Contents

Grammar and Exercises

Unitatea de nvare 1-10 The Verb
1.1 Irregular Verbs......................................................................... 6
1.2 English Tenses (Present, Past, Future)..................................... 9
Unitatea de nvare 4-6:
1.3 Exercises (Affirmative, Negative, Interrogative) ....................14
Unitatea de nvare 7-8
Present Perfect / Past Perfect.........................................................10
Unitatea de nvare 9-10
Exercises (Negative, Interrogative)15
Unitatea de nvare 11-12:
2.1 Active and Passive Voice.........................................................18
Unitatea de nvare 13-14:
2.2 Exercises ..19
3.1 Conditional Sentences (If-Clauses)..........................................21
3.2 Exercises...................................................................................22
Elemente suplimentare:
4 Some Legal Terms and Juridical Expressions .... .26
5 Various Grammar Exercises
...........................................33

Introducere
Disciplina Limba englez este nscris n planul de nvmnt n cadrul
disciplinelor umaniste. Regimul disciplinei este obligatoriu, studenii alegnd ntre
limba francez i cea englez. Nivelul este unul intermediar.
Suportul de curs prezentat mai jos se adreseaz studentilor din anul I i II FR.
El este menit s le ofere studenilor date eseniale despre ceea ce urmeaz s se
discute n cadrul orelor de limba englez, precum i posibilele subiecte pentru
examen.
Materialul didactic inclus acoper perfect cele 14 uniti semestriale din
Programa de nvmnt, doar c, spre deosebire de alte materii, n acest caz
selectarea va fi fcut i n funcie de nivelul cunotinelor fiecrui grup de studeni n
parte, dup o testare prealabil.
Pentru o bun desfurare a procesului de nvmnt studenii trebuie s in
seama de urmtoarele indicaii: conform Programei, n Semestrul I se vor trata
problemele eseniale de gramatic ntotdeauna nsoite de exerciii (aa cum sunt
prezentate n curs). n Semestrul II, accentul cade pe texte interpretare lexical,
vocabular juridic, din nou mpreun cu exerciiile aferente.
Diferena dintre anul I i II este vizibil numai n cazul textelor. Astfel, n anul
I se vor studia textele cuprinse sub titlul Section 2; n anul II, textele din Section 3.
Obiectivele cursului
Cursul i propune aprofundarea cunotinelor de limba englez dobndite n liceu,
precum i dezvoltarea competenelor de comunicare n limba englez, prin nsuirea
structurilor gramaticale i a lexicului de specialitate din domeniul dreptului. Scopul
cursului este, prin urmare, acela de a da posibilitatea studentului s citeasc, s
neleag, s traduc corect i s comenteze textele de specialitate, precum i s
susin o conversaie pe teme profesionale sau generale, s poat scrie un comentariu,
s-i nsueasc elemente de coresponden juridic, s traduc sau s redacteze acte
juridice. Cursul urmrete dobndirea unei autonomii relative a studentului privind
nelegerea oral i scris i accesul la valorile culturii i civilizaiei engleze. Aceste
obiective presupun o selecie a textelor care s acopere, n primul rnd, ramurile
dreptului. Textele alese sunt din domeniul dreptului public i al celui privat, n cea
mai mare parte, iar celelalte se refer la cultura i civilizaia englez. O importan
deosebit este acordat lexicului, insistndu-se asupra mbogirii sale prin
introducerea unor dialoguri ntre studeni pe teme date. Problemele de gramatic
(axate n special pe verb i expresii idiomatice) sunt abordate att din punct de vedere
teoretic, dar mai ales din punct de vedere practic. Sunt revzute cunotinele de baz
i sunt mbogite cu unele noi, necesare mai ales construciilor gramaticale ale
discursului juridic englez, cu referire special la diferenele existente ntre diverse
sisteme juridice (britanic, american) vis-a-vis de cel romnesc; exerciiile alese sunt
diverse i au un grad de dificultate mediu i avansat. Exerciiile de retroversiune i
de traducere sunt folosite att pentru aprofundarea cunotinelor de gramatic, ct i
pentru nsuirea lexicului. Conversaiile sunt utilizate des, alegndu-se att subiecte
din domeniul dreptului, ct i subiecte de interes general. La sfritul semestrului este

prevzut o recapitulare a cunotinelor de lexic i de gramatic prin exerciii diverse

i un test de verificare a acestora.
Competene conferite
Dup parcurgerea cursului, studentul va dobndi urmtoarele competene
specifice disciplinei:
1. Cunoatere l nelegere (cunoaterea i utilizarea adecvata a noiunilor specifice
disciplinei)
- nsuirea termenilor de specialitate
- nelegerea textelor de specialitate
2. Explicare i interpretare (explicarea i interpretarea unor idei, proiecte, procese,
precum i a coninuturilor teoretice i practice ale disciplinei)
- Comentarea unor texte de specialitate
- Explicarea noiunilor de gramatic
3. Instrumental - aplicative (proiectarea, conducerea i evaluarea activitilor
practice specifice; utilizarea unor metode, tehnici i instrumente de investigare i de
aplicare)
- Tehnici de traducere i retroversiune
- Deprinderea de munc individual (prin traduceri de specialitate)
- Conversaie pe o tem dat
4. Atitudinale (manifestarea unei atitudini pozitive i responsabile fa de domeniul
tiinific/ cultivarea unui mediu tiinific centrat pe valori i relaii democratice/
promovarea unui sistem de valori culturale, morale i civice/ valorificarea optima i
creativa a propriului potenial n activitile tiinifice/ implicarea n dezvoltarea
instituional i in promovarea inovaiilor tiinifice/ angajarea in relaii de parteneriat
cu alte persoane - instituii cu responsabiliti similare/ participarea la propria
dezvoltare profesional)
- Atitudine pozitiv i responsabil fa de domeniul juridic
- Promovarea valorilor interculturale
- Deprinderi de autoevaluare i autocorectare prin aplicarea unor tehnici de lucru
specifice
Resurse i mijloace de lucru
Cursul va fi accesibil studenilor n format online. Ei vor primi la cursuri i copii
xerox cu exerciii sau teste sau vor folosi manualul pe care l ntrebuineaz studenii
de la zi care este mai complex.

