IELTS Guide Phil

In the IELTS Speaking and Writing exams, the topic of crime and punishment frequently appears in questions related to law, justice, society, and ethics. To express your thoughts clearly and convincingly, it’s crucial to have a wide range of topic-specific vocabulary at your fingertips. This comprehensive list of 100 carefully selected vocabulary words—complete with definitions and example sentences—will help you articulate ideas more precisely, build stronger arguments, and impress examiners with your lexical resource. Whether you’re preparing for IELTS Speaking Part 3 or Writing Task 2, mastering these terms will significantly elevate the quality of your responses.

1. Criminal
   • Definition: A person who has committed a crime.
   • Example: The criminal was arrested after the police tracked him down.
2. Offense
   • Definition: A violation of the law or a wrongdoing.
   • Example: Speeding is considered a minor offense, but it can lead to serious consequences.
3. Punishment
   • Definition: A penalty given for committing a crime.
   • Example: The punishment for stealing can range from fines to imprisonment.
4. Felony
   • Definition: A serious crime, typically punishable by imprisonment or death.
   • Example: Robbery and murder are considered felonies.
5. Misdemeanor
   • Definition: A minor crime, often punishable by a fine or short-term imprisonment.
   • Example: Littering is generally considered a misdemeanor offense.
6. Sentencing
   • Definition: The declaration of the punishment given to a convicted person.
   • Example: The judge’s sentencing determined that the defendant would serve five years in prison.
7. Incarceration
   • Definition: The state of being imprisoned.
   • Example: After his conviction, the man faced incarceration for several years.
8. Conviction
   • Definition: A formal declaration that someone is guilty of a crime.
   • Example: The conviction was based on solid evidence presented in court.
9. Defendant
   • Definition: A person accused of committing a crime in a court of law.
   • Example: The defendant pleaded not guilty to the charges.
10. Prosecution

• Definition: The legal proceedings against someone accused of a crime.
• Example: The prosecution presented compelling evidence during the trial.

11. Defense

• Definition: The argument or evidence presented by the accused or their lawyer to prove innocence.
• Example: The defense argued that the defendant was not at the crime scene.

12. Alibi

• Definition: A claim or evidence that the accused was somewhere else when the crime occurred.
• Example: His alibi was confirmed by several witnesses, so he was acquitted.

13. Arrest

• Definition: The action of detaining a person by legal authority due to suspicion of committing a crime.
• Example: The police made an arrest after receiving a tip-off about the suspect’s whereabouts.

14. Investigation

• Definition: The process of gathering evidence and facts to solve a crime.
• Example: The detective launched an investigation to uncover the truth behind the robbery.

15. Evidence

• Definition: Information or material presented in court to prove or disprove a case.
• Example: The fingerprints found at the scene were crucial evidence in the trial.

16. Witness

• Definition: A person who sees an event, especially a crime, happen and can testify about it in court.
• Example: The witness was called to testify about the events she had seen that night.

17. Victim

• Definition: A person who suffers from a crime, accident, or other unfortunate event.
• Example: The victim of the assault was treated in the emergency room for her injuries.

18. Culpable

• Definition: Deserving blame or responsibility for a crime or wrongdoing.
• Example: The defendant was found culpable for the damage caused during the riot.

19. Felon

• Definition: A person who has committed a felony.
• Example: After serving his sentence, the felon was released on parole.

20. Parole

• Definition: The conditional release of a prisoner before their sentence is completed, based on good behavior.
• Example: He was granted parole after serving ten years of his twenty-year sentence.

21. Recidivism

• Definition: The tendency of convicted criminals to reoffend.
• Example: Programs aimed at reducing recidivism often focus on rehabilitation and reintegration.

22. Probation

• Definition: A period of supervised release for offenders who have served part of their sentence or received a less severe punishment.
• Example: He was placed on probation for two years instead of serving time in prison.

23. Rehabilitation

• Definition: The process of helping offenders reintegrate into society after serving their sentence.
• Example: Rehabilitation programs aim to reduce the likelihood of reoffending.

24. Restitution

• Definition: The act of compensating victims for losses or damages caused by the offender.
• Example: The defendant was ordered to pay restitution to the victim for medical expenses.

25. Capital punishment

• Definition: The legal execution of a person as a punishment for a serious crime, such as murder.
• Example: Many countries have abolished capital punishment in favor of life imprisonment.

