hearing
In a legal context, a hearing is a formal meeting where a judge or official listens to facts and arguments about a specific issue. It is typically shorter and less formal than a full trial but follows strict legal rules.
Examples
3 of 5I have to go to a hearing about my traffic ticket next week.
I have to go to a hearing about my traffic ticket next week.
The court scheduled a preliminary hearing to review the new evidence.
The court scheduled a preliminary hearing to review the new evidence.
His hearing went well, so he might not have to pay the fine.
His hearing went well, so he might not have to pay the fine.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Word Family
Memory Tip
Think of a judge putting their hand to their ear because they are 'hearing' your side of the story in court.
Quick Quiz
The lawyer asked the judge to schedule a ______ for the new witness.
Correct!
The correct answer is: hearing
Examples
I have to go to a hearing about my traffic ticket next week.
everydayI have to go to a hearing about my traffic ticket next week.
The court scheduled a preliminary hearing to review the new evidence.
formalThe court scheduled a preliminary hearing to review the new evidence.
His hearing went well, so he might not have to pay the fine.
informalHis hearing went well, so he might not have to pay the fine.
Academic studies show that public hearings increase community trust in the legal system.
academicAcademic studies show that public hearings increase community trust in the legal system.
Our legal team attended the regulatory hearing regarding the merger.
businessOur legal team attended the regulatory hearing regarding the merger.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
a fair hearing
a fair hearing
open hearing
open hearing
administrative hearing
administrative hearing
Often Confused With
A trial is a complete examination of a whole case to reach a final verdict, while a hearing is often for a specific issue or motion.
Usage Notes
Use 'hearing' when referring to a specific legal appointment where evidence is presented. It is almost always used with the verbs 'hold', 'conduct', or 'attend'.
Common Mistakes
Learners often use 'listen' or 'meeting' when they specifically mean a legal 'hearing'. Remember that 'hearing' is a countable noun in this context.
Memory Tip
Think of a judge putting their hand to their ear because they are 'hearing' your side of the story in court.
Word Origin
Derived from the Old English word 'hieran', which means to perceive sound; the judicial sense developed in the 13th century to mean a 'formal listening'.
Grammar Patterns
Cultural Context
In many democratic legal systems, the right to a public hearing is considered a fundamental human right to ensure transparency.
Quick Quiz
The lawyer asked the judge to schedule a ______ for the new witness.
Correct!
The correct answer is: hearing
Related Grammar Rules
Related Phrases
Related Vocabulary
Litigation is the process of using a court of law to solve a...
testimonyA formal statement given by a witness in a court of law or a...
witnessA witness is a person who sees an event, such as a crime or...
judgeA judge is a person who works in a court of law and makes of...
evidenceInformation or objects that help to prove something is true...
More law words
justice
A1Justice is the quality of being fair and reasonable in how people are treated. It also refers to the legal system and the way laws are used to punish people who do wrong.
verdict
A1A verdict is the official decision made by a jury or judge in a court of law about whether someone is guilty or not guilty. It is also used to describe a person's final opinion or judgment about something after testing or considering it.
trial
A1A formal process in a court of law to decide if someone is guilty of a crime. It involves a judge, and sometimes a jury, who listen to evidence and witnesses.
litigation
A1Litigation is the process of using a court of law to solve a legal disagreement. It involves a judge or jury making a final decision about a dispute between people or companies.
testimony
A1A formal statement given by a witness in a court of law or a public meeting. It is also used to describe something that serves as clear proof that a fact is true.
witness
A1A witness is a person who sees an event, such as a crime or an accident, take place. In a legal context, this person provides information or evidence in a court about what they observed.
crime
A1A crime is an action that is against the law and is punishable by the government. It refers to illegal activities like stealing or hurting someone.
criminal
A1A person who has committed a crime or done something illegal. This word describes someone who breaks the law and may be punished by the police or a court.
felony
A1A felony is a very serious crime, such as murder or armed robbery. In legal systems, it is a crime that is punished more severely than a minor offense, often resulting in more than one year in prison.
charge
A1A charge is an official statement by the police or a court that says a person has committed a crime. It is the first formal step in a legal case against someone.
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