Structura cursului
Cursul este compus din 14 uniti de nvare care acoper materia pentru un semestru
de studiu:
Unitatea de nvare 1-10: Irregular Verbs; English Tenses (Present, Past, Future)
Unitatea de nvare 4-6: Grammar: Exercises (Affirmative, Negative, Interrogative)
Unitatea de nvare 7-8: Present Perfect/ Past Perfect
Unitatea de nvare 9-10: Exercises (Negative, Interrogative)
Unitatea de nvare 11-12: Active and Passive Voice

Unitatea de nvare 13-14: Exercises (Active Voice, Passive Voice

Teme suplimentare: Conditional Sentences (IF-Clauses)
Exercises
Some Legal Terms and Juridical Expressions
Various Grammar Exercises

Teme de control
Cursul este interactiv, verificrile se fac pe parcurs, n timpul semestrului. n afar de
aceast modalitate singura verificare este examenul.
Bibliografie
Folosind suportul de curs, studenii nu mai au nevoie de alt bibliografie, exceptnd
situaiile speciale cnd se pot folosi de cri elaborate de ctre vorbitori nativi de
limba englez i, uneori de dicionare. n acest sens recomandm:
1. Sasu-Bolba, Ioana, To Tell the Truth and Nothing but the Truth, English for
Law Students, Editura NapocaStar, Cluj-Napoca, 2011 (volumul se gsete la
Biblioteca facultii).
2. C.E. and J.M. ECKERSLEY, A Comprehensive English Grammar,
LONGMANS, GREEN & CO.Ltd., London, 1969.
Metoda de evaluare
Examenul final se susine att sub form scris, ct i oral. 80% din nota final este
reprezentat de evaluarea final i 20% - testarea continu pe parcursul semestrului.
Lucrarea scris va cuprinde un text de specialitate (de comentat, de rezumat sau
necesit rspunsuri la ntrebri legate de text), o traducere, o retroversiune i 2
exerciii de gramatic.

Grammar and Exercises

The Verb
Note:
English verbs can be divided into regular and irregular verbs. Regular verbs get ed in Past
Tense and Past Participle. Irregular verbs have different forms for Past and Past Participle.
It seems easier for foreign speakers to learn the irregular verbal forms by heart!

1.1 Irregular Verbs1

Present
be

Past
was, were

Past Participle
been

become

became

become

begin

began

begun

blow

blew

blown

break

broke

broken

bring

brought

brought

build

built

built

burst

burst

burst

buy

bought

bought

catch

caught

caught

choose

chose

chosen

come

came

come

cut

cut

cut

deal

dealt

dealt

do

did

done

drink

drank

drunk

drive

drove

driven

eat

ate

eaten

fall

fell

fallen

feed

fed

fed

feel

felt

felt

fight

fought

fought

find

found

found

Brought to you by the Purdue University Online Writing Lab.

fly

flew

flown

forbid

forbade

forbidden

forget

forgot

forgotten

forgive

forgave

forgiven

freeze

froze

frozen

get

got

gotten

give

gave

given

go

went

gone

grow

grew

grown

have

had

had

hear

heard

heard

hide

hid

hidden

hold

held

held

hurt

hurt

hurt

keep

kept

kept

know

knew

known

lay

laid

laid

lead

led

led

leave

left

left

let

let

let

lie

lay

lain

lose

lost

lost

make

made

made

meet

met

met

pay

paid

paid

quit

quit

quit

read

read

read

ride

rode

ridden

ring

rang

rung

rise

rose

risen

run

ran

run

say

said

said

see

saw

seen

seek

sought

sought

sell

sold

sold

send

sent

sent

shake

shook

shaken

shine

shone

shone
7

sing

sang

sung

sit

sat

sat

sleep

slept

slept

speak

spoke

spoken

spend

spent

spent

spring

sprang

sprung

stand

stood

stood

steal

stole

stolen

swim

swam

swum

swing

swung

swung

take

took

taken

teach

taught

taught

tear

tore

torn

tell

told

told

think

thought

thought

throw

threw

thrown

understand understood

understood

wake

woke (waked) woken (waked)

wear

wore

worn

win

won

won

write

wrote

written

1.2 English Tenses

The English tenses are approximately the same as Romanian ones.
Still, there is a major difference he who learns English should be
aware of. Each English tense has two aspects: a simple aspect
(pointing to a usual, repeated action: e.g. John goes to school every
day; I have read the book - statement) and a continuous aspect (for
an action in development: e.g. John is going to school now; I have
been reading for two hours I havent finished yet, I did it without
interruption and probably I am still reading, etc.)
Note: There is no particular difference in the translation of the two
aspects: John merge la coal n fiecare zi and John merge la coal
acum. A possible difference can be made in simple past: John went
to school John a mers la coal - usual, repeated action; and John
was going to school when I rang him up John mergea la coal
cnd l-am sunat.

Unitatea de nvare 1-10

Present Tense
Affirmative
Simple Present Tense
(usual, repeated action)
Key-word: every day
tomorrow
I study law
You study law
He (she, it) studies law
We study law
You study law
They study law

Negative
I dont study law
You dont study law
He (she, it) doesnt study
law
We dont study law
You dont study law
They dont study law

Interrogative

Past Tense
Affirmative
Simple Past Tense
(completed action)
Key-words: ago, last
I studied law
You studied law
He (she, it) studied law
We studied law
You studied law
They studied law

Negative

Future Tense
Affirmative
Simple Future Tense
(future action)
Key words: next,
I shall study law
You will study law
He (she, it) will study law
We shall study law
You will study law
They will study law

Negative

I didnt study law

You didnt study law
He (she, it) didnt study
law
We didnt study law
You didnt study law
They didnt study law

I shant study law

You wont study law
He (she, it) wont study
law
We shant study law
You wont study law
They wont study law

Interrogative

Interrogative

Do I study law?
Did I study law?
Do you study law?
Did you study law?
Does he (she, it) study Did he (she, it) study law?
law?
Do we study law?
Did we study law?
Do you study law?
Did you study law?
Do they study law?
Did they study law?

