Glossary

To abate a nuisance (q.v.) is to remove or reduce it without violence or unnecessary damage. Abatement is an alternative to bringing a court action.

Unlawful removal of a person (often a child) from their home environment.

Unlawful removal of a person (often a child) from their home environment.

The protection given to parliamentary and court proceedings that any information produced or revealed in them cannot give rise to an action for defamation (q.v.).

Person charged with a criminal offence.

To discharge, to find an accused "not guilty" after trial.

An action of a debtor that shows an inability to pay their creditors (q.v.).

Concerning a lawsuit. A limited grant of probate (q.v.) or administration on behalf of a minor.

To suspend a court hearing to a future specified day or sine die (q.v.). Also: adjournment.

A decision, or refusal to make a decision, by an officer of a government department and which is subject to review either internally or externally by the courts.

A person appointed to manage the estate of a person who has died without leaving a will, or the financial affairs of a person who lacks legal capacity (q.v.). Fem: administratrix.

A written document sworn on oath before a person with authority to administer it. The person in whose name the document is sworn is called the deponent.

A pledge that statements made are true which may be made in place of an oath if an oath is contrary to a person's religious belief or if the person has no religious belief. It can be used where a person is giving evidence in a court or where a declaration or affidavit is being made.

Circumstances that make an offence much more serious.

Defence to a criminal charge on the grounds that the accused was somewhere other than the scene of a crime when that crime was committed.

Said to be the case, but not yet proved.

Process for resol­ving disputes outside the court system, e.g. through mediation (q.v.) or negotiation (q.v.).

A change to an Act (q.v.) or other law by a later Act.

Features, benefits or advantages of the local environment that people currently enjoy.

In family law, orders relating to residence, maintenance, contact and for property of the parties as opposed to principal relief (q.v.).

A sum of money payable yearly.

To put an end to, cancel, render void (q.v.) in law.

To remove a case to a higher court.

A person who appeals (q.v.) a decision of a court or tribunal.

A procedure for resolving disputes which involves less formality than a court hearing.

Payment that is overdue or made after the date when it fell due.

To take into custody.

Income on which liability to pay income tax is calculated.

legal transfer of a right or an interest in property from the owner to another person.

Refuge or protection from persecution, usually in another country.

(An animal) not securely confined to the owner's property.

A witnessing clause, e.g., a will contains an attestation clause stating the witnesses saw the testator (q.v.) sign and that they signed the will in the presence of the testator and each other.

The procedure which enables an accused person to be released from custody in between the date of being charged and the eventual hearing of the court case. Conditions can be specified, and a guarantor (surety) can be required.

A delivery of goods from one person (the bailor) to another (the bailee) for some purpose, upon an express or implied contract that the goods will be redelivered to the bailor when that purpose has been fulfilled. A contract may be implied from the behaviour of the parties.

The standard of proof (q.v.) required in civil law (q.v.) cases, i.e. it is more probable than not that what the person says happened is true. (In criminal cases, the standard is proof beyond reasonable doubt.)

When the financial affairs of an individual are taken over by a trustee, following the individual becoming unable to pay his or her debts.

A person who is left something in a will, or a person for whose benefit property is held by trustees or executors.

To dispose of personal property in a will, to make a bequest.

The standard of proof (q.v.) required in criminal cases.

A pre-existing attitude or opinion that favours one side over another in a dispute.

A negotiable instrument (q.v.) in which the drawer orders the drawee to pay a sum of money on a specified date to either the drawee or a third person (the payee).

A document which enables one person to possess and use goods (the possessor) while another has legal ownership (usually a person or company that has lent money for the purchase of the goods). See: goods mortgage.

In good faith; honest or genuine.

(1) A deed (q.v.) in which a person undertakes to do or refrain from doing certain things, e.g. good behaviour bond. (2) Money paid to a landlord by a tenant at the start of a tenancy as security in case of future damage to premises or non-payment of rent.

Failure by one of the parties to a contract (q.v.) to satisfactorily perform the service or action agreed to in the contract.

