This glossary will help me and other students in Paralegal Technology to learn and understand some of or program words.
Alford plea
Noun
A defendant’s plea that allows him to assert his innocence but allows the court to sentence the defendant without conducting a trial. Essentially, the defendant is admitting that the evidence is sufficient to show guilt.
Example: The defendant used the Alford plea to maintain his innocence.
en: Plaidoyer Alford
Backsheet
Noun
Part of every court document, it contains the name, LSUC number, address, and telephone and fax numbers of the lawyer who prepared the document, the short title of proceedings, the court and court file number, the fax number of the person to be served (if known), and a large space reserved for court officials to make entries on
Example: All the information about your lawyer are on the backsheet of this document.
en: Feuille arrière
Docket
Noun
A calendar of the cases awaiting action in a court
Example: Let me check how many cases are in the docket.
en: Calendrier judiciaire
Dwelling
Noun
A shelter (as a house) in which people live
Example: He lives in a dwelling with his parents.
en: Logement
Habeas corpus
Noun
A writ that is often used to bring a prisoner before the court to determine the legality of his imprisonment. A prisoner wanting to argue that there is not sufficient cause to be imprisoned would file a writ of habeas corpus. It may also be used to bring a person in custody before the court to give testimony, or to be prosecuted.
Example: They give a man a right to habeas corpus, and prevent arrest and imprisonment without trial.
en: Habeas corpus
Inmate
Noun
Persons confined in prison,jails, and other correctional facilities that house those convicted of crimes.
Example: Two inmates managed to escape during the riot.
en: Détenu
Law clerk
Noun
A person, often a lawyer, that provides direct counsel and assistance to a lawyer or judge by researching issues and drafting legal opinions for cases before the court.
Example: He was a law clerk from 1957 to 1959.
en: Juriste
Lethal
Adjective
Capable of causing death
Example: All these knives are absolutely lethal.
en: Mortel
Manslaughter
Noun
The act of causing the death of another person in a manner less culpable than murder.
Example: The driver was charged with manslaughter.
en: Homicide involontaire
Mens rea
Noun
A criminal intention or knowledge that an act is wrong.
Example: Under mens rea, he is still in big trouble.
en: Intention coupable
Monograph
Noun
A detailed written study of a single specialized subject or an aspect of it.
Example: He has just published a monograph on Beethoven's symphonies.
en: Monographie
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: Under oath, he finally admitted that he had lied.
en: Serment
Petty theft
Noun
A criminal act in wich property belonging to another is taken without that persons consent.
Example: He's accused of petty theft because he took something from him without his consent.
en: Chapardage
Quebec Bar
Noun
The provincial law society for lawyers in Quebec, Canada.
Example: The Quebec Law was founded on May 30,1849.
en: Barreau du Québec
Sidebar
Noun
A conference between the judge and lawyers held out of earshot of the jury and spectators.
Example: The lawyers were called to speak at the sidebar.
en: Conférence encadré
Subpoena
Verb
A writ ordering a person to attend a court.
Example: I received a subpoena to appear as a witness for the prosecution.
en: Assignation
Summons
Noun
Official order to appear in court.
Example: She had received a summons to appear in court.
en: Assignation
U.S. Marshal (or bailiff)
Noun
A group who enforce the rules of behavior in courtrooms.
Example: The U.S. marshal changed some of the rules for the courtrooms safety.
en: U.S. Marshal
VIN
Noun
Vehicle identification number.
Example: Ask for his VIN.
en: Numéro d'identification du véhicule.
Witness stand
Noun
A stand or an enclosure from which a witness gives evidence in a court.
Example: She went unprepared to the witness stand.
