I've created this glossary to understand better certain terms related to my field of study.
It is very useful and interesting to understand technical words that will help me during my professional career.
Act
Noun
A proceeding designed to have a legal effect. An act by an individual aimed at altering, terminating, or otherwise affecting a legal right.
Example: The case was concerned with the interpretation of s.118 of the County Courts act 1984, relating to the powers of the county court to protect its witnesses by punishment of those guilty of contempt of court.
fr: Acte
Bail
Noun
Security given for the release of a prisoner on bail
Example: In Barry, Code C was breached by the offer of assistance with requesting bail if the suspect complied. (1991) 95 Cr.
fr: Caution
Bailiff
Noun
An officer, similar to a sheriff's deputy, employed to execute writs and processes, make arrests, keep order in the court.
Example: I received a letter from a bailiff. I could have my house seized if I ignore the letter.
fr: Huissier
Compensatory allowance
Noun
To make amends to someone.
Example: I am entitled to compensatory allowances given the accident in which I was involved.
fr: Indemnité compensatoire
Constitutional law
Noun
The body of law which defines the relationship of different entities within a state, namely, the executive, the legislature, and the judiciary.
Example: The implications of the statement. The statement under discussion was phrased by Lenaers et al. in their work constitutional law of the European Union and it is clear that their statement is subject to limitations.
fr: Loi constitutionnelle
Custody
Noun
The act of keeping safe or guarding: the right of guardianship of a minor.
Example: As s.118 provides for the offender to be taken into custody, the judge felt his authority was restricted to committals for contempt made in the face of the court.
fr: Garde
Debtor
Noun
A person or commercial enterprise that owes a financial obligation.
Example: The case of Shamil Bank shows that "English courts will not permit a debtor to avoid or delay paying his debt simply by arguing.
fr: Débiteur
Docket
Noun
A calendar of the cases awaiting action in a court.
Example: We have to look at the docket in order to see when we're going in court.
fr: Rôle
Felony
Noun
A serious crime, usually punishable by at least one year in prison.
Example: Whether this is fair labeling or not is a matter of opinion, although many believe that accomplices should not receive such harsh penalties as the primary parties who actually committed the felony.
fr: Crime
Grand jury
Noun
A jury, normally of twenty-three jurors, selected to examine the validity of an accusation before trial.
Example: He will have to impress the grand jury if he wants a chance to have a verdict in his favor.
fr: Jury
Grievance
A real or imagined wrong or other cause of complaint or protest, such as unfair treatment.
Example: It is more appropriate to consider the knock-on effects of this new grievance for the colonists, including the violent activity carried out as a consequence and the use of propaganda by leading protesters.
fr: Grief
Habeas corpus
A writ requiring a person under arrest to be brought before a judge or into court, esp. To secure the person's release unless lawful grounds are shown for their detention.
fr: Habeas corpus
Half-way house
Noun
A place where people are aided in readjusting to society following a period of imprisonment, hospitalization, etc.
fr: Maison de transition
Hearing
Noun
An opportunity to state one's case.
Example: However, the appellants believed that it was disproportionate, and in agreement with Sedley LJ in his dissenting judgment of the Court of Appeal hearing, argued that the authorities should use their discretion to decide whether to retain evidence.
fr: Audience
Legal aid
Noun
Free legal advice or representation for a person who cannot afford it.
Example: The issue of accessibility for people with disabilities encompasses more than simply allowing them the use of legal aid.
fr: Aide juridique
Manslaughter
Noun
The unlawful killing of a human being without express or implied malice.
Example: The law on corporate manslaughter is undoubtedly an area in our present system which is subject to much criticism especially with the increasing number of death occurring in the workplace.
fr: Homicide involontaire
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: There was an error regarding the validity of the evidence. The judge therefore declared a mistrial.
fr: Erreur judiciaire
Oath
Noun
A solemn, formal declaration or promise to fulfill a pledge, often calling on god, a god, or sacred object as witness.
Example: Similarly, it may be argued that clinicians, bound by the Hippocratic oath, are in no better a position to look beyond the individual injustice of the case at hand.