Shall I study law?

Will you study law?
Will he (she, it) study law?
Shall we study law?
Will you study law?
Will they study law?

Present Continuous
Affirmative
(action in development)

Past Continuous
Affirmative
(stress upon action)

Future Continuous
Affirmative
(stress upon action)

I am studying law
You are studying law
He (she, it) is studying law

I was studying law

You were studying law
He (she, it) was studying
law

I shall be studying law

You will be studying law
He (she, it) will be
studying law

We are studying law

You are studying law
They are studying law

We were studying law

You were studying law
They were studying law

We shall be studying law

You will be studying law
They will be studying law

Negative
I am not studying law
You arent studying law
He (she, it) isnt studying
law
We arent studying law
You arent studying law
They arent studying law

Interrogative
Am I studying law?
Are you studying law?
Is he (she, it) studying
law?
Are we studying law?
Are you studying law
Are they studying law?

Simple Present Perfect

Affirmative
Key words: ever, never;

Negative
I wasnt studying law
You werent studying law
He (she, it) wasnt
studying law
We werent studying law
You werent studying law
They werent studying law

Interrogative
Was I studying law?
Were you studying law?
Was he (she, it) studying
law?
Were we studying law?
Were you studying law?
Were they studying?

Simple Past Perfect

Affirmative
yet, just, lately, since, for

Negative
I shant be studying law
You wont be studying law
He (she, it) wont be
studying law
We shant be studying law
You wont be studying law
They wont be studying
law

Interrogative
Shall I be studying law?
Will you be studying law?
Will he be studying law?
Shall we be studying law?
Will you be studying law?
Will they be studying..?

Simple Future in the

Past
Affirmative
(subordinate clauses)

She saidI should study

law
You have studied law
You had studied law
You would study law
He (she, it) has studied law He (she, it) had studied He (she, it) would study
law
law
We have studied law
We had studied law
We should study law
You have studied law
You had studied law
You would study law
They have studied law
They had studied law
They would study law
I have studied law

I had studied law

10

Negative

Negative

Negative

I havent studied law

I hadnt studied law

You haven studied law

He hasnt studied law
We havent studied law
You havent studied law
They havent studied law

You hadnt studied law

He hadnt studied law
We hadnt studied law
You hadnt studied law
They hadnt studied law

Interrogative

Interrogative

Have I studied law?

Had I studied law?

Have you studied law?

Has he studied law?
Have we studied law?
Have you studied law?
Have they studied law?

Had you studied law?

Had he studied law?
Had we studied law?
Had you studied law?
Had they studied law?

Present Perfect
Continuous
Affirmative

Past Perfect
Continuous
Affirmative

I have been studying law

I had been studying law

Negative

Negative

She said...I shouldnt study

law
You wouldnt study...
He wouldnt study...
We shouldnt study...
You wouldnt study...
They wouldnt study...

Interrogative
She asked: Should I study
law?
Would you study law?
Would he study law?
Should we study law?
Would you study law?
Would they study law?

Future in the Past

Continuous
Affirmative

She said: I should be

studying law
You have been studying You had been studying You would be studying
law
law
law
He (she, it) has been He (she, it) had been He (she, it) would be
studying law
studying law
studying law
We have been studying We had been studying law We should be studying law
law
You have been studying You had been studying You would be studying
law
law
law
They have been studying They had been studying They would be studying
law
law
law

Negative

I havent been studying I hadnt been studying law I shouldnt be studying law
law
You havent been studying You hadnt been studying You wouldnt be studying

11

law
He hasnt been studying
law
We havent been studying
law
You havent been studying
law
They
havent
been
studying law

law
He hadnt been
law
We hadnt been
law
You hadnt been
law
They hadnt been
law

Interrogative
Have I been studying law?

studying
studying
studying
studying

Interrogative
Had I been studying law?

Have you been studying Had you been studying

law?
law?
Has he been studying law? Had he been studying law?
Have we been studying Had we been studying
law?
law?
Have you been studying Had you been studying
law?
law?
Have they been studying Had they been studying
law?
law?

Simple Present Conditional

Affirmative
I should study law
You would study law
He would study law
We should study law
You would study law
They would study law

Interrogative
She asked: Should I be
studying law?
Would you be studying
law?
Would he be studying
law?
Should we be studying
law?
Would you be studying
law?
Would they be studying
law?

Simple Past Conditional

Affirmative
I should have studied law
You would have studied law
He would have studied law
We should have studied law
You would have studied law
They would have studied law

Negative
I shouldnt study law
You wouldnt study law
He wouldnt study law
We shouldnt study law
You wouldnt study law
They wouldnt study law

law
He wouldnt be studying
law
We shouldnt be studying
law
You wouldnt be studying
law
They wouldnt be studying
law

Negative
I shouldnt have studied law
You wouldnt have studied law
He wouldnt have studied law
We shouldnt have studied law
You wouldnt have studied law
They wouldnt have studied law

12

Interrogative
Should I study law?
Would you study law?
Would he study law?
Should we study law?
Would you study law?
Would they study law?

Interrogative
Should I have studied law?
Would you have studied law?
Would he have studied law?
Should we have studied law?
Would you have studied law?
Would they have studied law?

Present Conditional Continuous

Affirmative
I should be studying law
You would be studying law
He would be studying law
We should be studying law
You would be studying law
They would be studying law

Past Conditional Continuous

Affirmative
I should have been studying law
You would have been studying law
He would have been studying law
We should have been studying law
You would have been studying law
They would have been studying law

Negative
I shouldnt be studying law
You wouldnt be studying law
He wouldnt be studying law
We shouldnt be studying law
You wouldnt be studying law
They wouldnt be studying law

Negative
I shouldnt have been studying law
You wouldnt have been studying law
He wouldnt have been studying law
We shouldnt have been studying law
You wouldnt have been studying law
They wouldnt have been studying law

Interrogative

Should I be studying law?

Would you be studying law?
Would he be studying law?
Should we be studying law?
Would you be studying law?
Would they be studying law?

Interrogative

Should I have been studying law?