26. Corruption

• Definition: Dishonest behavior by those in power, often involving bribery or fraud.
• Example: The politician was charged with corruption after accepting bribes from business owners.

27. Fraud

• Definition: The crime of deceiving someone for personal or financial gain.
• Example: He was convicted of fraud after creating fake insurance claims.

28. Embezzlement

• Definition: The theft or misappropriation of funds placed in one’s trust or care.
• Example: The accountant was caught embezzling large sums of money from the company.

29. Theft

• Definition: The act of stealing something that does not belong to you.
• Example: The store manager reported a theft after noticing missing items from the shelves.

30. Vandalism

• Definition: The deliberate destruction or damage to property.
• Example: The city council is working to reduce vandalism by installing security cameras in public areas.

31. Arson

• Definition: The criminal act of deliberately setting fire to property.
• Example: The fire was ruled as arson after investigators found evidence of an accelerant.

32. Homicide

• Definition: The deliberate killing of one person by another.
• Example: The detective was assigned to investigate the homicide that occurred in the downtown area.

33. Assault

• Definition: The act of physically attacking someone with the intent to harm.
• Example: He was arrested for assault after hitting a man during an argument.

34. Battery

• Definition: The unlawful physical contact or attack on another person.
• Example: The woman was charged with battery after hitting another driver during a road rage incident.

35. Kidnapping

• Definition: The act of abducting someone and holding them against their will.
• Example: The police launched a nationwide search after a young girl was reported kidnapped.

36. Human trafficking

• Definition: The illegal trade of humans for forced labor, sexual exploitation, or other illicit purposes.
• Example: Human trafficking is a serious crime that affects millions of people worldwide.

37. Drug trafficking

• Definition: The illegal trade and distribution of narcotics.
• Example: Drug trafficking operations are often run by organized criminal groups.

38. Smuggling

• Definition: The illegal movement of goods, typically across borders, without paying taxes or tariffs.
• Example: The authorities discovered a large smuggling ring transporting contraband goods.

39. Extortion

• Definition: The act of obtaining money or property through threats or force.
• Example: The businessman was arrested for extortion after demanding money in exchange for not revealing secrets.

40. Terrorism

• Definition: The use of violence or threats to intimidate or coerce governments or societies.
• Example: Terrorism can cause widespread fear and disruption in societies.

41. Cybercrime

• Definition: Criminal activities conducted using computers or the internet.
• Example: Cybercrime includes hacking, identity theft, and online fraud.

42. Cyberbullying

• Definition: The use of the internet or social media to harass or intimidate others.
• Example: The school has implemented strict policies to prevent cyberbullying among students.

43. Juvenile delinquency

• Definition: Criminal behavior committed by a young person, often under the age of 18.
• Example: Juvenile delinquency is often influenced by factors such as family issues and peer pressure.

44. Juvenile justice

• Definition: The area of law and legal procedures that deal with minors who have committed crimes.
• Example: The juvenile justice system aims to rehabilitate young offenders rather than punish them severely.

45. Recidivist

• Definition: A person who repeatedly reoffends, especially after serving time in prison.
• Example: The prison system is trying to reduce recidivism through rehabilitation programs.

46. Criminal record

• Definition: A history of an individual’s criminal offenses, typically stored by the authorities.
• Example: Having a criminal record can make it difficult to find employment.

47. White-collar crime

• Definition: Non-violent crime, typically involving financial fraud or theft, often committed by professionals.
• Example: The CEO was convicted of white-collar crime after embezzling millions from the company.

48. Blue-collar crime

• Definition: Crimes typically committed by individuals from working-class backgrounds, often involving physical violence or property damage.
• Example: Blue-collar crime often involves theft, vandalism, or assault.

49. Bail

• Definition: Money or property given to secure the release of a defendant from jail while awaiting trial.
• Example: He was granted bail after his family paid the required amount to the court.

50. Deterrence

• Definition: The prevention of crime by fear of punishment or consequences.
• Example: The harsh penalties for drug trafficking serve as a deterrent to potential criminals.

51. Detention

• Definition: The state of being kept in custody, often as part of a criminal investigation or punishment.
• Example: The suspect was placed in detention while the investigation continued.

