Year 9 Cambridge Law: Legal Vocabulary Quick-Memorisation Guide | 剑桥九年级法律：法律词汇术语速记指南

📚 Year 9 Cambridge Law: Legal Vocabulary Quick-Memorisation Guide | 剑桥九年级法律：法律词汇术语速记指南

Welcome to your essential glossary for the Year 9 Cambridge Law course. Mastering legal terminology early will help you read cases, understand courtroom procedures, and write precise legal arguments. This guide groups key terms by topic and provides memorable English–Chinese definitions, so you can recall them confidently in class discussions and assessments. Each section introduces core concepts with paired explanations, making revision straightforward.

欢迎使用剑桥九年级法律课程必备词汇表。尽早掌握法律术语将帮助你研读判例、理解法庭程序并撰写精确的法律论点。本指南按主题分组关键词汇，提供易记的英中定义，让你在课堂讨论和测评中自信回忆。每一小节用双语解释介绍核心概念，让复习变得简单明了。

1. Core Legal Systems | 核心法律体系

Common Law is judge-made law derived from previous court decisions, known as precedents. Courts are bound to follow these past rulings when the facts are similar, ensuring consistency. This system is fundamental in England, the United States, and many Commonwealth countries.

普通法是法官造法，源于以前的法院判决，即判例。法院在事实相似时必须遵循这些过往裁决，以确保一致性。这一体系在英国、美国和许多英联邦国家至关重要。

Civil Law systems rely on comprehensive written codes and statutes rather than judicial precedents. Judges have a narrower role, applying the code directly. France and Germany are prime examples of civil law jurisdictions.

大陆法系依赖全面的成文法典和法规，而非司法判例。法官的角色较窄，直接适用法典。法国和德国是大陆法系法域的主要例子。

The Rule of Law means that everyone, including the government, is subject to the law. It upholds principles such as equality before the law, fair legal processes, and the absence of arbitrary power.

法治意味着包括政府在内的每个人都受法律约束。它维护法律面前人人平等、公正法律程序以及无任意权力等原则。

Public Law governs the relationship between individuals and the state. It includes constitutional law, which defines government structures, and administrative law, which reviews decisions of public bodies.

公法调整个人与国家之间的关系。它包括界定政府结构的宪法，以及审查公共机构决定的行政法。

Private Law deals with disputes between individuals or organisations. Contract law, tort law, and family law are key branches. The state is not a direct party, though it provides the courts to resolve conflicts.

私法处理个人或组织之间的纠纷。合同法、侵权法和家庭法是主要分支。国家不是直接当事方，但提供法院解决冲突。

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2. Court Structure & Personnel | 法院结构与人员

The Judiciary refers to the collective body of judges and magistrates who interpret and apply the law. Judicial independence is vital, meaning judges must be free from political pressure and make decisions based solely on the law.

司法机关指解释和适用法律的法官与裁判官集体。司法独立至关重要，意味着法官必须不受政治压力，仅基于法律作出裁决。

A Magistrate typically hears minor criminal cases in a Magistrates’ Court. They often lack formal legal qualifications and are supported by a legal adviser. Magistrates can impose limited fines and short custodial sentences.

裁判官通常在裁判法院审理轻微刑事案件。他们往往没有正式法律资格，由法律顾问辅助。裁判官可以判处有限罚款和短期监禁。

In contrast, a Judge presides over more serious cases in the Crown Court or higher courts. They have extensive legal expertise, usually having served as barristers or solicitors, and they determine legal questions and sentencing.

相比之下，法官在刑事法院或更高级法院主持更严重案件。他们拥有广泛的法律专业知识，通常曾担任大律师或事务律师，决定法律问题和量刑。

The Jury consists of twelve randomly selected citizens who decide the facts in a trial. Their verdict must be based only on evidence presented in court. Juries are a cornerstone of the criminal justice system in many jurisdictions.

陪审团由十二名随机挑选的公民组成，负责在审判中决定事实。他们的裁断只能基于法庭上出示的证据。陪审团是许多法域刑事司法制度的基石。

Court Hierarchy illustrates the structure: Supreme Court at the apex, followed by the Court of Appeal, High Court, and then Crown Court and County Court for criminal and civil cases respectively. Lower courts are bound by decisions of higher courts.

法院层级展示结构：最高法院在顶层，接下来是上诉法院、高等法院，然后是分别处理刑事和民事案件的刑事法院和郡法院。下级法院受上级法院判决的约束。

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3. Sources of Law | 法律渊源

Primary Legislation refers to Acts of Parliament, also called statutes. A statute starts as a Bill, goes through readings in both Houses, and receives Royal Assent to become law. Statutes can override common law rules.