Would you have been studying law?
Would he have been studying law?
Should we have been studying law?
Would you have been studying law?
Would they have been studying law?

13

Unitatea de nvare 4-5-6

1.3 Exercises
The following sentences are in Simple Present Tense Affirmative.
Change them into Simple Past and Future Affirmative; make the
sentences interrogative and negative. Pay attention to meaning and
change them accordingly.
1. My father drives the car everyday.
2. I see you later at home.
3. We meet very often, as we live close to one another.
4. John turns off the radio whenever it seems to loud to him.
5. He arrives there soon.
6. She closes the door.
7. They always ask difficult questions.
8. Tom usually pays in time.
9. Anne often brings food to the party.
10.We stay here till you come back.
11. These animals are dangerous.
Make the following sentences interrogative and negative:
1. Helen goes shopping everyday.
2. He opened the door for the lady.
3. John is always here in time.
4. I do my room everyday.
5. She has just arrived from London.
6. Mary has been reading ever since she woke up.
7. I had done my homework when he asked me to help him.
8. The sun rises at 7 oclock sharp.
9. They were afraid of being stung by a wasp.
10 You should be more careful.
11. He was locking the door when I saw him.
12. He walks his dog everyday.
13. Helen does the shopping for us.
14, Jill had just entered the room, when her mother asked the time.
15. Ill try to do my best to make her come.

14

Test 1 (Tenses)
1. You...wonderful today.
a. look
b. have been looking
c. will look
d. have looked
2. We...for two hours when we reached the clearing.
a. walked
b. had walked
c. had been walking
d. have been walking
3. What will you tell the Chief-Inspector when your turn...
a. will come?
b. has come?
c. comes?
d. have come?

15

4. It ..ten years since I havent seen her.

a. was
b. is
c. had been
d. were
5. She talks as if she..all the answers.
a. knows
b. knew
c. had known
d. would know

Test 2 (Special Finites: be, have, do)

1. These verbs....difficult.
a. had
b. are
c. is
2. My aunt....awake.
a. has
b. does
c. is
3. He....a new tennis racket.
a. was
b. has done
c. has
4. He.... only an apple for lunch.
a. had been
b. has had
c. had
5. ... they done their homework yet?
a. did
b. have
c. were

16

17

Unitatea de nvare 11-12

2.1 Active and Passive Voice
Form of Passive
Subject + finite form of to be + Past Participle (3rd column of
irregular verbs)
Example: A letter was written.

4. Note: When turning a sentence from active into passive voice tense and aspect are
never changed.
Tense
Simple Present
Present Continuous
Simple Past
Past Continuous
Simple Future
Future Continuous
Simple Present
Perfect
Present Perfect
Continuous
Simple Past Perfect

Past Perfect
Continuous
Simple Present
Conditional
Present Conditional
Continuous
Simple Past
Conditional
Past Conditional
Continuous

Active Voice
The teacher opens the
window
The teacher is opening the
window
The teacher opened the
window
The teacher was opening
the window
The teacher will open the
window
The teacher will be opening
the window
The teacher has opened the
window
The teacher has been
opening the window
The teacher had opened the
window

Passive Voice
The window is opened by the
teacher
The window is being opened by
the teacher
The window was opened by the
teacher
The window was being opened
by the teacher
The window will be opened by
the teacher
The window will be being
opened by the teacher
The window has been opened by
the teacher
The window has been being
opened by the teacher
The window had been opened by
the teacher

The teacher had been

opening the window
The teacher would open the
window
The teacher would be
opening the window
The teacher would have
opened the window
The teacher would have
been opening the window

The window had been being

opened by the teacher
The window would be opened
by the teacher
The window would be being
opened by the teacher
The window would have been
opened by the teacher
The window would have been
being opened by the teacher

18

Unitatea de nvare 13-14

2.2 Exercise 1: Translate into English using passive wherever possible:
1. Cafeaua este adus de ctre o fat.
2. Scrisoarea fusese deja scris de ctre mama ei, cnd ea a sosit acas.
3. Bicicleta mea a fost furat de cineva.
4. Cntecul ar fi fost cntat de altcineva.
5. Helen nu a fost vzut pe aici de secole.
6. Cntarul a fost adus de farmacist, deoarece nu mai era nimeni acolo.
7. Florile fuseser culese pentru a fi puse pe mese.
8. Premiul i-a fost acordat pentru ntreaga activitate.
9. Meciul a fost ctigat de echipa advers.
10.Diploma i-a fost nmnat ieri.
11.Nu a neles de ce nu-i fuseser adui i pantofii.
12.Masa a fost pus de sora mea.
13.Cartea ar fi putut fi scris de o femeie.
14.Casa a fost construit n 1920.
15.Strugurii vor fi culei n curnd.

Exercise 2: Turn the following sentences into the active voice:

1. Law acts when their property is injured or harmed.
2. The harm is criminalized in penal code.
3 A basic distinction is generally made between law jurisdictions and systems using
common law.
4. To implement and enforce the law the military and police are vital.
5. The organs of the state are creatures created and bound by law.

19

Exercise 3: Rewrite the given sentences in Passive voice. Sometimes there are two
possible answers (two objects in the active sentence).
Do not use contracted/short forms.
Example:
Tim gave Lisa some flowers.
_______________________
Answer:
Some flowers were given to Lisa by Tim. or
Lisa was given some flowers by Tim.
1) They don't speak English in this shop.
2) Kevin asked Dennis a question.
3) Somebody built the house last year.
4) She gives him a box.
5) Max will look after him.
6) The waiter brought Fred a big steak.
7) Somebody broke into our bungalow last Friday.
8) The teacher told us a joke.
9) They will meet Doris at the station.
10) Michael has not sent me a text message.

