⚖️ Crime & Law · IELTS Vocabulary by Topic · 12 words

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offender /əˈfendə(r)/ n	a person who commits a crime Young offenders need education rather than harsh punishment.
deterrent /dɪˈterənt/ n	a thing that makes somebody less likely to do something Long prison sentences act as a deterrent to potential criminals.
rehabilitation /ˌriːəˌbɪlɪˈteɪʃn/ n	the process of helping somebody return to a normal life after prison or illness Rehabilitation programmes reduce the likelihood of reoffending.
legislation /ˌledʒɪsˈleɪʃn/ n	a law or a set of laws passed by a parliament New legislation has banned smoking in public places.
penalty /ˈpenəlti/ n	a punishment for breaking a law or rule Heavier penalties for drink-driving have saved many lives.
custodial sentence /kʌˌstəʊdiəl ˈsentəns/ n	a punishment that involves time in prison Non-violent criminals should not always receive a custodial sentence.
juvenile /ˈdʒuːvənaɪl/ adj	connected with young people who are not yet adults Juvenile crime is often linked to poverty and poor education.
enforce /ɪnˈfɔːs/ v	to make sure that people obey a law or rule The police should enforce speed limits more strictly.
crime rate /ˈkraɪm reɪt/ n	the number of crimes in a particular area or time The crime rate fell after more street lights were installed.
prosecute /ˈprɒsɪkjuːt/ v	to officially charge somebody with a crime in a court of law Companies that dump toxic waste should be prosecuted.
victim /ˈvɪktɪm/ n	a person who has been attacked, injured or killed as a result of a crime Victims of cybercrime often lose large sums of money.
capital punishment /ˌkæpɪtl ˈpʌnɪʃmənt/ n	punishment by death Capital punishment remains a highly controversial issue.