This glossary is for people studying in the legal field. they can use it whenever they feel the need to.
affidavit
noun
A sworn statement in writing made especially under oath or on affirmation before an authorized magistrate or officer.
Example: Bloomsbury County Court, Ex parte Brady, The Times, 16 December 1987 [3]
c.f. affidavit of witness (Mr Nield) [4]
Mr McCann is quoted to have shouted 'I'll fucking have you, you bastard.' [5]
c.f Royal College of Nursing v Department of Health and Social Security, [1981]
AC 800 [6]
c.f Duport Steels Ltd v Sirs [1980]
1 All ER 529 Bibliography Elliott, C., Quinn, F., English Legal System (2nd edn., 1998), Longman Kelly, D., Slapper, G., The English Legal System (6th edn., 2003), Cavendish Zander, M., The Law-Making Process (4th edn., 1994), Butterworths Analyse the decision of R (S) v Chief Constable of South Yorkshire [2004]
4 All ER 193 deleted: page numbers 1 2004-12 The Modern English Legal System LA115 Critique Law SS M 1 1255 39 6 0 0 0 0 0 0 no abstract 32.2 6.5 simple assignment TEI P4 (documented in: BAWE.documentation.pdf) m 1984 Hindi OSA Law 0066 Analyse the decision of R (S) v Chief Constable of South Yorkshire [2004]
4 All ER 193 It is a general presumption in English Law, after the Human Rights Act 1998, that European Law gains precedence over Domestic Law.
en: déclaration sous serment
bailiff
noun
A minor officer of some U.S. courts usually serving as a messenger or usher.
Example: The summons was served by a bailiff.
en: huissier
complainant
noun
A plaintiff in certain lawsuits.
Example: The bench cautioned complainant not to sing songs, or she would be in trouble, the mother was also censured.
en: demandeur / demanderesse
defendant
noun
A person or group against whom a criminal or civil action is brought : someone who is being sued or accused of committing a crime.
Example: When a divorce is granted, the defendant is not permitted to marry other than the plaintiff for three years, unless the plaintiff dies.
en: défendeur / défenderesse
execution
noun
The process of enforcing a legal judgment (as against a debtor).
Example: A practical solution for practitioners is to apply for an order for the execution of a trust to be carried out under the direction of the court.
en: exécution
felony
noun
A serious crime, usually punishable by at least one year in prison.
Example: Sentences for felonies can range anywhere from one year to life in prison and, in some states and in the federal system, a sentence can include the death penalty (also called capital punishment).
en: crime
jurisprudence
noun
The theory or philosophy of law.
Example: This has always been a key question in both the legislation and jurisprudence on public health.
lawsuit
noun
A proceeding in a court of law brought by one party against another, esp. A civil action.
Example: The homeowner filed a lawsuit against the moving company that was refusing to be held responsible for damaging her furniture.
en: procès
legislation
noun
The exercise of the power and function of making rules (such as laws) that have the force of authority by virtue of their promulgation by an official organ of a state or other organization.
Example: A great advantage of this area is that identical legal framework is in force due to standardized European Community (EC) legislation.
en: législation
litigation
noun
The process of taking legal action.
Example: The company wishes to avoid litigation.
en: litige
mistrial
noun
An invalid trial, caused by fundamental error. When a mistrial is declared, the trial must start again with the selection of a new jury.
Example: The judge declared a mistrial.
en: procès invalide
oath
noun
A solemn, formal declaration or promise to fulfill a pledge, often calling on god, a god, or a sacred object as witness.
Example: The witness took an oath to tell the truth in court.
en: serment
paralegal
noun
A person trained in subsidiary legal matters but not fully qualified as a lawyer.
Example: I aspire to be a paralegal.
en: parajuriste
prosecutor
noun
A person, esp. A public official, who institutes legal proceedings against someone.
Example: The court's chief prosecutor, Fatou Bensouda, welcomed the arrest.
en: procureur
summons
noun
A warning or citation to appear in court: such as
a: a written notification to be served on a person as a warning to appear in court at a day specified to answer to the plaintiff
b: a subpoena to appear as a witness.
Example: He got served a court summons in the middle of the set.
