Glossary of legal terms in English

1. Common legal terms in alphabetical order

This glossary of legal terms contains over 100 words with definitions to help you get familiar with complex jargon used in court proceedings.

To cancel or repeal a law or agreement.

Someone who helps another person commit a crime, either before or after the crime.

A judgment that a person is not guilty of the crime they were accused of.

For a specific purpose or situation; temporary.

The postponement of a court hearing or session to a later date.

A written statement made under oath, to be used as evidence in court.

A claim or piece of evidence that someone was elsewhere when a crime was committed, used to show they could not have committed it.

A claim or assertion that someone has done something illegal or wrong, typically without proof.

"Friend of the court." An impartial advisor, often a non-profit organization, who offers information or opinions to the court on a matter of law.

A request to a higher court to review a decision made by a lower court.

The party who appeals a court decision to a higher court.

The party against whom an appeal is made.

A method of resolving disputes outside of court, where a neutral third party (the arbitrator) hears both sides and makes a binding decision.

A court hearing where a person accused of a crime is informed of the charges and asked to enter a plea (guilty, not guilty, or no contest).

To take a person into custody because there is probable cause to believe they committed a crime.

An intentional act that causes another person to reasonably apprehend immediate harmful or offensive contact. (Often confused with battery, which is the actual contact).

Protection granted by a nation to someone who has left their native country as a political refugee.

Money or property given to the court to ensure that an arrested person will appear for their trial.

A court officer responsible for maintaining order in the courtroom and taking care of the jury.

A legal process for individuals or businesses who cannot pay their debts, allowing them to eliminate or repay some or all of their debts under court supervision.

The intentional harmful or offensive physical contact with another person without their consent.

An order issued by a judge for the arrest of a person who failed to appear in court as required.

A person or entity who receives benefits from a will, trust, or life insurance policy.

The standard of proof required in criminal cases, meaning the evidence presented is so convincing that there is no other logical explanation for the facts except that the defendant committed the crime.

A written legal argument submitted to a court, outlining a party's legal and factual arguments.

The obligation on one party in a legal case to prove a particular fact or set of facts.

Law established by the outcomes of previous court cases, as opposed to law created by legislation.

An order from a higher court to a lower court to send up the record of a case for review. This is how the Supreme Court typically chooses which cases to hear.

A formal accusation that a person has committed a crime.

The branch of law dealing with disputes between individuals or organizations, rather than criminal offenses. Examples include contract disputes, property issues, and personal injury claims.

A lawsuit in which a large group of people with similar claims sue a common defendant.

An addition or supplement that explains, modifies, or revokes a will or part of one.

A system of law based on custom and court decisions, rather than written laws. (Prevalent in countries like the UK, USA, Canada).

The initial document filed in a civil lawsuit, stating the plaintiff's claims against the defendant.

Prison sentences for multiple crimes that are served at the same time.

A judge's opinion that agrees with the majority decision in a case but for different reasons.

Disobeying or disrespecting the authority of a court, which can result in a fine or imprisonment.

A fee arrangement in which a lawyer receives a percentage of the financial recovery only if the case is successful.

A legally binding agreement between two or more parties.

A formal declaration by a judge or jury that someone is guilty of a criminal offence.

A claim made by a defendant against a plaintiff in a lawsuit, in opposition to the plaintiff's own claim.

The questioning of a witness by the opposing attorney in a trial.

Money awarded by a court to a person who has suffered a loss or injury due to the wrongful act of another.

Existing in fact, though not officially recognized by law.

Existing by right or according to law.

A court's official statement of the rights of parties to a lawsuit, without ordering any action or awarding damages.

An official order or decision by a court.

A judgment entered against a party who fails to appear in court or respond to a lawsuit.

The person or entity against whom a lawsuit is filed or who is accused of a crime.

A legal pleading that admits the facts as alleged by the opposing party but argues that those facts are not legally sufficient to support a claim or defence.

A sworn out-of-court testimony of a witness, recorded for use in court proceedings.

The formal process in a lawsuit where parties exchange information and evidence relevant to the case before trial.

A judge's opinion that disagrees with the majority decision in a case.

The legal requirement that the state must respect all legal rights owed to a person. It balances the power of law of the land and protects individual persons from it.

A legal right to use another person's land for a specific purpose (e.g., a right of way).

The legal process by which a minor is freed from the control of their parents or guardians and gains the legal rights of an adult.

The power of the government to take private property for public use, even if the owner does not want to sell, provided they receive just compensation.

To legally prohibit someone from doing something through a court order (an injunction).

A financial arrangement where a third party holds money or assets until specific conditions are met.

A legal principle that prevents a person from asserting a fact or right that is contrary to an earlier position or statement.

The legal process by which a landlord removes a tenant from a rental property.

Information presented in court to prove or disprove facts in a case.

A legal proceeding conducted for the benefit of only one party, without notice to or argument from the other party.

A document or object presented as evidence in court.

The official process by which a state or country transfers a suspected or convicted criminal to another state or country where they are wanted for trial or punishment.

A serious crime, typically punishable by imprisonment for more than a year or by death.

A legal obligation of one party to act in the best interest of another party.

The legal process by which a lender takes possession of a property when the borrower fails to make mortgage payments.

A legal procedure by which a creditor can collect money from a debtor by taking a portion of their wages or seizing funds from their bank account.

A group of citizens convened to determine whether there is enough evidence to issue an indictment (formal accusation) in a criminal case.

A person appointed by the court to represent the interests of a minor or an incompetent person in a legal proceeding.

A legal order requiring a person under arrest to be brought before a judge or into court, especially to secure the person's release unless lawful grounds are shown for their detention.

