LEGAL ENGLISH

Cast a spell

 Explanation: To fascinate or charm someone completely.

 Example: The singer's beautiful voice cast a spell on the audience.

 A lawyer might use this to describe a witness who is particularly persuasive, for good or ill. "The witness's testimony cast a spell on the jury, and they were ready to believe every word."

Caught red-handed

 Explanation: To be caught in the act of doing something wrong.

 Example: The thief was caught red-handed as he was climbing out of the window.

 This is a very common phrase in criminal law. It refers to a person being apprehended while committing a crime. "The defendant was caught red-handed with the stolen goods."

Every now and then

 Explanation: Occasionally; sometimes.

 Example: We go to the movies every now and then.

 A witness might use this to describe the frequency of an event. "I saw him at the premises every now and then."

Fair and square

 Explanation: Honestly and without cheating.

 Example: She won the competition fair and square.

 It can be used to describe an honest or lawful action. "The agreement was made fair and square, with both parties' full consent."

Far and near, Far and wide

 Explanation: Everywhere; over a great distance.

 Example: The news of their victory spread far and near. / We searched far and wide for the perfect location.

 Not a legal term. It can be used in general legal prose to describe the reach of a law or a search. "The police searched far and wide for the missing evidence."

Fight tooth and nail

 Explanation: To fight with great intensity and determination.

 Example: The company fought tooth and nail to avoid the takeover.

 Describes a client's strong desire to win a case. "My client is prepared to fight tooth and nail for her rights."

Get off scot-free

 Explanation: To escape without punishment or harm.

 Example: The corrupt politician got off scot-free due to a technicality.

 Common in legal discourse. It refers to an offender not being punished. "The public was outraged that the suspect got off scot-free."

Give one's word

 Explanation: To make a promise.

 Example: I gave him my word that I would help.

 This is related to the legal concept of a verbal contract or a sworn statement, though a formal contract is required for enforceability. "He gave his word in front of the judge that he would comply with the terms."

Go astray

 Explanation: To go in the wrong direction; to deviate from the correct path.

 Example: The letter must have gone astray in the mail.

 Can be used to describe a legal process or a person's behavior. "The investigation went astray when a key witness disappeared."

Hand in hand

 Explanation: Together; closely connected.

 Example: Progress and responsibility go hand in hand.

 Describes two legal concepts or actions that are closely related. "The right to free speech goes hand in hand with the responsibility to not slander others."

Hand in glove

 Explanation: In close collusion or cooperation, often for something dishonest.

 Example: The two conspirators were working hand in glove.

 Used to describe the close, often secret, relationship between parties in a conspiracy or fraud case. "The prosecution argued that the two defendants were working hand in glove."

Hang in the balance

 Explanation: To be in a state of uncertainty or suspense.

 Example: The fate of the company hangs in the balance.

 Describes the outcome of a case that is not yet decided. "The jury's verdict is not yet in, and the defendant's freedom hangs in the balance."

Heart and soul

 Explanation: With great energy and enthusiasm; completely.

 Example: She put her heart and soul into her work.

 A lawyer might use this to describe a client who is fully committed to a case. "My client is putting his heart and soul into fighting these charges."

PART 3