一级立法指议会法，也称制定法。法律草案在议会两院经过读会后，获得御准成为法律。制定法可以推翻普通法规则。

Secondary Legislation, or delegated legislation, is made by government ministers or bodies under powers given by a parent Act. Statutory instruments are a common example, used to fill in technical details without a full parliamentary debate.

二级立法或称授权立法，由政府部长或机构根据母法授予的权力制定。法定文书是常见例子，用于填补技术细节，无需完整的议会辩论。

Judicial Precedent operates through the doctrine of stare decisis, meaning ‘to stand by things decided’. A ratio decidendi is the binding reason for a decision, while obiter dicta are persuasive but non-binding remarks.

司法判例通过遵循先例原则运作，意为’遵从已决之事’。判决理由是判决中具有约束力的核心理由，而附带意见则是有说服力但不具约束力的评论。

European Union Law (historically) and international treaties also influence domestic law. For Cambridge learners, the key idea is that sources of law are not single but plural, including custom and academic writings in some contexts.

欧盟法律（历史上）和国际条约也影响国内法。对剑桥学生而言，关键理念是法律渊源不是单一的，而是多元的，在某些情况下还包括习惯和学术著作。

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4. Criminal Law Basics | 刑法基础

A Crime is an act or omission prohibited by law and punishable by the state. Criminal law aims to deter, punish, and rehabilitate offenders. Every crime requires both an actus reus (guilty act) and a mens rea (guilty mind) unless it is a strict liability offence.

犯罪是法律禁止并可由国家惩罚的作为或不作为。刑法旨在威慑、惩罚和改造罪犯。除严格责任罪行外，每种犯罪都需要犯罪行为和犯罪意图。

Actus Reus is the external element of the offence—the physical act, failure to act, or state of affairs. For example, in a theft case, actus reus is the appropriation of property belonging to another.

犯罪行为是罪行的外部要件——身体动作、不作为或状态事件。例如，在盗窃案中，犯罪行为是剥夺他人财产。

Mens Rea refers to the mental element, such as intention, recklessness, or negligence. Murder typically requires an intention to kill or cause grievous bodily harm. Recklessness involves taking an unjustifiable risk knowingly.

犯罪意图指主观要件，如意念、轻率或过失。谋杀通常需要有意杀死或造成严重身体伤害。轻率包括明知不可为而为之的不合理冒险。

Strict Liability offences do not require proof of mens rea for at least one element. Regulatory crimes, like selling food past its use-by date, often fall into this category to protect public welfare.

严格责任罪行不需要证明至少一个要件的犯罪意图。监管类犯罪，如销售过期食品，常归入此类以保护公共福利。

Defences such as self-defence, duress, or insanity can negative liability. If successful, an accused may be acquitted. The burden of proof lies with the prosecution to establish guilt beyond reasonable doubt.

自卫、胁迫或精神错乱等抗辩可以否定罪责。若成功，被告可能被无罪释放。举证责任在控方，须确立排除合理怀疑的罪行。

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5. Civil Law & Torts | 民法与侵权

Civil Law resolves disputes between individuals. The standard of proof is the balance of probabilities, meaning it is more likely than not that the claim is true. Remedies often involve damages (compensation) rather than punishment.

民法解决个人之间的纠纷。证明标准是盖然性权衡，即主张为真的可能性大于不可能。救济通常是损害赔偿（补偿），而非惩罚。

Tort is a civil wrong that causes harm to another. Key torts include negligence, nuisance, and defamation. The injured party, the claimant, sues the tortfeasor for compensation.

侵权是造成他人损害的民事过错。主要侵权包括过失、妨扰和诽谤。受害方即原告起诉侵权人要求赔偿。

Negligence requires establishing: a duty of care owed, breach of that duty, and damage caused by that breach. The famous ‘neighbour principle’ from Donoghue v Stevenson created a wide duty to avoid foreseeable harm to others.

过失须确立：负有注意义务、违反该义务、以及因该违反造成的损害。著名的’邻人原则’源自多诺霍诉史蒂文森案，确立了避免对他人造成可预见伤害的宽泛义务。

Nuisance may be public (affecting a class of people) or private (interfering with a person’s use of land). Activities like excessive noise or fumes can constitute a nuisance. Injunctions are often sought to stop the harmful act.