20

3.1 Conditional Sentences

(IF-Clauses)
When you use if you are usually starting a conditional clause
also called an adverbial clause of condition or an IF-clause. You do
this to show cause and effect, or what MIGHT happen if something
else happens. There are three main kinds of IF-clause:
1. Type 1: Open Conditions. Will, can, may/might + short
infinitive + IF + simple present tense.
Note: All these sentences contain a condition that may or may not
be fulfilled.2
We use Type 1 to talk about future situations that the speaker
thinks are PROBABLE.
We also use Type 1 but with PRESENT TENSE + PRESENT
TENSE* to talk about things that are ALWAYS TRUE. Some
grammarians call this the ZERO CONDITIONAL or Type 0.
If you leave before 10, you'll catch the train.
If you don't hurry, you might miss it.
That bowl will break if you drop it.
I can get some more milk if there isn't enough.
If you mix blue and yellow, you get green. (Zero Conditional)
2. Type 2: Would, could or might + short infinitive (Present
Conditional) + IF + simple past tense.
We use Type 2 to talk about future situations the speaker thinks are
POSSIBLE but NOT VERY PROBABLE. We also use Type 2 to
talk about UNREAL SITUATIONS in the present.
Note: These sentences are suppositions: such sentences make a
hypothesis which maybe contrary to fact or something you just
thought of as a fact.3
If we saved $2000, we'd have enough for a new computer.
We might save enough if you got another job.
If I were* rich, I'd travel around the world.
We could buy a new car if you didn't spend so much on clothes.
3. Type 3: Would have, could have or might have + Past
Participle + IF + past perfect tense (had - ed).
We use Type 3 to talk about PAST SITUATIONS THAT DID
NOT HAPPEN.
2
3

Apud: C.E. Eckersley, op.cit., p.347.

Idem, p.349.

21

If it had rained yesterday, there wouldn't have been many people

there.
If I had studied harder, I would have got Band 6.
If you'd asked me, I would have told you.
Peter would have rung if there'd been anything wrong.
If I hadn't been sick, I could have gone to the game.

3.2 Exercises
Test4
1. Situation: Kathy wants to go to the movies but doesn't have any money.
"If" sentence: If Kathy _____ some money, she would go to the movies.
a. were have
b. would have
c. had
2. Situation: Joe is sleepy and would like to take a nap, but he can't because he's in an
important meeting.
"If" sentence: If Joe _____ in an important meeting, he would go home and take a
nap.
a. didnt
b. were
c. werent

3. Situation: Chuck isn't stupid, but he failed his midterm exam. Why? -- He didn't
study for it.
"If" sentence: If Chuck _____ , he probably wouldn't have failed his midterm exam.
a. had studied
b. werent stupid
c. might have studied
4. Situation: Jan wanted to go to Jim's party but she wasn't able to because she had to
work.
"If" sentence: If Jan _____ to work, she would've gone to Jim's party.
4

"If" Sentences Quiz 1 by Dennis Oliver, American Language and Culture Program, Arizona State
University; Here from: www.teachingenglish.ed

22

a. hadnt
b. didnt have
c. hadnt had
5. Situation: I'll try to give your message to Ted, but I'm not sure whether I'll see him
or not.
"If" sentence: If I _____ Ted, I'll give him your message.
a. will see
b. see
c. saw
6. Situation: I want to work outside today, but that won't be possible because it's
raining.
"If" sentence: If it _____ raining, I'd work outside today.
a. werent
b. didnt
c. hadnt been
7. Situation: Rex had to miss work today. Why? -- His wife and children were all sick
with the flu.
"If" sentence: Rex _____ miss work today if his wife and children hadn't all been sick
with the flu.
a. didnt have
b. wouldnt have had to
c. hadnt had to
8. Situation: I finished my work, but only because you helped me.
"If" sentence: I _____ my work if you hadn't helped me.
a. couldnt have finished
b. wasnt able to finish
c. hadnt been able to finish

9. Situation: It's possible for you to do this quiz because you have a computer and
modem.
"If" sentence: It _____ possible for you to do this quiz if you didn't have a computer
and modem.
a. hadnt been
23

b. wasnt
c. wouldnt be

10. Situation: It wasn't possible to find this quiz on the WWW in 1994. It didn't exist
at that time.
"If" sentence: It _____ to find this quiz on the WWW in 1994.
a. wouldve been impossible
b. wouldnt be possible
c. had been impossible

Exercise: Translate into English:

1. Voi merge, dac voi gsi adresa.
2. Merg, dac am timp.
3. Ar cnta, dac ar ti cuvintele.
4. Ei ar rspunde, dac ar nelege ntrebarea.
5. Voicu s-ar fi dus la pia, dac ar fi tiut ce s cumpere pentru ei.
6. Curtea s-ar fi ntrunit dac nu aprea acea problem cu dovezile.
7. Ei nii i-ar fi adus aminte, dac-i aminteau la timp.
8. M-ai ajuta, dac ai avea ceva timp liber?
24

9. Dac nu sosesc la noi mine, nu putem ncepe.

10. Dac plou, ia-i umbrela mea!

25

Some Legal Terms and Juridical Expressions

4.1 Informal English (I): Idioms Relating to LAW and

ORDER5
Above board (honestly, dincolo de orice dubiu) If a situation or
business is described as above board, it is open, honest and legal.
Ambulance chaser This terms refers to a lawyer who finds work
by persuading people injured in accidents to claim money from the
person who caused the accident.
"Peterson & Scott are well-known ambulance chasers - that's how
they make money!"
An accomplished fact (also: 'fait accompli') (e un fapt mplinit)
Something that has been done or completed, before those affected
by it can intervene or change it, is called an accomplished fact.
Arm of the law (braul legii) This expression refers to the extent to
which the authority or power of the law extends.
The crooks in London know how it works. No one carries guns and
no one resists the police. Then a new gang appears that go one
better. They dress as police and steal from the crooks. This upset's
the natural order of the police/criminal relationship and the police
and the crooks join forces to catch the IPOs (Impersonating Police
Officers), including an armored car robbery in which the police
must help the gangs to set a trap. This is the wrong arm of the law
that acts here.
Behind bars (n spatele gratiilor) Someone who is behind bars is
in prison.

Brought to you from: www.learn-english-today.com/idioms/idiom...

