1. Plaintiff:

   • Definition: A person or party who brings a legal action or lawsuit against another party.

   • Example: The plaintiff alleges that the company's negligence caused their injuries.

2. Defendant:

   • Definition: A person or party against whom a legal action or lawsuit is brought.

   • Example: The defendant denies any wrongdoing and will present evidence to support their defense.

3. Petitioner:

   • Definition: The party who files a petition or formal application to a court or authority.

   • Example: The petitioner is seeking a court order to protect their rights.

4. Respondent:

   • Definition: The party who responds to a petition or application in a legal proceeding.

   • Example: The court will notify the respondent about the pending case.

5. Evidence:

   • Definition: Information, documents, or objects presented in court to support or prove a claim.

   • Example: The prosecution provided compelling evidence of the defendant's guilt.

6. Testimony:

   • Definition: Oral or written statements given under oath by a witness during a trial or hearing.

   • Example: The witness's testimony played a crucial role in the outcome of the case.

7. Subpoena:

   • Definition: A legal order requiring a person to appear in court as a witness or to produce documents.

   • Example: The subpoena was issued to compel the witness to testify at the trial.

8. Cross-examination:

   • Definition: The questioning of a witness by the opposing party's attorney after direct examination.

   • Example: The defense attorney aggressively cross-examined the prosecution's key witness.

9. Due process:

   • Definition: The legal requirement that ensures fair treatment and protection of rights in legal proceedings.

   • Example: The defendant's constitutional right to due process must be respected during the trial.

10. Admissible:

    • Definition: Evidence that is allowed to be presented in court based on relevance and legality.

    • Example: The judge ruled that the document was not admissible as evidence.

11. Hearsay:

    • Definition: Secondhand information or statements made outside of the court, often considered unreliable.

    • Example: The witness's testimony was dismissed as hearsay and not admissible.

12. Verdict:

    • Definition: The decision reached by a jury or judge at the end of a trial.

    • Example: The jury deliberated for hours before reaching a unanimous verdict of "not guilty."

13. Appeal:

    • Definition: A legal process through which a higher court reviews and reconsiders a lower court's decision.

    • Example: The defendant plans to appeal the verdict based on new evidence.

14. Courtroom:

    • Definition: The physical space where legal proceedings, including trials, hearings, and arraignments, take place.

    • Example: The courtroom was packed with spectators eager to observe the high-profile trial.

15. Oath:

    • Definition: A solemn promise to tell the truth, often made before giving testimony or presenting evidence.

    • Example: The witness took an oath to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth.

16. Jury:

    • Definition: A group of citizens selected to listen to evidence and determine the facts in a trial.

    • Example: The jury deliberated for days before reaching a unanimous decision.

17. Bail:

    • Definition: The temporary release of a defendant from custody pending trial, often secured with money or collateral.

    • Example: The judge set a high bail amount to ensure the defendant's appearance in court.

18. Affidavit:

    • Definition: A written statement made under oath and used as evidence in legal proceedings.

    • Example: The witness submitted an affidavit detailing their account of the incident.

19. Probation:

    • Definition: A period of supervision and monitoring as an alternative to imprisonment for certain offenders.

    • Example: The court sentenced the defendant to five years of probation.

20. Settlement:

    • Definition: An agreement reached between parties to resolve a legal dispute without going to trial.

    • Example: The parties agreed to a settlement to avoid the time and expense of a trial.

By familiarizing yourself with these legal proceedings-related terms and using them appropriately in your discussions or writing, you can demonstrate a strong grasp of advanced academic vocabulary and enhance your communication skills for achieving a higher band score in the IELTS exam. Good luck with your studies!