Decoding Legal Jargon: Commonly Used Legal English Terms Explained

Confused by legal English terms in business? Join us in this episode of the Talaera Talks Podcast as we decode commonly used legal English terms and provide real-world context that helps you understand and use these terms with confidence in your daily business interactions.

Whether you’re navigating a contract, reviewing a partnership agreement, or simply want to enhance your business English vocabulary, this post is a  quick guide to mastering legal English terms.

#1 To lawyer up

• Meaning: To hire lawyers.
• Example: He’s lawyered up and plans to sue the company.

#2 Against the law

• Meaning: Illegal or forbidden by law.
• Example: It is against the law to provide inaccurate information when applying for food stamps.

#3 To bend the law

• Meaning: To do something that does not technically break the law but could be considered inappropriate or unfair.
• Example: We won’t do anything illegal; we’ll just bend the law a little.

#4 The jury is (still) out [on something]

• Meaning: (Something) hasn’t been decided yet or it hasn’t yet become clear.
• Example: Tom asked if we are proceeding with the ad campaign, but the jury is out on that. 

#5 Open and shut case

• Meaning: A legal case or an argument that is clear-cut; a simple and straightforward situation that admits no doubt or dispute.
•  Example: With all the evidence against the defendant, I expect this to be an open-and-shut case.

#6 A slap on the wrist

• Meaning: A mild punishment or warning.
• Example: Even though everyone knows they broke so many regulations, they only received a slap on the wrist.

#7 The spirit of the law

• Meaning: The initial purpose or aim of a law when it was written; the intended meaning of a law (as opposed to its literal interpretation)
• Example: Although the CEO of that company is technically acting legally, she is violating the spirit of the law. Her main goal is to increase her own profits at the expense of their employees.

#8 The letter of the law

• Meaning: Exactly what the law says. When you follow “the letter of the law”, you follow the rules perfectly, without leaving any room for interpretation. If you follow “the spirit of the law”, you take the law interpreting it for practical purposes.
• Example: The letter of the law says that he has to pay back the damages, but that judge is likely going to follow the spirit of the law and let it slide.

#9 Vested interest

• Meaning: (1) An interest recognized as belonging to a particular person (usually in land or money held in trust). (2) A permanent right given to an employee under a pension plan. (3) A special interest in an existing system, arrangement, or institution for particular personal reasons.
• Example: An independent lab should have no vested interest in the outcome of tests.

#10 Above the law

• Meaning: In a position where one can avoid being bound by the laws that govern ordinary people. It describes a person who is exempt from following the rules—or at least thinks he or she is exempt.
• Example: He’s not even trying to hide the fact that he’s stealing. He acts like he’s above the law.

Keep improving your communication skills

Now that you’ve decoded the legal jargon and boosted your business English skills, why stop there? Keep the learning going with Talaera. Explore our wide range of business English programs tailored to meet your unique needs. Whether it’s one-on-one training or self-paced courses, we’ve got you covered. Sign up today and empower your English communication skills!

Subscribe to our business English newsletter and reach out at hello@talaera.com if you have any questions.

If you enjoyed this article, keep reading:

• 7 Tips On How To Communicate Better With US Americans [Podcast]
• ‘Stay safe’ – How to Send Actually Genuine Emails During the Pandemic
• Useful Answers to Business English Top Questions – Expert Advice
• How To Learn The Difference Between ‘Really’ And ‘Very’?
• 150+ Useful Email Phrases That Will Make Your Life Easier
• 14 Simple Rules That Will Make You A Better Communicator
• Learning Business English? +20 Top Tips You Need To Know