prove beyond reasonable doubt
that the accused is guilty.
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4. Prior to the trial, there is a statutory requirement for disclosure by the prosecution and
defence of material relevant to the case, for example details of any alibis – people who
can provide proof of the accused’s whereabouts at the time of the crime – or witnesses –
people who may have seen something relevant to the crime.
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UNIT 6: CIVIL PROCEDURE
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A. Civil Procedure Rules

1. All cases concerning goods, property, debt repayment, breach of contract are _________ Civil
Procedure Rules.
2. Civil Procedure Rules came into _________ , made radical changes to civil process in the County
Court and the High Court.
3. The _________ performs the role of the case manager.
4. The _________ sets a timetable for litigation.
5. The parties in a litigation have to adhere to _________ which control the progress of the case.
6. _________ are supplemented by practice directions.

1. case (n) 9. case manager (n)
2. goods (n) 10. to set a timetable (v)
3. property (n) 11. litigation (n)
4. debt repayment (n) 12. obligation (n)
5. breach of contract (n) 13. the progress of the case
6. insolvency proceedings (n) 14. procedure rules
7. to come into force 15. to adhere a timescales
8. radical changes 16. practice directions
B. Proceeding with a claim

1. Most claims are initiated by the use of a _________, which functions as a summon.
2. The claimant can ask the court to make an _________.
3. Once a claim has been issued, a copy is delivered to the defendant.
4. The _________ can admit, defend, or claim against the claimant by using an appropriate form.
5. A defendant must respond within 14 days of service of the _________ of the claim.
6. If the defendant does not respond, _________ may be given in favour of the claimant.
7. The defendant may be able to get a _________ for filing a reply on defence.
8. Cases are allocated to a regime or track by a procedural judge according to their _________.
9. In all regimes, parties are encouraged to _________ and for this purpose a stay in proceeding.
10. If a defendant is ordered to pay by a judge and fails to do so, the claimant can _________in
the Magistrates’ Court.

1. claim (n) 18. in favour of sb
2. to initiate 19. time extension
3. a claim form 20. to file a reply
4. summons 21. to allocate
5. specified monetary sum 22. monetary value
6. unspecified monetary sum 23. small claim
12
7. claimant = plaintiff 24. fast track

8. to make an order 25. disclosure
9. to issue 26. multi track regime
10. defendant 27. inspection
11. to admit 28. witness statement
12. a form of admission/ admission form 29. to stay in proceeding
13. a form of defence/ defence form 30. to settle differences
14. acknowledgement of service form 31. case management conferences
15. counter claim form 32. to review the process
16. particulars 33. to enforce the judgement
17. judgement 34. a temporary halt

1. All cases concerning goods, property, debt repayment, breach of contract are subject to
Civil Procedure Rules, which came into force in 1999 in England and Wales, made radical
changes to civil process in the County Court and the High Court.
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
2. The judge performs the role of case manager. The court sets a timetable for litigation with
the parties being under an obligation to the court to adhere to timescales which control
the progress of the case. Procedure rules are supplemented by detailed instructions made
by the judge which support the rules, known as practice directions.
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
3. Most claims are initiated by the use of a claim form, which functions as a summons. The
claim form can be used for different types of claim. Once a claim has been issued, a copy
is delivered to the defendant with a response back inviting them to either admit the claim,
or to defend it.
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
4. A defendant must respond within 14 days of service of the particulars of the claim. If the
defendant does not respond , judgement may be given in favour of the claimant. The
defendant may be able to get a time extension for filing a reply for defence by using the
part of the acknowledgement of service form which states an intention to defend the
claim.
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
13
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
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UNIT 9: SOLICITORS
14
A. Legal practitioners
1. Lawyers in the United Kingdom jurisdictions generally practice as _________ in private firms.
2. _________ work in corporations, government departments, and advice agencies.
3. _________ can appear in every court.
4. Legal practitioners can do _________, draft legal documents and give written advice.
5. Solicitors, unlike barristers, cannot _________ in every court.
6. Solicitors _________ such as conveyancing, and drawing up contracts and wills.
7. Barristers spend more time in court and have a _________ in the higher court.
8. Unlike solicitors, barristers cannot usually be employed directly by clients but are _________
by solicitors.
9. Solicitors normally form _________ with other solicitors and work in offices with support staff.
10. The qualification and _________ of solicitors are regulated by the Law Society.