26

Behind Bars is an initiative involving Staffordshire Police and our

colleagues in the Criminal Justice System.
Its aim is simple: to keep Staffordshires communities updated
about criminals aged 18 or more whove been jailed for six months
or more at crown court.
The offenders featured may well have had a direct impact on the
quality of life where you or they live.
Thats why we think its important you can find out whats
happened to them in court, and be reassured that the criminal
justice system - which includes the police, Crown Prosecution
Service, courts and Youth Offending Services - is working
effectively on your behalf throughout Staffordshire.
Beyond any reasonable doubt (dincolo de orice ndoial) This is
a legal expression which means that something is certain.
Remake of the 1956 film noir film "Beyond a Reasonable Doubt"
in which a writer's plan to expose a corrupt district attorney takes
an unexpected turn.
In black and white (e scris negru pe alb) To say that something
is in black and white means that there is written proof of it.
'Black and white construction contracts' is a newly coined phrase
in the Chinese construction industry that describes a project
company signing two versions of a contract with the contractor. A
white contract is consistent with the winning bid, which is
submitted, registered and filed with the relevant authorities. A
black contract contains terms that are harsher on the contractor i.e. lower contract price, longer payment term, etc. Moreover, a
black contract usually has an additional term that provides it is the
binding contract between the parties and the white contract should
be void and used only for "registration purposes". This prevalent
practice has come under the spotlight because of a few recent
cases.6
Blow the whistle (a turna pe cineva) If you report an illegal or
socially-harmful activity to authorities, and give information about
those responsible for it, you blow the whistle or you are a whistleblower.
Blowing the whistle to your employer7
If you are blowing the whistle on malpractice in the workplace you
should strongly consider making the disclosure to your employer. If
you make a disclosure to your employer it will help to make sure
that your concerns are dealt with quickly and by the right person.
6
7

Website: www.freshfields.com By Lily Wei Zhou

Texts for discussion are taken from: http://legal-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com

27

If you work for a small company, the right person to resolve you
concerns may be the director of the company.
You should check your employment contract to see if your
company has a process to help you make the disclosure. In some
situations your employer might adapt the procedure, for example to
allow confidential disclosures.
Have a brush with (a avea atingere cu...) When you have a brush
with something, such as the law, you encounter or experience it
briefly.
Burden of proof (sarcina probei) The burden of proof is the
necessity imposed by law to prove that what one says is true. A
duty placed upon a civil or criminal defendant to prove or disprove
a disputed fact.
Burden of proof can define the duty placed upon a party to prove or
disprove a disputed fact, or it can define which party bears this
burden. In criminal cases, the burden of proof is placed on the
prosecution, who must demonstrate that the defendant is guilty
before a jury may convict him or her. But in some jurisdiction, the
defendant has the burden of establishing the existence of certain
facts that give rise to a defense, such as the insanity plea. In civil
cases, the plaintiff is normally charged with the burden of proof,
but the defendant can be required to establish certain defenses.
Burden of proof can also define the burden of persuasion, or the
quantum of proof by which the party with the burden of proof must
establish or refute a disputed factual issue. In criminal cases, the
prosecution must prove the defendant's guilt Beyond a Reasonable
Doubt.
Judges explain the reasonable doubt standard to jurors in a number
of ways. Federal jury instructions provide that proof beyond a
reasonable doubt is "proof of such a convincing character that a
reasonable person would not hesitate to act upon it in the most
important of his own affairs." State judges typically describe the
standard by telling jurors that they possess a reasonable doubt as to
the defendant's guilt if, based on all the evidence in the case, they
would be uncomfortable with a criminal conviction. In giving the
reasonable doubt instruction, judges regularly remind jurors that a
criminal conviction imposes a variety of hardships on a defendant,
including public humiliation, incarceration, fines, and occasionally
the Forfeiture of property. Reasonable doubt is the highest standard
of proof used in any judicial proceeding.
Catch somebody red-handed (a prinde pe cineva n flagrant) If a
person is caught red-handed, they are caught while they are doing
something wrong or illegal.

28

Crack down on something If the authorities decide to crack

down on something, they enforce the law by taking severe
measures to restrict undesirable or criminal actions.
Daylight robbery (furt ziua n amiaza mare) The term 'daylight
robbery' is used when the price of something is thought to be much
too high.
Fair hearing When accused of wrongdoing, if someone gets a
fair hearing, they get an opportunity to present evidence or give
their side of the story, usually in court.
A judicial proceeding that is conducted in such a manner as to
conform to fundamental concepts of justice and equality.
During a fair hearing, authority is exercised according to the
principle of Due Process of Law. Fair hearing means that an
individual will have an opportunity to present evidence to support
his or her case and to discover what evidence exists against him or
her.
In Criminal Law, when an individual is arrested, a fair hearing
means the right to be notified of the charge being brought against
him or her and the chance to meet that charge.
In order for a hearing to be fair and comply with due process
requirements, it must be held before an impartial tribunal; however,
a hearing can be unfair without any intention that it be that way. A
fair hearing must provide a reasonable opportunity for an
individual to be present at the designated time and place, during
which time he or she may offer evidence, cross-examine opposition
witnesses, and offer a defense. Formalities of a court action need
not be strictly complied with in order for a proceeding to be
considered a fair hearing.
Get out of hand (a scpa de sub control) If a person or a situation
gets out of hand, they cannot be controlled any longer.
Hit and run (accident) (fug de la locul accidentului) When the
driver of a vehicle hits another vehicle without stopping to provide
help, identification or insurance, and fails to report the accident to
the police, the collision is called a hit-and-run accident.
This means the crime of a driver of a vehicle who is involved in a
collision with another vehicle, property or human being, who
knowingly fails to stop to give his/her name, license number, and
other information as required by statute to the injured party, a
witness, or law enforcement officers. If there is only property
damage and no other person is present, leaving the information
attached to the damaged property may be sufficient, provided the

