Hi, my name is Salma Mzili. Who am I really? I'm just the girl who loves people, I want to help them. That's why I started to study Paralegal Technology at the cegep Ahuntsic. This glossary was created by me. I am in the 4th session of the Paralegal Technology program, with one session left to complete. At cegep, I am learning about law and have come across many legal terms. I want to share these terms with people who may not always understand them or have never encountered them before. I love my program, but I think it really takes a long time to understand what "justice" means. However, I've come up with my own definition: for me, justice is how we describe a world where everyone can call it home.
arbitration
noun
The use of an arbitrator to settle a dispute.
Example: The company and the workers agreed to settle the issue through arbitration instead of going to court.
en: arbitrage
bailiff
noun
An official in a court of law who keeps order, looks after prisoners, etc.
Example: The bailiff arrived at the house to collect the unpaid rent.
en: Huissier
case law
noun
The law as established by the outcome of former cases.
Example: The lawyer researched case law to find examples that supported their argument.
en: jurisprudence
contract
noun
A written or spoken agreement, especially one concerning employment, sales, or tenancy, that is intended to be enforceable by law.
Example: They signed a contract to buy the house.
en: contrat
deposition
noun
The process of giving sworn evidence.
Example: The lawyer asked the witness to give a deposition before the trial.
en: déposition
discovery
noun
The compulsory disclosure, by a party to an action, of relevant documents referred to by the other party.
Example: During discovery, both sides shared their evidence to prepare for court.
en: découverte
doctrine
noun
A doctrine is made up of the opinions of legal professionals.
Example: The judge referred to the legal doctrine of fairness when making the decision.
en: doctrine
estate
noun
All the money and property owned by a particular person, especially at death.
Example: She inherited a large estate from her grandfather.
en: domaine
indemnity
noun
Security or protection against a loss or other financial burden.
Example: The company offered an indemnity to cover any damages caused by the accident.
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, e.g., to make restitution to an injured party.
Example: The judge issued an injunction to stop the company from using the logo.
en: injonction
jurisdiction
noun
The territory or sphere of activity over which the legal authority of a court or other institution extends.
Example: The court has jurisdiction over cases in this region.
en: juridiction
litigation
noun
The process of taking legal action.
Example: They decided to avoid litigation and resolve the matter through negotiation.
en: litige
mediation
noun
Intervention in a dispute in order to resolve it; arbitration.
Example: They used mediation to solve their problem instead of going to court.
en: médiation
negligence
noun
Failure to use reasonable care, resulting in damage or injury to another.
Example: It was not in consequence of any order of the stevedores that he negligently ran down the plaintiff; it was in consequence of his negligence in driving the crane, that is to say, in performing the work which he was employed by the appellant board to do.".
en: négligence
notarization
noun
Have (a document) legalized by a notary.
Example: The marriage contract was completed with notarization to ensure its legal validity.
en: notarisation
pleading
noun
A formal statement of the cause of an action or defense.
Example: The defendant’s pleading was accepted by the court to begin the trial.
en: plaidoirie
retainer
noun
A fee paid in advance to someone, especially an attorney, in order to secure or keep their services when required.
Example: He gave a retainer to the lawyer to make sure they would help him when needed.
en: avance sur honoraire
settlement
noun
An official agreement intended to resolve a dispute or conflict.
Example: The two companies reached a settlement before the case went to court.
en: règlement
tort
noun
A wrongful act or an infringement of a right (other than under contract) leading to civil legal liability.
Example: The man filed a case because he was hurt by a tort.
en: délit
verdict
noun
A decision on a disputed issue in a civil or criminal case or an inquest.
Example: The jury returned a guilty verdict after the trial.
en: verdict
will
noun
A legal document containing instructions as to what should be done with one's money and property after one's death.
Example: In his will, he wants to donate his fortune to an orphanage.