1. to practice as solicitors 9. to undertake work
2. private firm 10. conveyancing
3. legal adviser 11. drawing up contracts
4. barrister 12. will
5. do advocacy 13. have a right of audience
6. draft legal document 14. to instruct
7. give written advice 15. to form partnership
8. appear in every court 16. Law Society
B & C. Training – A partner in a law firm

1. a graduate 9. secondment
2. a trainee 10. supervising partner
3. degree 11. to admit
4. a vacation placement 12. to obtain Master’s Degree
5. traineeship 13. to join
6. to specialize 14. privatization
7. specialism 15. merger and acquisition
8. the training contract

1. Lawyers in the United Kingdom jurisdictions generally practice as solicitors in private
firms, as legal advisers in corporations, government departments, and advice agencies, or
as barristers. They can each do advocacy, draft legal documents and give written advice.
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
15
2. Traditionally, solicitors undertake work such as conveyancing, and drawing up contracts

and wills. Barristers spend more time in court and have a right of audience in the higher
courts. Unlike solicitors, barristers cannot usually be employed directly by clients but are
instructed by solicitors.
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
UNIT 10: BARRISTERS
A. Organization
16
1. Barristers can’t form _________ but must act as sole traders with unlimited liability.
2. Some barristers are in employed practice and may only _________ their employer.
3. Barrister’s main work is to provide _________ in the courts, where they are referred to as
counsel.
4. Barristers can draft documents associated with court _________.
5. Barristers can give _________, that is specialist legal advice.

1. to be in practice 6. chamber
2. sole trader 7. to provide representation
3. unlimited liability 8. to draft documents
4. in-house counsel 9. to give opinions
5. self-employed practice 10. lay client

1. Unlike solicitors, barristers can’t form partnerships but must act as sole trader with
unlimited liability. Some barristers are in employed practice and may only represent their
employer, for example as in-house counsel or in government departments like the Crown
Prosecution Service.
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
2. A barrister’s main work is to provide representation in the courts, where they are referred
to as counsel, to draft documents associated with court procedure, and to give opinions,
that is, specialist legal advice.
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
3. Barristers are normally instructed by solicitors or other recognized professionals, such as
patent agents or Legal Advice Centres, on behalf of lay clients. As the law becomes more
complex, barristers increasingly specialize in particular area, such as personal injury,
crime, family or commercial law.
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
4. To gain a Full Qualification Certificate pupils must learn the rules of conduct or etiquette
at the Bar, learn to prepare and present a case competently, learn to draft pleadings and
opinions, have advocacy training, and pass a forensic accountancy course which covers
the use of financial information in litigation.
17
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
UNIT 29: TORT 1: PESRONAL INJURY CLAIM
A. Tort
18
1. _________ is the breach of a duty of care which is owed to a claimant, who in consequence
suffers injury or a loss.
2. _________ is a direct and forcible injury.
3. _________ is a kind of publishing a statement about someone which lowers others’ reputation.
4. _________ is the action of preventing someone from the use and enjoyment of his land.

1. tort 11. lawful justification
2. damage or loss 12. defamation
3. to claim 13. libel
4. damages in compensation 14. slander
5. negligence 15. nuisance
6. breach of a duty of care 16. the use and enjoyment
7. to owe 17. strict liability
8. to suffer injury or a loss 18. product defect
9. trespass 19. loss of earning
10. direct and forcible injury 20. medical treatment

1. A tort is a civil, not criminal, wrong, which excludes breach of contract. A tort entitles a
person injured by damage or loss resulting from the tort to claim damages in
compensation. Tort law has been built upon decisions in reported court cases.
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
2. There are four main categories of torts including negligence which is known as the breach
of a duty of care; trespass is when direct and forcible injury is seen; defamation means
the action of publishing a statement about someone which damages his/ her reputation;
and nuisance is the action of preventing someone from the use and enjoyment of his land.
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
3. Personal injury is a legal term for an injury to the body, mind, or emotions, as opposed to
an injury to property. In common law jurisdictions, the term is most commonly used to
refer to a type of tort lawsuit in which the person bringing the suit has suffered harm to
their body or mind.
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
19
4. At common law, damages are a remedy in the form of a monetary award to be paid to a
claimant as compensation for loss or injury. To warrant the award, the claimant must
show that a breach of duty has caused foreseeable loss. To be recognized at law, the loss
must involve damage to property, or mental or physical injury.
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
5. In criminal and civil law, strict liability is a standard of liability under which a person is
legally responsible for the consequences following from an activity even in the absence
of fault or criminal intention on the part of the defendant.
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
UNIT 31: FORMING A CONTRACT 1
A. Basic principles
20

1. provision 11. offer
2. legal agreement 12. acceptance
3. lease 13. consideration
4. loan agreement 14. intention
5. sales agreement 15. essential term
6. consultancy agreement 16. nominal value
7. hire purchase agreement 17. legal relation
8. hire contract 18. contracting parties
9. service contract 19. offeror
10. binding agreement 20. terms of the agreement

