Difficulty: Medium
Correct Answer: a case
Explanation:
Introduction / Context:
This question remains within the same passage on a victim centric criminal justice system. Here the author lists specific rights that victims should have, including "the right to track the progress of __________". You are being tested on which noun best completes that phrase in a natural, legally appropriate way. The correct option has to fit conceptually with victims following the development of what is happening in the justice system for them personally.
Given Data / Assumptions:
Concept / Approach:
In criminal justice, "a case" usually refers to the particular legal matter that has been registered concerning a crime or offence. Victims naturally want to follow how their individual case is moving through investigation, trial, and possible appeal. Phrases like "progress of the case" or "status of the case" are very common. While "proceedings" and "process" are related words, the most concrete and personal object of tracking for a victim is the case itself. "The ruling" refers only to the final decision and does not have progress over time. Therefore, the best choice must be the one that aligns with typical legal expressions and the personal perspective of victims.
Step-by-Step Solution:
Verification / Alternative check:
Read the relevant portion of the passage: "the right to be impleaded and to engage an advocate in serious offences, the right to track the progress of a case, the right to be heard on critical issues and to assist the court in the pursuit of truth." The phrase "progress of a case" fits seamlessly with the rights listed, all of which centre on an individual victim in a specific legal matter. If you replace "a case" with "the ruling", the phrase becomes illogical, since one cannot track the gradual progress of a single ruling. Replacing it with "the proceedings" or "the process" is possible grammatically but weakens the clear link to the personal case the victim is concerned about.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
"The ruling" describes one outcome, not a developing situation, so it does not match the verb "track the progress of". "The proceedings" could theoretically be monitored, but the collocation "progress of the proceedings" is less common and less personal than "progress of a case". "The process" is too vague and could refer to the justice system in general, rather than the victim s specific legal matter. The question stresses a victim centred perspective, which is best expressed by following the progress of the case.
Common Pitfalls:
Some candidates overfocus on abstract words like "process" or "proceedings" because they sound more technical. Others think of courtroom hearings and quickly choose "proceedings". However, the passage is written in accessible legal language and emphasises the victim s viewpoint. When unsure, prefer the option that connects most directly to the person affected, which in this context is clearly "a case".
Final Answer:
The most appropriate noun is a case, giving the phrase "the right to track the progress of a case".
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