As a law student, understanding legal terminology is crucial for success in the field of paralegal studies. This glossary includes 20 essential terms related to Paralegal Technology, designed to simplify their meanings and usage. The purpose of this glossary is to provide students with a clear and accessible reference guide to the vocabulary commonly used in the paralegal profession. By familiarizing themselves with these terms, students can enhance their understanding of the legal field and apply their knowledge with confidence in their studies and future careers.
arrest warrant
noun
An arrest warrant is a legal document that authorizes law enforcement to arrest someone and bring them to court.
Example: After conducting an extensive investigation and collecting enough evidence, the detective shared his findings with the judge, who subsequently authorized an arrest warrant for the suspect, permitting the police to apprehend him early the following morning.
en: mandat d'arrêt
bailiff
noun
Serve legal orders and documents, seize or repossess properties, evict tenants and perform other related activities.
Example: After the court ruling, the bailiff was responsible for delivering the eviction notice and overseeing the removal of the tenant's belongings from the property.
en: huissier
Caij
noun (website)
CAIJ stands for Centre d'accès à l'information juridique, which is a legal knowledge resource for the Quebec legal community. CAIJ provides access to legal information online, including case law, legislation, and other materials.
Example: The Caij helped me find the doctrine for my research memo.
en: Caij
case law
noun
The law as established by the outcome of former cases.
Example: The case law of Walker v. Paul, help me understand how the judge applies article 1457.
en: jurisprudence
clerk's office
noun
A place where a clerk works to manage records, documents, and other tasks for an organization.
Example: I went to The Clerk's Office of the Supreme Court to file the documents.
contract
noun
A written or spoken agreement, especially one concerning employment, sales, or tenancy, that is intended to be enforceable by law.
Example: Future considerations If we consider extending and increasing the contract beyond 6 months there are a number of issues that have to be taken into consideration. Based on the original resources the contract could be increased to 640.
en: contrat
conviction
noun
A formal declaration that someone is guilty of a criminal offense, made by the verdict of a jury or the decision of a judge in a court of law.
Example: This shows that jury deliberation is far more complex than polarization as it was even found by Tanford and Penrod (1986) (as cited in MacCoun and Kerr, 1988), that even when there is an initial majority favouring of CONVICTION, a not guilty verdict can still prevail.
en: condamnation
court transcript
noun
An official record is a document that is legally recognized and kept for its entire retention period. It can be a written account or photograph that can be referred to later.
Example: After the trial concluded, the defense team meticulously examined the court transcript, reviewing every statement and ruling made during the proceedings to ensure that no errors had been made, and to prepare for their next steps in the appeal process.
en: procès-verbal
doctrine
noun
A legal work written by experts intended to interpret the law.
Example: The doctrine of Louis Payette explains the function of article 1457 and helped develop my understanding of how to apply this article.
en: doctrine
force majeure
noun
Force majeure is a legal term that refers to an event that prevents someone from fulfilling their obligations in an agreement. It can also refer to a clause in a contract that protects parties from such events.
Example: Jones declares a similar view and argues that a major obstacle for development of Asian (as compared to European) markets in general was that "the local governor was all too likely to sweep down at any time and exert FORCE MAJEURE to buy up anything.
en: force majeure
gown
noun
A long dress, typically having a close-fitting bodice and a flared or flowing skirt, worn on formal occasions.
Example: As the court session began, the lawyer stood up in front of the judge, adjusting his black gown before presenting his argument, while the defendant nervously waited for the proceedings to start.
en: toge
guardianship
noun
The position of being legally responsible for the care of someone who is unable to manage their own affairs.
Example: We should consider natural entities as legal incompetents and create a 'GUARDIANSHIP.
en: tutelle
guilty
noun or adjective
Culpable of or responsible for a specified wrongdoing.
Example: Twenty-four individual defendants were indicted, of which 12 were sentenced to death by hanging, 3 to life imprisonment, 2 to twenty-years and 1 to 10 years imprisonment, while only 3 were released having received a verdict of 'not GUILTY.
en: coupable
indemnity
noun
To pay or promise to pay someone an amount of money if they suffer damage or loss.
Example: Carthaginian envoys in 191 proposed to pay off their entire INDEMNITY.
en: indemnité
injunction
noun
A judicial order that restrains a person from beginning or continuing an action threatening or invading the legal right of another, or that compels a person to carry out a certain act.
Example: The remedies available through judicial review are limited to the private law remedies of an INJUNCTION, a declaration, or damages, added to by the prerogative orders of a quashing order, a mandatory order or a prohibiting order.
en: injonction
lawsuit
noun
A lawsuit is a civil legal action by one person or entity (the plaintiff) against another person or entity (the defendant), to be decided in a court.
Example: Although men are protected in these ways according to the law, they cannot file a LAWSUIT, and so they rely on others who are free.
en: litige
mediation
noun
Mediation is a process that helps people in a dispute reach an agreement by using a neutral third party.
Example: Although Part II allowed for a no-fault divorce, it requested MEDIATION and a period for "reflection and consideration", attempting to reduce the divorce rate.
en: médiation
search warrant
noun
A legal document authorizing a police officer to enter and search premises.
Example: The detective presented the evidence to the judge, who then issued a search warrant for the suspect's residence, authorizing the police to search the house for stolen property and any other relevant items.
en: mandat de perquisition
swearing-in
noun
Make a formal promise to be honest or loyal, either in a law court or when starting a new official job.
Example: The witness must complete the swearing-in process before giving testimony in court.
en: assermentation
testimony
noun
A formal written or spoken statement, especially one given in a court of law.
Example: The following people will be invited to participate in the Tribunal process, to provide TESTIMONY take action as indicated.
