Hi, my name is Marie-Samantha and I have been studying Paralegal Technology for two years at Ahuntsic College. A paralegal supports lawyers by maintaining, drafting documents and more.
This glossary can help to understand some world related to criminal and civil law.
I found my definition on the Legal dictionary, edictionnaire on CAIJ and on google.
abuse of process
phrase
The use of legal process by illegal, malicious, or perverted means.
Example: The abuser of process is interested only in accomplishingsome improper purpose similar to the proper object of the process.
fr: abus de procédure
acquit
verb
Action that a jury or judge sitting without a jury does at the end of a criminal trial if the jury or judge finds the accused defendant not guilty.
Example: Even though the judge believed the defendant was guilty, he could say nothing when the jury acquitted the man of all charges.
fr: acquitter
allegation
noun
Allegation is a claim of a fact by a party in a pleading, charge, or defense. Until they can be proved, allegations remain merely assertions.
Example: He alleged that his mother stole money.
fr: prétention
bail bond
noun
A bond is provided by an insurance company through a bail bondsman acting as agent for the company.
Example: He signed the bail-bond, but even that he did without saying a word.
fr: caution
debtor
noun
A person or entity that owes an amount of money or favor to another.
Example: English courts will not permit a debtor to avoid or delay paying his debt .
fr: débiteur
defence
noun
A defence is a legal argument that a lawyer makes to defend an accused person against a charge.
Example: The lawyer did not do a good defence for his client.
fr: défense
docket
noun
A calendar of the cases awaiting action in a court.
Example: The judge knew that he would be very busy on Monday with three cases on the docket.
fr: rôle
exhibit
noun
Exhibits are ‘real’ items, such as a document or an object, that are entered as evidence at a trial or a hearing.
Example: The lawyer presented a video recording as an exhibit at the hearing.
fr: preuve
hearing
noun
A legal proceeding where one or more issues are decided by a decision maker. A Hearing in court usually refers to part of a full trial, when a part of the case or one particular issue is being considered.
Example: Next month there will be a federal court hearing to approve a deal to settle criminal charges with the Department of Justice.
fr: audition
mediation
noun
Mediation in law refers to a form of alternative dispute resolution in which the parties to a lawsuit meet with a neutral third-party in an effort to settle the case.
Example: My parents went on a mediation with a mediator to solve problems for their divorce.
fr: médiation
mistrial
noun
Mistrial in an invalid trial, caused by fundamental error.
Example: The judge ruled a mistrial and cited the prosecutors for outrageous misconduct.
fr: erreur judiciaire
omission
noun
In criminal law, an omission is not doing something that you are legally required to do.
Example: She was accused of a crime of omission because she did not pay her taxes.
fr: omission
perjury
noun
Perjury is the criminal offense of lying under oath.
Example: John was warned by the judge to tell the truth or else be arrested for perjury.
fr: parjure
prejudice
noun
Harm or injury that results or may result from some action or judgment.
Example: François's prejudice results from his fall at the store.
fr: préjudice
probation
noun
The release of an offender from detention, subject to a period of good behavior under supervision.
Example: The judge released the prisoner on probation for 90 days.
fr: probation
prohibit
verb
Prohibit is forbidding an act or activity.
Example: Human trafficking is prohibited by law.
fr: interdire
sentence
noun
A sentence is a punishment after a guilty verdict in a criminal trial, to the offender.
Example: His sentence was 10 years in state prison.
fr: peine
subpoena
noun
Subpoena is a writ ordering a person to attend a court.
Example: You will be arrested if you ignore the judge, s subpoena to appear in court.
fr: assignation
trial
noun
It is a proceeding in which opposing parties in a dispute present evidence and make arguments on the application of the law before a judge or jury.
Example: He did not get a fair trial.
fr: procès
waiver
noun
An intentional relinquishment of some right, interest, or the like.