29

person causing the accident makes a report to the police. Hit and
run statutes vary from state to state. It is not a violation of the
constitutional protection against self-incrimination to be required to
stop and give this information since it is a report and not an
admission of guilt. Some hit and run cases are difficult to
determine, such as the driver leaves the accident scene to go a
block to his/her house or the neighborhood repair garage, and then
walks back to the scene.
In trouble with the law (ai necazuri cu legea) If someone is in
trouble with the law, they are being questioned by the police in
connection with something illegal or criminal.
Also: Get on the wrong side of the law or Find yourself on the
wrong side of the law is to be in trouble with the police because
you have done something illegal.
From last Monday, owners of fighting dogs who fail to control
them in public could find themselves on the wrong side of the law.
A law unto themselves (a-i face singur legea) If someone is a
law unto themselves, they do things their own way and ignore what
is generally considered as acceptable.
Lay down the law (a face legea) Someone who lays down the law
tells people very forcefully and firmly what to do.
Case Law (jurispruden)
Statutes are the primary source of law, and the power to enact
statutes is reserved to elected lawmakers. However, judicial
decisions also have the force of law. Statutes do not cover every
conceivable case, and even when a statute does control a case, the
courts may need to interpret it. Judicial decisions are known
collectively as case law. A judicial decision legally binds the
parties in the case, and also may serve as a law in the same
prospective sense as does a statute. In other words, a judicial
decision determines the outcome of the particular case, and also
may regulate future conduct of all persons within the jurisdiction of
the court.
Murphy's law Referring to Murphy's law expresses a sentiment of
bad luck and the idea that if anything can go wrong, it will.
Null and void (nul i neavenit) Something which is null and void
has no legal force or is invalid.

30

Null and Void Ordinance

The Null and Void Ordinance was an Ordinance passed by the
Parliament of England on 20 August 1647. On the 26 July 1647
demonstrators had invaded Parliament forcing Independent MPs
and the Speaker to flee from Westminster. On 20 August, Oliver
Cromwell went to Parliament with an armed escort, following
which the Null and Void Ordinance was passed annulling all
Parliamentary proceedings since the 26 July. Most of the
Presbyterian MPs then retreated from Parliament leaving the
Independents MPs with a majority.
Paper trail (prob scris) If a person or organization leaves a
paper trail, they leave evidence in writing or in document form that
will serve as proof of their actions.
Fig. a series of records that is possible to examine to find out the
sequence of things that happen. (Typically: have ~; leave ~; make
~.)
The legal department requires all these forms so that there is a
paper trail of all activity.
Partner in crime (complice) A person who helps you to plan
something dishonest or unlawful is called your partner in crime.
(This expression can be used jokingly as in this example.)
Pervert the course of justice (obstrucioneaz justiia) If a person
perverts the course of justice, they tell a lie or prevent the police
from finding out the truth about something.
Rough justice (pedeaps nemeritat) Treatment or punishment
that does not seem fair, or is too severe, is called rough justice,
especially if it is not legal. (i sumar al hotrrii judectoreti); a
punishment that is not fair or is too severe
New evidence suggests that the girls were given rough justice.
Signed, sealed and delivered (semnat i parafat) When an
agreement, contract or treaty is signed, sealed and delivered, all the
legal documents have been signed.
Smoking gun (dovad de necontestat) A smoking gun is a piece of
evidence or the indisputable sign of someone's guilty. Informal:
Something that serves as indisputable evidence or proof, especially
of a crime:
"There is no smoking gun or paper trail to [the CIA]" (Thomas
Polgar).
Take the law into one's own hands (a-i lua legea n propriile
mini: If, instead of calling the police, you act personally against
someone who has done something wrong, you take the law into
your own hands.

31

Toe the line (s te aliniezi regulamentelor) If a person toes the line, they obey the
rules and accept the principles of a person, group or organization.

Note: We always say: In my opinion .... dup prerea mea....

and: According to somebody else....... Accoring to me is INCORRECT
It also seems worth mentioning several English phrases which include the Romanian
verb a judeca. State which phrases actually refer to law and which to everyday
language.
a judeca aspru pe cineva
a judeca de la caz la caz
a judeca drept
a judeca dup...
a judeca dup aparene
a judeca favorabil pe cineva
a judeca neprtinitor (drept)
a nu judeca omul dup suman = nu
haina l face pe om
a judeca pe alii dup sine
nu-i judeca pe alii dup tine
a judeca prea aspru pe cineva
a judeca pripit
a judeca un proces
a judeca ru pe cineva = aspru
judecata (nu) i-a dat dreptate
reclamantului
Judecata de Apoi
judec i tu
judecnd dup...
a judeca dup elemente exterioare
judecnd dup vorbele cuiva

judge ill of somebody

judge each case on its own merits
hold the scales even
judge by...
judge by appearances/looks; judge
according to the label
judge well of somebody
hold the scales even
it is not the coat that makes the man
measure another mans foot by ones own
last
dont judge the others by yourself
be too hard on somebody
jump to a conclusion
try a case
judge ill of somebody
judgement went for/against the plaintiff
the last day of judgement; doomsday; the
great account
judge for yourself
judging by...
judge by externals
judging from what somebody says

32

5.1 Various Grammar Exercises

Exercise 1: Translate into English the following lawyer joke:

AVOCATUL: Cum s-a ncheiat primul dumneavoastr mariaj?8
MARTORUL: Prin moarte
AVOCATUL: i prin moartea cui s-a ncheiat?
MARTORUL: ncercai s ghicii!

Exercise 2: Replace the underlined words with phrases taken from law and order
(Some More Grammar):
1. There are no secret negotiations. Our dealings have always been legal.
2. "He fled to South America hoping to escape the police."
3. "If you hang around with that gang, you'll find yourself in prison in no time."
4. "The court established, obviously, that the man was innocent."
5. "It's an obligation. It's written clearly in your contract."
6. "He refused to report to his boss for fear of losing his job."
8