妨扰可以是公共的（影响一类人群）或私人的（干涉个人使用土地）。过度噪音或烟雾等活动可构成妨扰。常寻求禁令以阻止有害行为。

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6. Contract Law Essentials | 合同法要点

A Contract is a legally binding agreement between two or more parties. Essential elements: offer, acceptance, consideration, intention to create legal relations, and certainty. Contracts can be written, oral, or implied by conduct.

合同是双方或多方之间具有法律约束力的协议。基本要件：要约、承诺、约因、创设法律关系的意图和确定性。合同可以是书面的、口头的或通过行为默示。

An Offer is a clear statement of terms by which the offeror is willing to be bound. It must be distinguished from an invitation to treat, which is merely an invitation to negotiate, like goods on a shelf.

要约是要约人明确表示愿意受约束的条款。必须与要约邀请区分，后者仅为谈判邀请，如货架上的商品。

Acceptance must match the offer exactly; otherwise, it is a counter-offer, which destroys the original offer. The postal rule states acceptance by post is effective when the letter is posted, not when received.

承诺必须与要约完全一致；否则为反要约，消灭原要约。投邮规则规定，邮寄承诺在信件投邮时生效，而非收到时。

Consideration is something of value exchanged between the parties, such as money, goods, or a promise. It must be sufficient but need not be adequate. Past consideration is generally not valid.

约因是双方交换的有价值之物，如金钱、货物或承诺。约因必须充分但无需对等。过去的约因一般无效。

Breach of contract occurs when a party fails to perform their obligations. The innocent party may claim damages or, in severe cases, treat the contract as discharged.

违约发生在一方不履行其义务时。无辜方可要求损害赔偿，或在严重情况下视合同已被解除。

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7. Family & Children Law | 家庭与儿童法

Marriage is a legally recognised union between two people, conferring rights and duties. Civil partnerships offer similar legal status without the traditional religious aspects. Both create financial and inheritance rights.

婚姻是法律认可的两人结合，赋予权利与义务。民事伴侣提供类似法律地位，但无传统宗教色彩。两者都产生财产和继承权。

Divorce legally dissolves a marriage. Under modern laws, the sole ground is the irretrievable breakdown of the marriage, proven by facts like separation or unreasonable behaviour. Courts can make orders about finances and property.

离婚在法律上解除婚姻关系。在现代法律下，唯一理由是婚姻不可挽回地破裂，通过分居或不合理行为等事实证明。法院可对财务和财产作出命令。

Parental Responsibility means all the rights, duties, and authority a parent has for a child. Mothers automatically have it; fathers acquire it by marriage or formal agreement. Key decisions like education must be made jointly.

父母责任指父母对子女的所有权利、义务和权力。母亲自动拥有；父亲通过婚姻或正式协议获得。教育等关键决定必须共同作出。

The paramountcy principle in child law states that the child’s welfare is the court’s paramount consideration. In custody disputes, factors like the child’s wishes, needs, and emotional bonds are weighed.

儿童法中的首要原则规定，儿童福利是法院的首要考虑。在监护权争议中，会权衡儿童意愿、需求及情感纽带等因素。

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8. Human Rights & Fundamental Freedoms | 人权与基本自由

Human Rights are basic entitlements held by every person simply because they are human. They include civil, political, economic, and social rights. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948) sets a global standard.

人权是每个人仅因其为人而拥有的基本权利。它们包括公民权利、政治权利、经济和社会权利。世界人权宣言（1948年）设定了全球标准。

The European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) protects rights such as the right to life, prohibition of torture, right to a fair trial, and respect for private and family life. Many countries incorporate the ECHR into domestic law.

欧洲人权公约保护生命权、禁止酷刑、公平审判权、尊重私人和家庭生活等权利。许多国家将欧洲人权公约纳入国内法。

Freedom of Expression allows individuals to hold opinions and receive and impart information without interference. However, it is a qualified right, meaning restrictions are allowed for national security, public safety, or protecting the rights of others.

表达自由允许个人持有主张并无干涉地接收和传递信息。但这是有限制的权利，允许为了国家安全、公共安全或保护他人权利而加以限制。

The Right to Privacy protects individuals from arbitrary interference with their home, family, and correspondence. It balances against other interests like freedom of the press. Courts often apply a proportionality test.

隐私权保护个人免遭对其家庭、住宅和通信的任意干涉。它与新闻自由等其他利益进行平衡。法院常适用比例原则检验。

Discrimination law prohibits less favourable treatment based on protected characteristics such as race, sex, religion, or disability. Direct discrimination is overt, while indirect discrimination arises from policies that disadvantage a group.

