Hi, my name is Abbimaha. I am currently studying Social Science, and I would like to study law next. Here, I made a glossary of legal terms that will help everyone develop a better understanding of the legal system.
Acquittal
noun
the verdict of a court that a person that has been charged is not guilty.
Example: the defendant is acquitted because there wasn't enough evidence.
fr: acquittement
Bailiff
noun
an official in a court of law who keeps order, looks after prisoners.
Example: as the bailiff took him away, his mother wept while I averted my eyes.
fr: huissier
Bankruptcy
noun
a legal proceeding initiated when a person or business is unable to repay outstanding debts or obligations.
Example: Many companies were facing bankruptcy.
fr: banqueroute
clerk
noun
a person who keeps records and accounts
Example: the clerk wrote everything the defendant said.
fr: Greffier
custody
noun
The act of keeping safe or guarding; the right of guardianship of a minor.
Example: Because his Dad is an alcoholic, Samy's mom ask for his custody.
fr: la garde
defendant
noun
An individual, company, or institution sued or accused in a court of law.
Example: the government plans on building more dwelling for the homeless.
fr: residence
evidence
noun
Matter produced before a court of law in an attempt to prove or disprove a point in issue, such as the statements of witnesses, documents, material objects, etc.
Example: based on the evidences, he was convicted for murder.
fr: preuve
expert witness
noun
A person who is permitted to testify at a trial because of special knowledge or proficiency in a particular field that is relevant to the case.
Example: the lawyer called to the bar the expert witness who was a psychologist to explain why his client had personalities disorder.
fr: temoin expert
felony
noun
A serious crime, usually punishable by at least one year in prison.
Example: The 39-year-old singer was booked on a felony charge of assault with a deadly weapon late on Friday.
fr: crime
fiduciary
adjective
Involving trust, esp. With regard to the relationship between a trustee and a beneficiary.
Example: The company has a fiduciary duty to shareholders.
fr: fiduciaire
grievance
noun
A real or imagined wrong or other cause for complaint or protest, such as unfair treatment.
Example: He was nursing a grievance.
fr: grief
habeas corpus
noun
A writ requiring a person under arrest to be brought before a judge or into court, esp. To secure the person’s release unless lawful grounds are shown for their detention.
Example: A writ of habeas corpus was handed to the judge.
fr: habeas corpus
half-way house
noun
A place where persons are aided in readjusting to society following a period of imprisonment, hospitalization, etc.
Example: after spending 30 years in prison, this man had to go to a half-way house.
fr: maison de transition
jurisprudence
noun
The theory or philosophy of law.
Example: To simply ignore a legal precedent is to overlook jurisprudence.
fr: jurisprudence
lawsuit
noun
A proceeding in a court of law brought by one party against another, esp. A civil action.
Example: In one case, the criticism actually resulted in a lawsuit.
fr: proces
litigant
noun
A person engaged in a lawsuit.
Example: the court should help litigant plead their own case.
fr: plaideur
loitering
noun
Remaining in an area for no obvious reason.
Example: loitering is illegal in some places such as mall.
fr: flaner
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: The witness was required to take an oath before testifying in court.
fr: serment
writs
noun
A formal order under seal, issued in the name of soverign, government, court, or other competent authority, enjoining the officer or other person to whom it is issued or addressed to do or refrain from some specified act.
Example: Her application for a writ of habeas corpus was refused.
