Socials Sciences Glossary

20 Political Sciences Literacy terms

I am a student from Ahuntsic College and this is my last semester. This glossary contains words that might come in handy for someones that needs to describe or analyze a political social event. This will also be helpful to those interested in social and political sciences and for future law student. Some of these words come from Wikipedia as well as specialized references. If you have more difficulties in English, it would be highly advised to try reading it out loud to help with the pronunciation. Once you understand how to pronounce the word correctly, try using it in a discussion or a question!

case law
noun
The theory or philosophy of law.
Example: Jurisprudence is an important source of knowledge for a lawyer.
en: jurisprudence
Library of the Supreme Court of Canada
citizen
noun
A legally recognized subject or national of a state or commonwealth, either native or naturalized.
Example: Every citizen must pay taxes.
en: citoyen
Birth certificate of a citizen
citizenship
noun
The position or status of being a citizen of a particular country.
Example: The refugees could be granted dual citizenship.
en: citoyenneté
Canadian citizenship
contract
A written or spoken agreement, especially one concerning employment, sales, or tenancy, that is intended to be enforceable by law.
Example: To open a bank account, you will need to sign this contract.
en: Contrat
A contract agreement
courthouse
A building containing the administrative offices of a county.
Example: People go to the courthouse to get married.
en: Palais de justice
Courthouse of Montreal
decision
noun
A formal judgment.
Example: A decision can take time before it is shared with the public.
en: jugement
The judge shared a decision
defendant
noun
The defendant is the person or entity that is being sued.
Example: Defendants must defend or be defended against any wrong doing.
en: l'accusé
The defendant that needs to defend himself
doctrine
a belief or set of beliefs held and taught by a Church, political party, or other group.
Example: The government was founded on a doctrine of equality for people.
en: doctrine
Doctrine of Discovery
first nation
noun
Any of the groups of indigenous peoples of Canada officially recognized as an administrative unit by the federal government or functioning as such without official status. The term is generally understood to exclude the Inuit and Metis.
Example: The prime minister delivered an official apology to the assembled leader of Canada's First Nation, Inuits and mixed Metis.
en: première nation
First Nations chief
government
noun
The governing body of a nation, state, or community.
Example: The government has been slow to react to the crisis.
en: gouvernement
Government of Canada
illegal
adjective
Contrary to or forbidden by law, especially criminal law.
Example: The police are investigation his possible illegal activity.
en: illégal
Public place
judge
noun
Public official appointed to decide cases in a court of law.
Example: The judge is ready to give the decision.
en: juge
Judges of Ontario
justice
noun
just behavior or treatment.
Example: It is important to have a good sense of justice and fairness.
en: justice
The Scales of Justice
law
noun
The system of rules which a particular country or community recognizes as regulating the actions of its members and which it may enforce by the imposition of penalties.
Example: The law forbids discrimination in a work environment.
en: législation
Civil code of Quebec
lawsuit
noun
A claim or dispute brought to a court of law for adjudication.
Example: A lawsuit has been filed against the company.
en: procès
Handing a lawsuit
lawyer
noun
A person who practices or studies law; an attorney or a counselor.
Example: You have the right to be represented by lawyer as a citizen.
en: avocat
Lawyer in a court
nation
noun
A large body of people united by common descent, history, culture, or language, inhabiting a particular country or territory.
Example: Canada is a nation with a written constitution.
en: nation
A united group
plaintiff
noun
The plaintiff is a person or entity that files a lawsuit.
Example: The plaintiff is unhappy and would like to resolve the issue.
en: demandeur
The plaintiff explaining her side of the story.
politics
noun
The activities associated with the governance of a country or other area, especially the debate or conflict among individuals or parties having or hoping to achieve power.
Example: Yet another discussion of office politics and personalities
en: La politique
Politics participation
tribunal
noun
A court of justice.
Example: A decision is given in a tribunal of justice.
en: tribunal
Tribunal