criminal trial

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "criminal trial" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to describe a legal proceeding in which a person who is accused of a crime is brought before a court of law in order to determine their guilt or innocence. For example, "The defendant was taken to court for a criminal trial to determine if they were guilty of the crime they were accused of".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It was not a criminal trial.

The New York Times

"This is not a criminal trial.

The New York Times

"Running a criminal trial is complex".

The New York Times

He declined to discuss the criminal trial.

The New York Times

Mr. Rudin: Criminal trial, now this trial.

The New York Times

The criminal trial gripped the nation.

The Guardian - Books

I enjoyed doing criminal trial work.

The New York Times

The criminal trial is scheduled for January.

The New York Times

His criminal trial is scheduled to begin in June.

The New York Times

In 1989 Gesell presided over the criminal trial of Lieut.

Encyclopedia Britannica

And what is the point of a criminal trial?

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about a "criminal trial", ensure you specify the nature of the crime or the defendant involved to provide context and clarity to the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "criminal trial" when you actually mean a civil trial. A criminal trial involves the state prosecuting an individual for violating laws, while a civil trial involves disputes between private parties.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "criminal trial" functions primarily as a noun phrase, typically acting as the subject or object of a sentence. As Ludwig AI confirms, it refers to a legal proceeding to determine the guilt or innocence of someone accused of a crime. The examples show it in various contexts related to legal proceedings.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

15%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Wiki

2%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "criminal trial" is a common and grammatically correct term referring to a legal proceeding to determine the guilt or innocence of someone accused of a crime. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's widely used in various contexts, primarily in news and media, but also in science and encyclopedias. When using the phrase, be mindful to differentiate it from civil trials and ensure clarity by specifying the nature of the crime. Related terms like "felony trial" or "criminal prosecution" can offer more specific meanings depending on the intended context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

felony trial

Specifies the trial is for a serious crime, a felony.

criminal prosecution

Focuses on the act of the government bringing charges against a defendant.

misdemeanor trial

This alternative refers to a trial for a less serious crime, a misdemeanor.

trial by jury

Emphasizes that the trial involves a jury deciding the verdict.

indictment and trial

Highlights the formal accusation before the trial begins.

court case

A more general term that encompasses various types of legal proceedings, including criminal trials.

lawsuit involving criminal charges

Describes a case where criminal charges are central to the lawsuit.

legal proceeding

This is a formal term for any interaction within the legal system.

judicial hearing

A hearing presided over by a judge, which may or may not involve a full trial.

case at law

A formal, somewhat archaic term for a legal dispute brought before a court.

FAQs

How is "criminal trial" different from a civil trial?

A "criminal trial" involves the state prosecuting an individual for violating the law, whereas a civil trial involves disputes between private parties. The burden of proof and potential penalties differ significantly between the two.

What are some alternatives to saying "criminal trial"?

Depending on the context, you could use terms like "felony trial", "misdemeanor trial", or "criminal prosecution" to describe a "criminal trial".

What's the typical process of a "criminal trial"?

A "criminal trial" typically involves jury selection, opening statements, presentation of evidence, closing arguments, jury deliberation, and verdict. The specifics can vary depending on jurisdiction and the nature of the charges.

What kind of evidence is commonly presented in a "criminal trial"?

Common types of evidence presented in a "criminal trial" include witness testimony, forensic evidence, documents, and physical evidence. The admissibility of such evidence is subject to legal rules and procedures.