20 This glossary is mainly focused on law terms. terms
This glossary was created to help me (and others) with all the legal terms that we can hear on a daily basis. Of course, some words may not be used only in the legal world, so feel free to go through them. This glossary contains 20 words and/or expressions that may be used by lawyers, attorneys, legal assistant and others. In this glossary you can find a definition, a translation, an example of how you can use that specific expression and you can also hear how to pronounce the word (or expression).
To find those words and definition I mainly used the dictionary of the "Law Society of Alberta".
action
noun
An action is a civil proceeding or a lawsuit. It can sometimes be called a civil action.
Example: John initiated a legal action against his sister.
en: action
allegation
noun
An assertion of fact made in a civil or criminal proceeding, which has not yet been proved to be true.
Example: The allegations made against my client were proven to be wrong.
en: allégation
attorney
noun
A person appointed to act on another's behalf.
Example: My attorney is going to be defending my case in court today.
en: avocat
conviction
noun
Finding a person guilty of an offence at trial.
Example: He was convicted for driving while being high.
en: conviction
Counsel
noun
It's another name for lawyer.
Example: this person needs a counsel from a psychiatrist.
en: conseil, l'avocat(e)
Disbar
noun
Force a lawyer out of the profession so he or she is no longer allowed to practice law.
Example: Maria was disbarred after that incident.
en: radier
evidence
noun
The way in which facts are proven at trial. It is legal means used to prove a fact, the truth of which is determined by a court or tribunal (oral evidence).
an order by the court requiring that a party stop doing something.
Example: The group received an injonction to not demolish that building.
en: injonction
Judgment
noun
A decision of a court or tribunal at the completion of a legal proceeding.
Example: My judgment is supposed to be tomorrow.
en: Jugement
Lawsuit
noun
A civil action or a legal proceeding.
Example: This attorney won her lawsuit against McDonald's.
en: poursuite en justice
Legal assistant
noun
Legal assistants provide certain legal services under the supervision of lawyers. They generally have a legal assistant training which enables them to provide many legal services such as drafting and filing court documents.
Example: Her team of legal assistant helped her built a really strong case against them.
en: Technicien(ne) juridique ou parajuristes
Mediation
noun
The process in which both parties, with or without lawyers, meet with a neutral third-party mediator to try to solve their dispute. The mediator does not decide ; the parties must reach agreement together.
Example: My ex-friend and I went to mediation to fix our problems about who was going to get to keep the dog.
en: médiation
Negligence
noun
Omitting to do something that a reasonable person would have done.
Example: His negligence caused the death of several people that night.
en: Négligence
Notaries Public
Noun
Notaries Public are allowed by statute to provide certain limited legal services. They do not have the same education or training as lawyers.
Example: I went to see a notary public to certify my documents.
en: Notaire publics
oath
noun
a solemn attestation of the truth or inviolability of one's words.
Example: He was under oath when he said what he said.
en: serment
order
noun
A direction or command. A court order is a command made by the court directing the parties to do something.
Example: My sister received a court order to be present tomorrow.
en: Ordre
Paralegals
noun
People who assit lawyers.
Example: This paralegal really works hard.
en: Parajuristes
Plaintiff
noun
the person bringing a civil lawsuit. The defendant is the person defending the claim.
Example: The plaintiff's reason to sue him is because he stole his bike.
en: demandeur
Prosecutor
noun
a lawyer paid by the government to act on behalf of the Crown in criminal matters.
Example: A special prosecutor was called in to handle the murder trial of the governor's son.
en: Procureure
Trial
noun
The hearing by a court of law of facts and law resulting in a decision by the court.
Example: The trial about my sister's murder is tomorrow.