52. Law enforcement

• Definition: The agencies or officers responsible for ensuring compliance with the law and maintaining public order.
• Example: Law enforcement agencies work together to tackle organized crime.

53. Surveillance

• Definition: Close observation, often by the authorities, of individuals or groups suspected of criminal activity.
• Example: Surveillance cameras have become common in many public spaces to deter crime.

54. Undercover

• Definition: A method of investigation where an officer pretends to be a criminal or part of a criminal group to gather information.
• Example: The police officer went undercover to infiltrate the drug cartel.

55. Indictment

• Definition: A formal charge or accusation of a crime.
• Example: The grand jury returned an indictment against the suspect for murder.

56. Hate crime

• Definition: A crime motivated by prejudice against a person’s race, religion, or other characteristics.
• Example: The victim was attacked in a hate crime due to their ethnicity.

57. Drug addiction

• Definition: The compulsive use of drugs despite harmful consequences, often leading to criminal behavior.
• Example: Many individuals struggling with drug addiction turn to crime to fund their habit.

58. Victimless crime

• Definition: A crime in which no direct victim is harmed, such as drug use or gambling.
• Example: Some argue that victimless crimes should not be punished as severely as other crimes.

59. Fines

• Definition: Monetary penalties imposed as punishment for certain offenses.
• Example: The driver received a fine for parking in a no-parking zone.

60. Appeal

• Definition: A legal request for a higher court to review the decision of a lower court.
• Example: The defendant filed an appeal to challenge the conviction.

61. Exoneration

• Definition: The act of clearing someone of blame or wrongdoing, especially after a trial.
• Example: New evidence led to the exoneration of the wrongfully convicted man.

62. Revenge

• Definition: The act of retaliating against someone for a perceived wrong or injury.
• Example: The criminal committed the crime as an act of revenge against his former employer.

63. Restorative justice

• Definition: A system of justice that focuses on repairing the harm done to victims and rehabilitating offenders.
• Example: Restorative justice programs often involve mediation between victims and offenders.

64. Forensics

• Definition: The use of science and technology to solve crimes, including the study of evidence.
• Example: Forensics helped identify the suspect from the fingerprints left at the crime scene.

65. Terrorist attack

• Definition: An act of violence intended to cause fear and achieve political or ideological goals.
• Example: The city was rocked by a terrorist attack that claimed several lives.

66. Breach of contract

• Definition: The failure to fulfill the terms of a legal agreement, which may lead to legal consequences.
• Example: The company was sued for breach of contract after failing to deliver services on time.

67. Injunction

• Definition: A court order requiring a person to do or stop doing something, often in relation to preventing harm.
• Example: The court issued an injunction to stop the company from polluting the river.

68. Subpoena

• Definition: A legal document that orders someone to appear in court or produce evidence.
• Example: The witness received a subpoena to testify in the trial.

69. Probable cause

• Definition: A reasonable belief, based on facts, that a crime has been or will be committed.
• Example: The police officer had probable cause to search the suspect’s vehicle.

70. Criminal intent

• Definition: The intention to commit a criminal act, which can affect the severity of punishment.
• Example: The prosecution argued that the defendant had criminal intent when he planned the robbery.

71. Forgery

• Definition: The act of producing false documents, signatures, or money with the intent to deceive.
• Example: He was arrested for forgery after trying to pass off fake checks at the bank.

72. Mugging

• Definition: A violent attack on someone in public, typically for the purpose of robbery.
• Example: The man was hospitalized after being the victim of a mugging.

73. Witness protection

• Definition: A program designed to protect witnesses who provide crucial evidence in criminal cases.
• Example: The witness was placed in a witness protection program to ensure their safety.

74. Criminal justice

• Definition: The system of law enforcement, courts, and corrections used to address crime.
• Example: The criminal justice system aims to punish offenders while protecting society.

75. Smuggling ring

• Definition: A group or organization engaged in the illegal transport of goods across borders.
• Example: The authorities dismantled a large smuggling ring involved in trafficking firearms.

76. Contempt of court

• Definition: Disrespect or defiance of the authority or rules of a court.
• Example: The defendant was charged with contempt of court for interrupting the proceedings.

77. Bribery

• Definition: The offering, giving, or receiving of money or gifts in exchange for influence or favors.
• Example: The politician was accused of bribery after receiving money from a corporate lobbyist.

