Understanding legal vocabulary in English is essential whether you are studying for professional purposes or simply want to communicate more effectively in everyday situations. Knowing the different types of law and when each one applies gives you the confidence to describe real-life scenarios accurately and use the right terminology.
What are the main types of law in English?
Each area of law covers specific aspects of daily life, from work to family relationships. Here is a breakdown of the most important ones discussed.
What does employment law cover?
Employment law [0:28] refers to all the rights you have as an employee and all the responsibilities your employer has toward you. It also covers situations of discrimination — being treated unfairly because of your race, gender, age, or any other personal characteristic. If something wrong happens at your workplace, it will fall under this category.
How does civil rights law protect people?
Civil rights law [1:08] regulates how people are treated equally. No matter where you come from, who you are, or what you believe in, this type of law ensures equal treatment. It also protects individuals from overly intrusive conduct by governments, meaning authorities cannot interfere excessively in your personal life.
What is immigration law and when do you need it?
Immigration law [1:38] applies whenever someone decides to move to a different country. It governs everything related to entry or exit to a foreign nation, as well as your internal rights once you are there. If you need to sponsor a family member or obtain a visa, an immigration lawyer is the professional you should consult.
What other types of law should you know?
- Commercial law [2:02]: covers the activity of buying and selling, also known as commerce. Every transaction you make falls under the commercial law of your government.
- Business law [2:18]: if you own a startup or any type of business, you operate under business law. It deals with regulations of commerce and is closely related to commercial law.
- Family law [2:40]: regulates family relationships, including divorce. If a person needs help with custody or separation, they need a lawyer specialized in this area.
- Tax law [2:58]: a tax is a fee charged by the government. When you pay taxes, you become a taxpayer. Not paying taxes is considered a crime in all countries, and those matters fall under tax law.
How do you choose the right type of lawyer?
Putting vocabulary into practice is the best way to retain it. Consider these real-world scenarios [3:22]:
- Julia wants to sponsor her elderly mother to move from Poland to the US. She needs an immigration lawyer because the situation involves moving between countries.
- Sophia divorced three years ago and received full custody of her children. Her ex-husband was ordered to pay $1,000 per month but stopped six months ago. She needs a family lawyer to handle this matter.
- David was fired from his job after 25 years without any valid reason or warning. He believes he was wrongfully fired. David needs an employment lawyer, as his case may involve discrimination.
Notice how the word fall under appears repeatedly — it means that a situation belongs to or is governed by a particular category of law. This is a very useful expression when discussing legal topics in English.
Now it is your turn. Think about a situation from your own life where you may have needed a lawyer. What type of lawyer would you have used? Share your answer in the comments — practicing with personal examples makes vocabulary stick much faster.