1. The basic principles of contract law in the English system arise from established custom
and rules and are fundamental to all areas of law in practice. Reference is made to these
principles in drafting and interpreting the provisions of any legal agreement.
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
2. The principles of contract law will determine whether and at what point a binding
agreement has been made between the parties concerned. The words contract and
agreement are interchangeable. For example a loan agreement or a loan contract.
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
3. Offer is one of four essential elements to form a contract. The offer is submitted by the
purchaser, who offers to purchase at a specified price and will usually incorporate the
terms of the invitation to treat into his/ her offer.
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
4. The acceptance is the situation in which an offer is received by the offeror. To avoid
uncertainty, the offeror may specify the method and timing of acceptance. Agreement on
essential terms, for example price and delivery, must be certain and not vague.
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
5. There are two rules to determine whether the acceptance has been communicated or
not. Firstly, the reception rules applies to instantaneous forms of communication, for
21
example telephone calls. Secondly, the postal acceptance rule, where there is a delay
between the communication being send and received, for example by post.
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
UNIT 42: COPYRIGHT AND PATENT
A. Copyright
22
1. _________ is an automatic right arising from statute.

2. Copyright arises as soon as an _________ is created and embodied in a specific media.
3. Copyright also arises in the _________ of the published works.
4. A particular _________ form of literary and artistic work is protected rather than the idea itself.
5. The _________ has exclusive rights to make copies, to sell copies to the public, or to give a
public performance of the work.
6. The owner may _________, usually in writing, the reproduction of the work.

1. copyright 7. copyright owner
2. automatic right 8. exclusive right
3. original work 9. to license
4. typography 10. reproduction
5. expression 11. copyright symbol
6. tangible form 12. copyright protection
B. Patent
1. A _________ is a territorial right given to the patent holder for a statutory period of years.
2. An invention must be _________ , capable of industrial application, non-obvious and
unpatentable subject matter.
3. The invention becomes a _________ vested in the inventor, which he/ she can transfer, by
assignment, to another.
4. Patent confers the _________ others from making, using or selling the invention.
5. The import into the UK of a product with a UK patent will be in contravention of the _________.
6. A patent _________ may fail or the grand of a patent can be revoked if the intention is contrary
to public policy or morality.

1. patent 10. industrial application
2. territorial right 11. inventive step
3. patent holder 12. non-obvious
4. statutory period 13. property interest
5. to grant 14. inventor
6. patentable 15. assignment
7. invention 16. right to exclude
8. novel 17. patent application
9. . the filing date 18. entitlement

1. Copyright is an automatic right arising from statute. It arises as soon as an original work
is created and embodied in a specific media. Copyright also arises in the typography of
the published works
23
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
2. The copyright owner has the exclusive rights, including the rights to make copies, to sell
copies to the public, or to give a public performance of the work. Th owner may license
the reproduction of the work.
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
3. A patent is a territorial right given to the patent holder for a statutory period of years. It
must be applied for in each jurisdiction for which protection is required. A patent
application may fail or the grant of a patent can be revoked.
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
4. An invention is patentable when it is novel, capable of industrial application, non-obvious,
and not an excluded thing. The invention becomes a property interest vested in the
inventor, which he or she can transfer by assignment, to another.
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
5. Copyright cannot be registered. However, it is possible to use a copyright symbol follow
by the author’s name and date to indicate that it is intended that the work should have
copyright protection, but it is not necessary to do this.
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
24

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LEGAL ENGLISH NGUYEN THI HUONG LAN

EDITED BY MS NGUYEN HUONG

UNIT 1: LEGAL SYSTEMS

A. The structure of the law

Find the meaning in Vietnamese for the following terms

Find the meaning in Vietnamese for the following terms

1. jurisdiction (n) 11. to legislate (v)

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UNIT 2: SOURCES OF LAW: LEGISLATION

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B. Early development of a Bill

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UNIT 3: SOURCES OF LAW: COMMON LAW

11. The counsel will _________ during a trial.

Read the paragraph B and complete the following sentences

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UNIT 4: THE COURT SYSTEM

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8. lay magistrate (n) 25. appellate jurisdiction

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UNIT 5: CRIMINAL JUSTICE AND CRIMINAL PROCEEDINGS

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B. Categories of criminal offence

2. triable (a) 7. To proceed to sentence

C. Criminal court proceedings

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UNIT 6: CIVIL PROCEDURE

A. Civil Procedure Rules

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B. Proceeding with a claim

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7. claimant = plaintiff 24. fast track

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B & C. Training – A partner in a law firm

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2. Traditionally, solicitors undertake work such as conveyancing, and drawing up contracts

UNIT 10: BARRISTERS

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UNIT 29: TORT 1: PESRONAL INJURY CLAIM

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UNIT 31: FORMING A CONTRACT 1

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UNIT 42: COPYRIGHT AND PATENT

1. _________ is an automatic right arising from statute.

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Find the meaning in Vietnamese for the following terms

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