78. Reckless driving

• Definition: Driving in a manner that shows disregard for safety and the law.
• Example: He was arrested for reckless driving after causing a serious accident.

79. Drug abuse

• Definition: The excessive or inappropriate use of illegal or prescription drugs.
• Example: Drug abuse often leads to criminal behavior and personal health issues.

80. Conspiracy

• Definition: A secret plan by multiple individuals to commit a crime.
• Example: The police uncovered a conspiracy to commit large-scale fraud.

81. Defamation

• Definition: The act of damaging someone’s reputation by making false statements.
• Example: She filed a lawsuit for defamation after false rumors about her were spread.

82. Larceny

• Definition: The unlawful taking of someone’s property with the intent to permanently deprive them of it.
• Example: The defendant was convicted of larceny after stealing a car from the parking lot.

83. Deception

• Definition: The act of deceiving or misleading others, often for personal gain.
• Example: The con artist was arrested for deception after tricking people into investing in a fake business.

84. Indiscriminate

• Definition: Done without careful judgment or consideration, often leading to harmful or unjust consequences.
• Example: The indiscriminate use of violence in the attack caused widespread panic.

85. Fraudulent

• Definition: Involving deception or dishonesty, especially for financial gain.
• Example: The company was sued for fraudulent advertising practices.

86. Money laundering

• Definition: The illegal process of making large amounts of money generated by criminal activity appear legitimate.
• Example: The bank was implicated in a money laundering scheme.

87. Extortionate

• Definition: Involving excessive or illegal demands for money or property.
• Example: The gang made extortionate demands from local businesses in exchange for protection.

88. Blackmail

• Definition: The act of threatening to reveal compromising information about someone unless they comply with demands.
• Example: The celebrity was the victim of blackmail, with a hacker threatening to release private photos.

89. Rehabilitation center

• Definition: A facility where individuals receive treatment or therapy to recover from addiction, crime, or other issues.
• Example: After being convicted, the offender was sent to a rehabilitation center for drug addiction.

90. Civil liberties

• Definition: The personal freedoms protected by law, such as freedom of speech and privacy.
• Example: Governments must protect the civil liberties of all citizens, even during times of crisis.

91. Civil disobedience

• Definition: The act of refusing to obey laws or orders as a peaceful form of protest.
• Example: The activists engaged in civil disobedience by blocking roads to protest the government’s policies.

92. Reform

• Definition: The process of making changes to a system or practice to improve it.
• Example: The criminal justice system needs significant reform to address issues like racial inequality.

93. Extradition

• Definition: The legal process of transferring a person from one country to another for trial or punishment.
• Example: The suspect was arrested in another country and faced extradition to the United States.

94. Bribery ring

• Definition: A network of individuals or organizations involved in offering or receiving bribes.
• Example: The mayor was caught in a bribery ring that involved several local businesses.

95. Probable cause

• Definition: Reasonable grounds for making a search or pressing charges.
• Example: The police officer had probable cause to stop the vehicle based on the suspect’s behavior.

96. Insider trading

• Definition: The illegal practice of trading stocks based on confidential information not available to the public.
• Example: The CEO was charged with insider trading after using company information to make personal stock trades.

97. Recalcitrant

• Definition: Resistant to authority or control, often used to describe criminals who refuse to comply with the law.
• Example: The recalcitrant criminal refused to cooperate with police during the investigation.

98. Clemency

• Definition: Mercy or leniency granted to someone, typically in the context of criminal punishment.
• Example: The governor granted clemency to the prisoner, reducing his sentence due to good behavior.

99. Excessive force

• Definition: The use of more physical force than is necessary to control a situation.
• Example: The police officer was investigated for using excessive force during the arrest.

100. Miscarriage of justice

• Definition: A situation where a person is wrongfully convicted of a crime they did not commit.
• Example: The wrongful conviction led to a miscarriage of justice, and the innocent man was later exonerated.

A strong vocabulary is a vital asset when discussing complex topics like crime, justice, and societal issues in the IELTS exam. These 100 words provide the building blocks for nuanced, coherent, and academically appropriate answers. Review them regularly, use them in your writing and speaking practice, and aim for accuracy and variety in your language. With consistent effort, you’ll not only expand your vocabulary but also increase your confidence and fluency in addressing one of IELTS’s most challenging themes.

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