Second-hand information; a statement made out-of-court by someone other than the witness testifying, offered as evidence to prove the truth of the matter asserted. Generally not admissible in court.

In law, the process of calling into question the credibility of a witness. In politics, the process of formally charging a public official with misconduct.

A formal accusation by a grand jury that there is enough evidence to bring criminal charges against a person.

A court order requiring a person to do or stop doing a specific act.

"In the matter of." Used in case titles that do not involve opposing parties, such as a bankruptcy or probate proceeding.

Written questions sent by one party to another in a lawsuit, which must be answered under oath.

Dying without a valid will.

The bringing together of multiple parties or claims in a single lawsuit.

The final decision of a court in a legal case.

The legal authority of a court to hear and decide a case.

The theory or philosophy of law.

A group of citizens selected to hear evidence in a trial and decide the facts of the case.

A legal claim against property to secure payment of a debt.

The process of taking legal action; a lawsuit.

The right or capacity to bring a case to court.

The performance of an act that is illegal or wrongful.

A court order commanding a public official to perform an act that they are legally required to do.

"Guilty mind." The mental state or intent required to commit a crime.

A less serious crime than a felony, typically punishable by a fine or imprisonment for less than a year.

Factors that may lessen the severity of a crime or the punishment for it.

A formal request made to a judge for an order or ruling.

Failure to exercise the care that a reasonably prudent person would exercise in a similar situation, resulting in harm to another.

"No contest." A plea in a criminal case where the defendant does not admit guilt but also does not dispute the charges, leading to a conviction without a trial.

Legal communication informing a party of a legal action or event.

A solemn promise to tell the truth, typically sworn on a religious text or by affirming.

A formal protest made in court to a question or statement, indicating that it is improper or illegal.

A written statement by a judge or court explaining the decision in a case.

A law passed by a local government (e.g., a city or county).

A person trained in legal matters who performs legal tasks under the supervision of a lawyer.

The action of officially forgiving someone for a crime and removing any remaining punishment.

The conditional release of a prisoner before the completion of their sentence, often subject to supervision.

The individuals or entities involved in a lawsuit (e.g., plaintiff, defendant).

The crime of intentionally lying under oath in court.

A formal written request to a court or other official body.

The person or entity who brings a lawsuit against another.

An agreement between a prosecutor and a defendant where the defendant pleads guilty to a lesser charge or to fewer charges in exchange for a lighter sentence.

A formal statement, written or oral, made to a court presenting a party's arguments and claims.

A legal document authorizing one person to act on behalf of another in legal or financial matters.

A legal principle or rule established in an earlier court case that is considered authoritative for future similar cases.

A hearing in a criminal case to determine if there is enough evidence to proceed to trial.

"On the face of it." Evidence that, unless rebutted, is sufficient to prove a fact or case.

Reasonable grounds for believing that a crime has been committed or that a person is involved in a crime. Required for arrests and searches.

The legal process of proving a will to be valid and distributing a deceased person's estate.

Legal work performed free of charge for the public good.

The lawyer who represents the government in criminal cases and tries to prove the defendant is guilty.

To cancel or make void (e.g., to quash an indictment or a subpoena).

The process by which a judge removes themselves from a case due to a conflict of interest or bias.

To send a case back to a lower court for further action.

The means by which a right is enforced or a violation of a right is prevented or compensated for.

Payments or other forms of compensation made to victims of a wrong or injustice.

"A matter judged." A legal principle stating that a matter that has been decided by a court cannot be re-litigated between the same parties.

A court order that prohibits a person from doing a specific act, often used in cases of domestic violence or harassment.

An upfront payment made by a client to a lawyer to secure their services.

The decision of a higher court to overturn the judgment of a lower court.

Rights of landowners whose property borders a body of water, such as a river or lake.

A penalty or punishment imposed for breaking a law or rule.

A legal document issued by a judge authorizing law enforcement to search a specific location for evidence of a crime.

In a trial, the isolation of a jury to prevent outside influence. The seizure of property by court order.

The formal delivery of legal documents (like a summons or complaint) to a defendant or other party in a lawsuit.

An agreement reached between parties in a lawsuit to resolve the dispute without going to trial.

Spoken defamation; making false and damaging statements about someone. (Contrast with libel, which is written).

A court order requiring a party to fulfill the terms of a contract, rather than paying damages.

"To stand by things decided." The legal principle that courts should follow precedents set in previous cases.

A written law passed by a legislative body.

A law that sets a maximum time after an event within which legal proceedings may be initiated.

A legal document ordering a person to appear in court or to produce documents.

A legal document notifying a defendant that a lawsuit has been filed against them and ordering them to appear in court or respond.

A formal written or spoken statement, especially one given in a court of law.

A civil wrong that causes a claimant to suffer loss or harm, resulting in legal liability for the person who commits the tortious act. Examples include negligence, assault, and defamation.

A written record of spoken words, such as court proceedings.

A legal arrangement where one party (the trustee) holds property for the benefit of another (the beneficiary).

When one person takes advantage of a position of power over another to persuade them to enter into a contract or make a will that is not in their best interest.

A contract in which one party makes a promise in exchange for the other party's performance of an act.

The illegal practice of lending money at excessively high interest rates.

The geographic location where a trial or legal action can be heard.

The formal decision or finding made by a jury in a court case.

"To speak the truth." The process of questioning prospective jurors to determine their suitability for jury service.

To intentionally give up a right or claim.

A legal document issued by a judge authorizing an arrest, search, or seizure of property.

A legal document that specifies how a person's assets are to be distributed after their death.

A person who sees an event or has knowledge about a case and provides testimony in court.

A formal written order issued by a court.

2. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)