Best French words to know: Law and Justice

Legal systems and concepts can vary greatly between countries and cultures, but understanding legal terminology in another language is always useful. Whether you’re a law student, legal professional, or just interested in the subject, knowing key legal terms in both English and French can be essential. In this vocabulary list, you’ll find common words and phrases related to the law, justice, and the legal system in both languages.

1. Law – Loi
2. Justice – Justice
3. Lawyer – Avocat(e)
4. Attorney – Avocat(e)
5. Prosecutor – Procureur(e)
6. Judge – Juge
7. Court – Tribunal
8. Case – Affaire
9. Verdict – Verdict
10. Conviction – Condamnation
11. Acquittal – Acquittement
12. Defendant – Défendeur/Défenderesse
13. Plaintiff – Plaignant(e)
14. Evidence – Preuve
15. Testimony – Témoignage
16. Jury – Jury
17. Witness – Témoin
18. Appeal – Appel
19. Bail – Caution
20. Parole – Liberté conditionnelle
21. Probation – Liberté surveillée
22. Prison – Prison
23. Inmate – Prisonnier(ère)
24. Bailiff – Huissier(e) de justice
25. Summons – Citation
26. Warrant – Mandat d’arrêt
27. Arrest – Arrestation
28. Search warrant – Mandat de perquisition
29. Miranda rights – Droits Miranda
30. Plea – Plaidoyer
31. Sentence – Peine
32. Community service – Travaux d’intérêt général
33. Probation officer – Conseiller(ère) en réinsertion
34. Rehabilitation – Réhabilitation
35. Criminal record – Casier judiciaire
36. Juvenile detention – Centre de détention pour mineurs
37. Detention center – Centre de détention
38. Sentencing hearing – Audience de jugement
39. Probation hearing – Audience de liberté surveillée
40. Homicide – Homicide
41. Assault – Agression
42. Battery – Violence
43. Burglary – Cambriolage
44. Theft – Vol
45. Robbery – Hold-up
46. Fraud – Fraude
47. Embezzlement – Détournement de fonds
48. Arson – Incendie criminel
49. Vandalism – Vandalisme
50. Stalking – Harcèlement