By Qare Pepper

The judicial system is full of traditions and protocol. If you are to appear in court, it's good to know the basics.

Before the judge enters the room, the clerk says 'All rise'. At this point, everyone stands up.

You are sworn in by the clerk. Don't lie when you are under oath. The result is being charged with perjury.

Speak to the judge clearly and don't interrupt. Always address the judge as 'Your Honor'.

You cannot approach the bench. Only lawyers are allowed to enter 'the well'. Then they talk to the judge off the record.

Ex.2. Read the text. Fill in the blanks using words from the word bank.

lies, protocols, addressing, All rise.

There are a large number of (1) _____________when appearhg in court. For example, when the clerk says (2) "______________", everyone stands up. After being sworn in, a person is then under oath. If a person (3) _________________ under oath, he or she risks being charged with perjury. There are also rules for (4) ______________ the judge.

Ex.3. Read the sentences and choose the correct word.

1 Margaret had to tell the truth because she was (off the record / under oath)

2 All people in court are expected to (address / interrupt) the judge as "Your Honor".

3 The judge told the lawyers to (approach the bench / all rise).

4 The conversation between the attorney and the judge was (off the record / sworn in).

Ex.4. Choose the word that is closest in meaning to the underlined part

1 When the judge arrived, the clerk said, "Everyone stand up".

A approach the bench

B All rise

C Your Honor

2 The prosecutor stood in the area in front of the bench to give his argument.

A bench

B protocol

C well

3 It is important for people to know the prorer rules and traditions for attending court.

A oaths

B protocols

C records

4 When Miss Ashley was on the witness stand, she was made to promise to tell the truth.

A off the record

B sworn in

C interrupted

5 The attorney addressed Judge Lopez as 'the title used to show respect for a judge'.

A Your Honor

B Off the record

C Under oath

6 The attorney was annoyed when the witness stopped her from taking by asking a question.

A approached the bench

B addressed

C interrupted

Unit 7 The Objective of Criminal Law

Ex.1. Answer the questions:

1 Do you think people can commit crimes for a good reason?

2 What do you think is a fair punishment for different crimes?

Ex.2. (a) Read the passage. What punishment is described there?

The purpose of criminal law is to punish people who commit crimes. The type of punishment depends on the crime. Criminals who commit minor crimes such as trespassing usually receive a light punishment. They often get a fine or are put on probation.

When criminals offend many times, they get a heavier punishment. They go to jail. Criminals also go to jail when they are dangerous to others. For example, someone who commits assault and battery gets sent to jail. Capital punishment is the most serious punishment. It is reserved for the worst crimes, such as murder.

(b) What other punishment do you know?

Ex.3. Complete the table using information from the passage.

	Punishment	Examples of Crimes
Light Punishment	a fine 1_________________	2 _________________
Heavy Punishment	3 _________________	assault and battery
Capital Punishment		4 _________________

Ex.4. Choose the correct answers.

1 Did Hannah receive a fine?

A Yes, she has to go to jail for three months.

B Yes, she has to pay $300.

2 Does the judge agree with capital punishment?

A Yes, he sent the criminal to jail for two years.

B No, he thinks it is wrong to kill people who commit crimes.

3 Why did Mr. Thomas trespass on Mrs. Kennedy's property?

A His dog got loose and ran into her yard.

B She asked him to help her move some furniture.

4 How do criminals get punished for crimes?

A It depends on what crime they committed.

B They are arrested by the police.

5 Did the judge put Denise on probation?

A No, Denise wasn't there when the crime happened.

B Yes, but next time she gets in trouble, she is going to jail.

Ex.5. Choose the word or phrase that is closest in meaning to the underlined part

1 Kevin was changed with assault and battery.

A walking on private land

B attacked and hurting someone

C killing someone

2 Many criminals offend again when they leave jail.

A commit a crime

B get put on probation

C are punished heavily

3 When someone commits a crime, they need to be punished.

A attacks and hurts another person

B causes someone to suffer for ther bad behavior

C does something which is against the law

4 The man was accused of committing murder.

A killing someone

B escaping from jail

C going on someone's land without permission

5 Mr. Robbins was sent to jail but says he did not commit the crime.

A a room where trials take place

B a building where criminals are kept

C a place where punishments are given out

Ex.6. Listen to two lawyers discussing a criminal's sentence. Mark the following statements as true (T) or false (F).

1 The woman believes that her client deserves probation.

2 This is the first time the woman's client committed a crime.

3The man will seek a jail sentence for the woman's client.

Ex.7. Listen again and complete the conversation.

Defense Lawyer: Let's talk about the sentencing. My client doesn't deserve to go to jail. Will you recommend (1) ____

Prosecutor: Why would I do that?

Defense Lawyer: His crime wasn't violent. He was only (2) ____

Prosecutor: But he was (3) ____________ of assault and battery two years ago.

Defense Lawyer: Yes, but he was punished for that.

Prosecutor: I'm still recommending that he go to 4 ________ .

Defense Lawyer: That seems unnecessary for such a small (5) ___________ .

Prosecutor: I just don't want him to (6) ______________ again and hurt an innocent person