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Lesson 23 – Law/Justice The government is responsible for passing laws (approving new laws to be put into practice), and the
courts and legal system are in charge of upholding and enforcing the law (applying the law to the population). When a person is charged with a crime (formally accused of the crime), he or she must appear in court to stand trial (be judged guilty or innocent). Both the prosecution and the defense will present their
cases before the judge and jury. After consideration, the judge or jury will reach a verdict (arrive at a decision). If there is irrefutable, overwhelming, or concrete evidence, this means that it is very obvious that the
person committed the crime, and it’s possible that the jury will be unanimous (meaning they all agree) in their decision. However, if the evidence is circumstantial or inconclusive (the evidence does not 100% prove the conclusion),then the decision will be more difficult – it’s possible to have a hung jury, which
cannot agree on the verdict.
Less serious crimes will receive a light sentence(a small punishment) – for example, the offender may
have to pay a fine or do community service. For more serious crimes, the person will probably go to prison – and especially heinous crimes can result in a harsh sentence such as life in prison (or life imprisonment) or, in some places, the death penalty. After the decision is made, the lawyers can choose to appeal the verdict (try to change the decision), and the case may turn into a prolonged legal battle as the courts decide whether to uphold or overturn
