Legal phrasal verbs

A-Z Legal Phrasal Verbs

Adapted from Oxford Phrasal Verbs Dictionary for learners of English

Absolve from: declare sb free from sth. 1. Having been absolved by the court from all responsibility in the death of the pedestrian, the man went to the nearest put and got drunk by way of celebration. 2. After a trial lasting for three weeks and ending in the conviction of all the accused, the jury were absolve from further service for the rest of their lives.

Accuse of: say sb is guilty of sth. 1. Fred’s teacher accused him of cheating in the exam. 2. I’ve been accused of many things in my life, but never of cowardice.

Acquit of: find sb not guilty of sth. 1. After a trial lasting several days the jury acquitted Stephens of the charge of murder. 2. The accused was acquitted of manslaughter but found guilty of dangerous driving.

Appeal to/against: ask a higher body to reconsider a judgment. (to) Supreme Court; House of Lords; (against) verdict; sentence. 1. She was sentenced to three years’ imprisonment but intends to appeal against the judgment. 2. The union is now appealing against the sequestration of its assets.

Appear for: represent sb in a court, at an inquiry etc. 1. Mr Peebles appeared for the defense in a case brought by the the Crown against two alleged terrorists. 2. Residents have invited a local solicitor to appear for them in the inquiry into the siting of a new airport near the village.

Arbitrate between: seek an agreement which is acceptable to two contending persons etc. 1. An experienced industrial lawyer has been asked to arbitrate between the contending parties. 2. There is no statutory body whose duty it is to arbitrate between there workers and their employees.

Bail out: free sb until trial by paying a cash guarantee. An anonymous well-wisher bailed the prisoners out.

Be in collusion (with): have made a secret agreement with sb, contrary to law, for some purpose. The solicitor warned his client that he would not obtain a