People in the Legal System
Objectives
- Identify the main legal roles
- Distinguish plaintiff, defendant and witness
- Avoid false friends
Explanation
A plaintiff (or claimant) starts a civil case; the defendant responds. In criminal cases, the prosecutor (fiscal) acts for the State. A judge decides. Be careful: 'juez' is 'judge', not 'jury'. A 'jury' is a group of citizens who decide facts in some common law systems; Costa Rica does not use juries.
plaintiff
The person who brings a civil lawsuit.
“The plaintiff claims damages.”
defendant
The person against whom a case is brought.
“The defendant denied the allegations.”
prosecutor
The lawyer who represents the State in criminal cases.
“The prosecutor presented the evidence.”
witness
A person who saw or knows something relevant to a case.
“The witness testified on Monday.”
judge
The official who hears and decides cases in court.
“The judge dismissed the claim.”
Flashcards
Match terms and definitions
plaintiff
defendant
prosecutor
witness
judge
Complete the sentences
0/6 skills completedNext lesson →