反歧视法禁止基于受保护特征（如种族、性别、宗教或残疾）的不利待遇。直接歧视是公开的，而间接歧视源于对某一群体不利的政策。

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9. Legal Process & Procedure | 法律程序与诉讼程序

The Adversarial System pits two opposing parties against each other before an impartial judge (and sometimes jury). Each side presents its case; the judge acts as a referee, ensuring rules are followed. This contrasts with the inquisitorial system used in many civil law countries.

对抗制让对立双方在中立法官（有时为陪审团）面前对抗。各方陈述案情；法官充当裁判，确保规则得到遵守。这与许多大陆法系国家使用的纠问制不同。

Burden of Proof: In criminal cases, the prosecution bears the legal burden to prove guilt beyond reasonable doubt. In civil cases, the claimant bears the burden on a balance of probabilities. The evidential burden may shift during trial.

证明责任：在刑事案件中，控方承担法律上的证明责任，须证明达至排除合理怀疑。在民事案件中，原告以盖然性权衡承担证明责任。证据负担在审判中可能转移。

A Summons or Claim Form commences legal proceedings, notifying the defendant of the claim. The defendant responds with a defence. If no response is given, a default judgement may be entered.

传票或诉状启动法律程序，通知被告被诉。被告以答辩状回应。若无回应，可能作出缺席判决。

Discovery (or disclosure) is the pre-trial process where parties exchange relevant documents. It prevents trial by ambush and encourages settlement. Privileged documents, like communications with lawyers, are protected.

证据开示是审前各方交换相关文件的过程。它防止审判突袭并鼓励和解。受特免权保护的文件，如与律师的通信，得到保护。

An Appeal challenges a lower court’s decision on grounds of legal error, factual mistake, or procedural irregularity. Appellate courts can uphold, reverse, or vary the decision. Some appeals require permission (leave).

上诉基于法律错误、事实错误或程序不当质疑下级法院判决。上诉法院可维持、推翻或变更判决。某些上诉需要许可。

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10. Key Latin Legal Phrases | 重要拉丁法律短语

Many legal terms originate from Latin. Understanding these common phrases helps decode judicial reasoning and legal textbooks. Here are nine vital ones for Year 9 students.

许多法律术语源自拉丁语。理解这些常见短语有助解读司法推理和法律教科书。以下是九年级学生需掌握的九个重要短语。

Stare Decisis: ‘To stand by things decided.’ It underpins the doctrine of precedent, ensuring lower courts follow higher court rulings. This provides predictability in the law.

遵循先例：’遵从已决之事’。它支撑判例原则，确保下级法院遵循上级法院的裁决。这提供法律的可预测性。

Ratio Decidendi: The binding principle or legal reason on which a court’s decision is based. Only this part forms precedent. Later courts analyse the ratio to apply or distinguish the case.

判决理由：法院判决所依据的具有约束力的原则或法律理由。只有这部分构成判例。后来法院分析判决理由以适用或区分该案。

Obiter Dicta: Statements made ‘by the way’—judicial comments not essential to the decision. They are persuasive but not binding. Influential obiter can later become part of the ratio in new cases.

附带意见：’顺便说’的陈述——对判决非必要的司法评论。它们有说服力但不具约束力。有影响力的附带意见日后可能在新案中成为判决理由的一部分。

Actus Reus: The ‘guilty act’. The physical element of a crime, which must be voluntary. Omissions can satisfy actus reus only if there is a legal duty to act.

犯罪行为：’有罪行为’。犯罪的客观要件，必须是自愿的。只有在有法律义务作为时，不作为才能满足犯罪行为。

Mens Rea: The ‘guilty mind’. The mental state required for the crime, such as intention, recklessness, or malice. The precise mens rea varies by offence.

犯罪意图：’有罪心态’。犯罪所需的主观状态，如意念、轻率或恶意。具体犯罪意图因罪而异。

Ultra Vires: ‘Beyond the powers.’ If a public body acts outside its legal authority, the action can be declared void. It is a fundamental concept in judicial review of administrative actions.

越权：’超越权限’。若公共机构的行为超出法律授权，该行为可被宣告无效。这是对行政行为进行司法审查的基本概念。

Nemo Dat Quod Non Habet: ‘No one gives what they do not have.’ In property law, a seller cannot transfer a better title than they possess, protecting original owners from theft.

不能给付自己没有的东西：’无人能给付自己没有的东西’。在财产法中，卖方不能转移比其拥有的更优的所有权，保护原所有人免受盗窃影响。

Habeas Corpus: ‘You shall have the body.’ A writ requiring a person detained to be brought before a court to examine the legality of the detention. It is a safeguard against unlawful imprisonment.

