Hi, my name is Antoine St-Germain. Here is a glossary about commonly used words in the world of law. The domain of law has a lot of very complicated words that we need to learn just to be able to read the Civil Code of Québec and many other law books. Here, I will teach you 18 words you must know.
accused
noun
The person who is charged with a crime in a criminal case.
Example: I was accused with murder charges
fr: accusé
bail
noun
A sum of money paid to temporarily release an accused person while awaiting trial.
Example: She was released on bail while waiting for her trial.
fr: caution
complainant
noun
The person who files a complaint in a legal case, usually in criminal matters.
Example: He was the complainant for this superior court case.
fr: plaignant
court
noun
The official place where legal cases are heard and decided.
Example: my trial is in the court of quebec
fr: tribunal / cour
decision
noun
Given when a judge settles a legal dispute between two parts
Example: This decision will help me for my case because it's similar to mine and that goes in my favor.
fr: décision
defense lawyer
noun
A lawyer who represents the accused person in a legal case.
Example: My neighbor will hire a defense lawyer to defend himself in court.
fr: avocat de la défense
doctrine
noun
Collection of specific topic books written by law experts that specialize in that domain
Example: Reading doctrine will help me learn a specific subject in law.
fr: doctrine (same in french)
evidence
noun
Information, documents, or objects used to prove facts in a legal case.
Example: I have evidence of your dog biting me
fr: preuve
fine
noun
A monetary penalty imposed by the court for breaking the law.
Example: John will recieve a 500$ fine for not leashing his dog in a public area
fr: amende
hearing
noun
A legal session before a judge, often shorter and less formal than a trial.
Example: I was summoned to a hearing yesterday
fr: audience
jurisprudence
noun
Collection of juridical decisions
Example: According to the jurisprudence, this word should be interpreted like this instead of like that.
fr: jurisprudence (same in french)
mediation
Noun
Before going to court, parts, will try mediation to potentially find an agreement
Example: I have to go to mediation because my neighbor's dog bit me, and I sued him
fr: médiation
parole
noun
The early release of a prisoner under certain conditions before the full sentence is completed.
Example: The prisoner was released on parole after serving half his sentence.
fr: libération conditionnelle
prosecution
noun
The legal party responsible for presenting the case against the accused in a criminal trial.
Example: The prosecution's goal is to give criminals the sentence they deserve.
fr: poursuite
sentence
noun
The punishment given by the court after a person is found guilty.
Example: A criminal's sentence will be determined my judges of the superior or supreme court.
fr: peine
to sue
verb
pursue somebody or some company in court
Example: I'm suing my neighbor! His dog bit me!
fr: Poursuivre
trial
noun
A formal examination of evidence and arguments before a judge (and sometimes a jury).
Example: I will go to trial next thursday
fr: procès
witness / to witness
noun / verb
A person who gives testimony in court about what they saw, heard, or know.
Example: my daughter is a witness / my daughter witnessed the dog biting me