From the Book: Disorder in the American Court, here from:

http://www.scribd.com/doc/13408/What-People-say-in-Court

33

7. She was fired for reporting to the bank's mismanagement of accounts, but she then
sued the bank.
8. "He had a brief encounter with the law for speeding several years ago but has had a
clean record ever since."
9. "The necessity to prove lies with the claimant."
10. "The police arrived as the burglar was leaving the house. He was caught while
doing something wrong."
11. Tom was stealing the car when the police drove by and caught him while doing
something wrong.
12. Mary tried to cash a forged check at the bank, and the teller caught her while
doing something wrong.
13. "Following the increase in road accidents, it was decided to enforce the law on
speeding."
14. "$10 for an orange juice? That's price thought to be much too high!"
15. The citizens' group reported the street gangs by calling the police.
16. "I can guarantee that you will get an opportunity to defend yourself."
17. "During the student demonstration, things couldnt be controlled and several shop
windows were broken."
18. " Running from the place of an accident deserves serious punishment."
19. "The suspect has often been questioned for something done illegally."
20. The gangs were getting very bad. It was definitely time to report it.
21. "They're against discipline and allow their children complete freedom they do it
their own way."
22. "The volunteers helped in a disorganized way. They needed someone to tell firmly
what to do."
23. "We've tried to prepare for every possible incident, but remember the bad luck..."
24. "The contract was declared as not having legal force."
25. "The police found evidence in writing which lead to the author of the hoax."
26. "Sam helped me to plan the crime. He hid my son's new bicycle until his
birthday."

34

27. "The suspect was accused of trying to prevent the police from finding out the
truth
28. "The way the player was treated by the media was not a legal punishment."
29. "It is hoped that the agreement will be ready and sent before the end of the week."
30. "The fingerprints the thief left on the door-handle were indisputable evidence that
enabled the police to arrest him."
31. "Instead of calling the police, he acted personally and confronted the youth who
had stolen his son's scooter."
32. "If you want to stay in this school, you'll have to learn to obey the rule."

Exercise 3: Translate into English paying attention to the underlined phrases.9Also

make use of the following words: police station, intoxicated (drink-driving), cause an
accident, orderly, in the opposite direction, hit and run accident, declaration, under
these circumstances, get preventive detention, head of the police station, promptitude.
Brbatul a fost cu greu adus la Secia de poliie, seara, pe la ora 21. S-a constatat fr
dificultate c acesta era n stare de ebrietate. Poliistul care l-a adus a spus c
provocase un accident grav, izbindu-se de o main care venea regulamentar pe
contrasens. Dup producerea accidentului, brbatul intenionase s fug de la locul
accidentului. Era deci accident cu fug.
Dou persoane au murit n accidentul de main. oferul, pe lng c era beat, era
stpnit de violen i se pare c era dependent de a conduce cu vitez mare, ciocnirea
fiind foarte puternic. Pernele de salvare (perne care erau umplute cu aer) nu au
funcionat.

In solving this exercise have a look at the Grammar Section [Informal English (II)].

35

Poliistul a mai spus c, odat prins, brbatul de abia putea vorbi. El prea s aib
mari dificulti n exprimare. Pus s scrie o declaraie, textul lui era complet lipsit de
sens. n aceste condiii, brbatul a fost arestat preventiv.
n cele din urm, eful Seciei de poliie a fost mndru de atitudinea subalternului su
i l-a felicitat pentru promtitudinea cu care a rezolvat cazul.

Exercise 4: Translate into Romanian paying attention to the underlined words (use of
Subjunctive):
1. Under these circumstances, it is only natural that the judge should postpone the
trial.
2. It is abosolutely neccessary that evidence should be collected first.
3. They handed the papers to the advocate so that he might start the investigation.
4. The judge signed the document lest it should be against the law.
5. She was extremely unhappy and did all her best so that she might not be considered
partner in crime.
6. He wished they wouldnt have accused him of perverting the course of justice.

Exercise 5: Translate into English paying attention to grammar rules:

36

1. Nu este ciudat ca houl s fi scpat, dei poliia este pe urmele lui?

2. Nu se poate ca ea s m fi dezamgit!
3. El intenioneaz s aduc noi probe n dosar pentru a fi considerat nevinovat.
4. Pn la nti septembrie ei au terminat de investigat crima. Se va putea da verdictul.
5. Ceilali spun doar mine ce au de spus n acest caz.

Exercise 6: Fill in the blanks with the correct Future Tense:

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.

If I get the evidence, I (hand) it over to the lawyer at once.

The judge (be) very pleased, if he can act as soon as possible.
We hoped the jury (come to an agreement) soon and gave the verdict.
Jan wished the trial (take place) in January.
I wished the plaintiff (find) a better lawyer, if he wants to win.
I didnt steal the money, inspector. If I had stolen it, I (not sit) here.

Exercise 7: Here is what William Shakespeare said about law. Comment upon the
text:

37

We must not make a scarecrow10 of the law,

Setting it up to fear the birds of prey,
And let it keep one shape, till custom make it.
Their perch11 and not their terror. (Measure for Measure)

Exercise 9: Rephrase the following sentences keeping the original sense:

1. He doesnt visit you because you never ask him to come.
If you ____________.
2. I was disappointed to learn that I lost the case.
I hoped________but unfortunately_________ .
3. Contrary to our expectations, the workers didnt call off the strike.
We expected that___________but they didnt.
4. Well blow up the plane if you dont let us go,threatened the terrorists.
The terrorists threatened they_____________.
5. I am too old to apply for that job.
If I _______________ .

Exercise 10: Turn into the Passive Voice:

1. The judge decided to postpone the meeting.
2. The stenographer put down everything the witness said.
3. The workers didnt succeed to clean the streets properly when all those people who
were on strike left.
4. They couldnt offer enough evidence, as there was not enough time left.
5. He asked for an answer but nobody seemed eager to give any.
6. The guardians brought the defendant in court.
7. The workers didnt call off the strike.
8. I handed over all the evidence to the lawyer so that he might help me.
9. Tom decided to blow the whistle to his boss.
10. The terrorists threatened that they would blow up the plane.
10
11

Sperietoare de ciori.
Prjin, stinghie, fig. sprijin.

38

Exercise 4: Translate into Romanian paying attention to the legal terms:

A significant number of attorneys are employed at the various levels of government.
Some work for State attorneys general, prosecutors, and public defenders in criminal
courts. At the Federal level, attorneys investigate cases for the U.S. Department of
Justice and other agencies. Government lawyers also help develop programs, draft
and interpret laws and legislation, establish enforcement procedures, and argue civil
and criminal cases on behalf of the government.

39