Year 11 Edexcel Law: Vocabulary & Terminology Quick-Memorisation Guide | 11年级爱德思法律：词汇术语速记指南

📚 Year 11 Edexcel Law: Vocabulary & Terminology Quick-Memorisation Guide | 11年级爱德思法律：词汇术语速记指南

Mastering legal terminology is the first step to excelling in your Year 11 Edexcel Law exam. The language of law is precise, and understanding key terms like ‘actus reus’, ‘precedent’ or ‘claimant’ will help you analyse scenarios, structure essays and achieve top marks. This guide breaks down essential vocabulary into manageable categories, provides clear definitions in both English and Chinese, and shares clever memorisation tricks to make revision faster and more effective.

掌握法律术语是在11年级爱德思法律考试中取得优异成绩的第一步。法律语言讲究精确，理解诸如“犯罪行为”、“先例”或“原告”等关键术语，将帮助你分析案例、组织论文并获得高分。本指南将核心词汇分门别类，提供中英双语的清晰定义，并分享巧妙的记忆窍门，让复习更快、更高效。

1. Criminal Law Essentials: Actus Reus and Mens Rea | 刑法核心：犯罪行为与犯罪意图

In criminal law, most offences require two elements to be proved: the physical act (actus reus) and the mental state (mens rea). The term ‘actus reus’ comes from Latin, meaning ‘guilty act’. It refers to the conduct, circumstances, or consequences that make up the external element of a crime. For example, in theft, the actus reus is appropriating property belonging to another. ‘Mens rea’ means ‘guilty mind’ and covers the defendant’s intention, recklessness or negligence. Without both elements present at the same time, there is usually no criminal liability. Memory tip: think ‘Actus = Action, Mens = Mind’.

在刑法中，大多数犯罪需要证明两个要素：客观行为（actus reus）和主观心态（mens rea）。’actus reus’来源于拉丁语，意为“有罪的行为”，指构成犯罪外在要素的行为、情节或后果。例如，在盗窃罪中，actus reus是获取属于他人的财产。’mens rea’意为“有罪的心理”，涵盖被告的故意、轻率或过失。如果两者不同时存在，通常不构成刑事责任。记忆窍门：将’Actus’联想为’Action(动作)’，’Mens’联想为’Mind(心理)’。

The coincidence of actus reus and mens rea is crucial. If you form the intent to injure someone only after accidentally knocking them over, you lack the simultaneous mens rea for assault. Use the phrase ‘Act first, think later? No crime’ to remember the timing requirement.

actus reus与mens rea的同时发生至关重要。如果你在意外撞倒某人之后才产生伤害意图，则缺乏构成攻击罪所需的同步犯罪意图。记住“先行动后思考？不构成犯罪”这句话，以掌握时间要求。

2. Civil Law vs Criminal Law: Spot the Difference | 民法与刑法：辨别差异

Understanding the distinction between civil and criminal law is fundamental. The table below summarises the key differences you must know for the exam.

理解民法与刑法的区别是基础。下表总结了备考必须掌握的关键差异。

Civil law deals with private rights; the person who brings the case is the ‘claimant’ (formerly plaintiff). Criminal law involves public wrongs and is initiated by the state, represented by the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) in England and Wales. A quick mnemonic: ‘Criminal = Community condemned; Civil = Compensation and conflicts’.

民法涉及私人权利；提起诉讼的人称为“原告”（过去称plaintiff）。刑法涉及公共不法行为，由国家发起，在英格兰和威尔士由皇家检察署（CPS）代表。一个快速记忆口诀：“刑事＝社会谴责；民事＝赔偿与纠纷”。

3. Participants in the Legal System | 法律体系中的参与者

Court cases involve several key roles. Knowing who does what helps you understand trial procedures and answer scenario questions accurately.

法庭案件涉及几个关键角色。了解各角色职责，有助于理解审判程序并准确回答案例题。

The ‘judge’ presides over the court, ensures the law is followed, and in jury trials, directs the jury on legal points. In criminal cases, the prosecution proves the case; the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty. The ‘jury’ (12 members in Crown Court) decides the verdict based on facts. In civil cases, the judge alone typically decides both law and facts. A ‘magistrate’ is a lay or legally qualified judge in Magistrates’ Court handling minor offences.

“法官”主持法庭，确保遵循法律，在陪审团审理中，就法律问题指示陪审团。刑事案件中，控方需要证明案情；被告被推定无罪直至被证明有罪。“陪审团”（在刑事法院由12名成员组成）依据事实作出裁决。民事案件中，通常由法官单独裁决法律与事实。“治安法官”是在治安法院处理轻微罪行的非专业或法律合格的法官。

Other important terms: ‘witness’ gives evidence; ‘victim’ is the person harmed; ‘barrister’ presents the case in higher courts; ‘solicitor’ prepares documents and may represent clients in lower courts. Memory aid: ‘Judge rules on law; Jury judges facts.’

其他重要术语：“证人”提供证据；“受害者”是受伤害的人；“出庭律师”在高等法院陈述案情；“事务律师”准备文件并可在低级法院代表客户。记忆助手：“法官管法律，陪审团判事实。”

4. Where Law Comes From: Statute and Common Law | 法律渊源：成文法与普通法

English law comes from two main sources: ‘statute law’ (legislation passed by Parliament) and ‘common law’ (law developed by

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