Law Glossary

20 Law terms

Hello, my name is Rebecca. I'm studying Social Sciences at Ahuntsic College. More specifically, my program is called the Individual. I'm currently at my last CEGEP semester and next year, I'll be attending Sherbrooke University in Law. This is why I decided to do a Law glossary. In fact, I think it could be useful to know the technical terms I will casually use in my future in English. I think this glossary could be useful to anybody who plans on working in any field related to law. In this glossary, I will define twenty words that represent some of the basic law vocabulary. I think these words are important, because in Quebec, some people speak French and other speak English. To be able to help the most people as possible, knowing the basic words in two languages can be very useful. This being said, this glossary will contain twenty law related words that are really useful to know and to have easy access to. Every word will be defined and it's part of speech will be identified. This will help to make sure the word is used in the right context. I found all of my words and definitions in the textbook called Actively Engaged Online, by Nicholas Walker. All this being said, you can now scroll down and learn some useful words for your future!

accused: noun; The defendant or defendants appearing on a criminal charge.
case: noun; A suit or action in law or equity.
Civil Code of Quebec: proper noun; The civil code in force in the Province of Quebec, Canada, which came into effect on January 1, 1994.
contract: Noun; A formal agreement between two or more parties.
court: noun; A court is a place where legal matters are decided by a judge and jury or by a magistrate.
court order: noun; A direction issued by a court or a judge requiring a person to do or not do something.
defendant: noun; An individual, company, or institution sued or accused in a court of law.
grand jury: noun; A jury, normally of twenty-three jurors, selected to examine the validity of an accusation before trial.
hearing: noun; An opportunity to state one's case.
judge: noun; A public official with authority to hear cases in a court of law and pronounce judgment upon them.
jurisprudence: noun; The theory or philosophy of law.
justice: noun; Just behavior or treatment.
law: noun; The system of rules that a particular country or community recognizes as regulating the actions of its members and may enforce by the imposition of penalties.
lawsuit: noun; A case in a court of law involving a claim, complaint, etc.
lawyer: noun; A person who practices or studies law; an attorney or a counselor.
legal aid: noun; Free legal advice or representation for a person who cannot afford it.
mediation: noun; Intervention in a dispute in order to resolve it; arbitration.
notary: noun; A person authorized to perform certain legal formalities, esp. To draw up or certify contracts, deeds, and other documents for use in other jurisdictions.
plaintiff: noun; A person who brings a case against another in a court of law.
superior court: noun; A court with general jurisdiction over other courts; a higher court.