人身保护令：’你应拥有此身’。令状要求将拘留者带至法庭以审查拘留合法性。是对非法监禁的保障措施。

Sine Qua Non: ‘Without which not.’ Describes an essential condition or necessary element. For causation, the ‘but for’ test asks: but for the defendant’s act, would the harm have occurred?

必要条件：’无之必不然’。描述基本条件或必要要素。对于因果关系，’若非’检验问：若非被告的行为，损害会发生吗？

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11. Tort Law Defences & Remedies | 侵权法抗辩与救济

Defences in tort can completely or partially relieve the defendant of liability. Volenti non fit injuria (voluntary assumption of risk) applies when the claimant knowingly accepts a risk. For example, a boxer consents to ordinary punches.

侵权抗辩可完全或部分免除被告责任。同意不构成侵害适用于原告明知而接受风险。例如，拳击手同意承受普通击打。

Contributory negligence occurs when the claimant is partly to blame for their own injury. Damages are reduced by the percentage of fault. For instance, a pedestrian crossing without looking may share liability.

共同过失发生在原告对自己的伤害负有部分责任时。损害赔偿按过错比例减少。例如，行人未看路即过马路可能承担部分责任。

Illegality (ex turpi causa) denies a claim if it arises from the claimant’s own illegal act. A burglar injured during a break-in may not claim against the householder. This defence upholds public policy.

诉因不合法若源于原告自身违法行为则拒绝索赔。入室行窃时受伤的盗贼不能向房主索赔。此抗辩维护公共政策。

Remedies in tort aim to place the claimant back into the position before the tort occurred. Compensatory damages cover financial loss, pain, and suffering. Nominal damages acknowledge a wrong without significant harm.

侵权救济旨在将原告恢复到侵权发生前的状态。补偿性损害赔偿涵盖经济损失、疼痛和痛苦。名义损害赔偿确认过错而无重大损害。

Injunctions are court orders directing a party to do or refrain from doing something. A prohibitory injunction stops a nuisance like loud music; a mandatory injunction forces removal of a trespassing structure. Breach can lead to contempt.

禁令是法院命令一方作为或不作为。禁止性禁令停止噪音等妨扰；强制性禁令强制拆除侵入建筑物。违反可导致藐视法庭。

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12. Tips for Quick Memorisation | 快速记忆技巧

Use mnemonics and chunking to retain vocabulary. Group terms by category, such as ‘trial participants’ (judge, jury, barrister), ‘court hierarchy’ (Magistrates, Crown, Appeal, Supreme), or ‘contract elements’ (O + A + C + I = Offer, Acceptance, Consideration, Intention).

使用助记法和组块记忆来记住词汇。按类别分组，如‘审判参与者’（法官、陪审团、大律师）、‘法院层级’（裁判法院、刑事法院、上诉法院、最高法院）或‘合同要件’（要约 + 承诺 + 约因 + 意图）。

Create flashcards with the term on one side and the definition with a simple example on the other. Practice with a partner by asking: ‘What is the actus reus of theft?’ and ‘What Latin phrase means binding reason?’ Active recall strengthens memory.

制作抽认卡，一面写术语，另一面写定义及简单例子。与伙伴练习提问：‘盗窃的犯罪行为是什么？’和‘哪个拉丁短语表示有约束力的理由？’主动回忆增强记忆。

Explain concepts aloud as if teaching a peer. For instance, describe the difference between direct and indirect discrimination using your own words. Teaching is one of the most effective ways to solidify understanding.

像教同学一样大声解释概念。例如，用自己的话描述直接歧视与间接歧视的区别。教学是巩固理解的最有效方式之一。

Draw mind maps linking related ideas. Place ‘Parliament’ in the centre, branch to ‘Primary Legislation’, ‘Statutory Instrument’, and ‘Green/White Papers’. Visual organisation helps the brain see patterns and relationships between terms.

绘制关联想法的思维导图。将‘议会’置于中心，分支到‘一级立法’、‘法定文书’和‘绿皮书/白皮书’。视觉组织帮助大脑看到术语之间的模式和关系。

Apply vocabulary to real or fictional scenarios. Take a news story about a trial and identify the parties, the legal issue, and potential defences. Contextual learning makes abstract terms concrete and easier to recall under exam conditions.

将词汇应用于真实或虚构场景。用一则关于审判的新闻，识别当事方、法律问题和潜在抗辩。情景化学习使抽象术语具体化，在考试条件下更易回想。

Published by TutorHao | Law Revision Series | aleveler.com

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