What the Words Mean in Learning about the Law

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adjudicator: Someone who makes a formal judgment on a disputed matter, such as a judge in a court.

appeal: Ask a higher court to overturn a lower court's decision.

arrest: Take someone into custody by legal authority.

confidential: Something that is meant to be kept a secret from non-approved people.

cross-examine: To question an opposing party’s witness in order to challenge or clarify his or her previous testimony in a court proceeding.

discrimination: The practice of treating one person or group differently from another in an unfair way.

elected: Chosen by popular vote to fill a position, usually political.

equality: A situation where people are treated the same way despite their cultural, social or economic differences.

federal: Matters or institutions that deal with the whole country where different provinces or states also have their own institutions and responsibilities.

guilty: Found to be responsible for a wrongdoing.

innocent: Found to be not responsible for a wrongdoing.

judgment: A decision on a dispute. In law, it is a decision by a court on a contested matter.

jurisdiction: The right to use an official power to make legal decisions, or the area where this right exists.

Legislative Assembly: The group of individuals who, meeting in regular session, have the power to pass laws provincially. In Canada, each province has a legislative assembly whose members are elected by popular vote at general elections.

mediator: Someone who tries to bring parties in dispute to a mutual agreement or resolution.

municipal government: The government for a local area, usually a city or a district.

parole: The release of a prisoner before his or her full sentence is served on a promise of good behavior in future.

politicians: People who involve themselves in matters related to governing a territory.

punishment: The penalty given to a wrongdoer.

regulate: Control or supervise by means of rules and regulations.

representatives: People chosen to act and speak on behalf of a wider group.

responsibilities: The things one is required to do or not do as part of a legal obligation, a job or a role.

rights: Legal or moral entitlement to have or do something.

social services: Services provided by the government or other organizations for the benefit of the community.

trial: A court procedure to examine the evidence in a disputed matter, whether criminal or civil, to arrive at a legal judgment.

tribunals: Official legal forums set up to decide or pass judgment on disputed matters.

young offenders: Criminal offenders who are 12 years or older and 18 years or younger. Among other things, they are subject to less severe sentences than adults, and their names are generally not publicized. For certain serious offences, youths aged 14-18 can be tried and sentenced as adults.

This information applies to British Columbia, Canada. Last reviewed for legal accuracy by People's Law School, 2012.



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