The obligation to prove what is alleged. In criminal cases, this obligation rests on the prosecution, which must prove its case beyond reasonable doubt. In civil cases, it rests on the plaintiff, who must prove his or her case on the balance of probabilities. Sometimes, however, this burden shifts, for example, where the defendant raises particular defences.

Former name of local laws (q.v.).

The ability to understand and give legal consent to an action or arrangement.

The law based on decisions made by judges in previous case. See: common law.

See common law.

A notice given to an appropriate officer ordering him or her not to take a certain step until the person giving the notice (the caveator) has had an opportunity to object (e.g. to a transfer of land).

A document prepared by the Titles Office which shows details of land registered under the Torrens system, particulars of the location, encumbrances (q.v.) and owners.

A form of writ (q.v.) by which actions for review of administrative decisions are commenced in the Supreme Court.

Any property that is not freehold land. It may be a leasehold (called a chattel real) or a movable article of property (chattel personal).

An arrest by any person who is not a police officer or who does not have a warrant (q.v.) to arrest.

Law which is not criminal or church law (usually the former), it may mean law based on the Roman system. Throughout this book, civil law means non-criminal law.

Outright ownership, without any debts or charges on the property.

A document signed by a willmaker that alters or adds to an existing will.

Living together as a couple.

A separate contract which precedes or exists alongside the main one.

Where a Magistrates' Court hears evidence on an indictable charge (q.v.) and decides whether the accused should be sent for trial (also called a preliminary examination).

The part of English law traditionally based on common custom and being unwritten. Law which is not equity (q.v.), statute (q.v.), ecclesiastical (church), or civil (i.e. Roman).

A person who begins a prosecution against another in the Magistrates' Court, a plaintiff.

Insurance that covers claims against the insured by other persons for damage to their property as well as covering the insured for damage to his or her own property.

Insurance paid with vehicle registration to insure against damage caused to other people, limited to personal injuries suffered by them.

Process of resolving disputes which involves negotiations between parties, assisted by a conciliator. Conciliation aims for mutual agreement rather than a decision in favour of one side.

Protection against disclosure to an outside person of information revealed in a professional relationship, e.g. doctor-patient.

A situation where a person's own interests, or a duty towards someone else, may affect the way they carry out a duty towards others.

Agreement to an action or arrangement. See also: informed consent.

The price (not necessarily money) paid by one party to the other party (in a contract).

A contract (q.v.) for hire of goods by a person for a specified period and rental.

A parenting order (q.v.) which states the kind and frequency of contact between a child and another person - usually the parent with whom the child is not living.

The failure to obey a court order or an act which shows a disregard for the authority of the court or judge. A person in contempt may face imprisonment.

A simplified form of preliminary contract (q.v.) used in the sale of real estate.

To breach, neglect or refuse to comply with a particular requirement or condition.

A defence in an action for damages for injuries arising from the defendant's negligence. The defendant attempts to prove that the plaintiff's own negligence caused or contributed to the injuries suffered.

A transfer of real property (q.v.).

The time during which a pur­chaser can withdraw from a contract after signing.

The rights belonging to the owner or licensee of literary, artistic and dramatic works, films and sound recordings, to reproduce, perform or otherwise deal with these works.

Any physical punishment, usually one causing pain.

A company; a business with Limited (Ltd) or Proprietary Limited (Pty Ltd) after its name.

Where the defendant has a claim against the plaintiff which might have been brought by bringing a separate action, the defendant may raise it in the existing action by adding a statement of the facts on which the claim is made to the statement of defence.

An agreement creating an obligation contained in a deed (q.v.) or land title. A covenant may serve the same purpose as a bond (q.v.).

a document provided by an insurer as evidence of temporary insurance cover before a formal policy is issued.

A contract (q.v.) for deferred payment of a debt owed by one person or organisation to another.

A person or company to whom a debt is owed.

The questioning of a witness by the opposing party (q.v.) in a court case.

Control; e.g. when arrested and not free to leave; formerly, care and control of a child.

In reality, e.g. a de facto wife is one in reality but not in law.

See domestic partnership.

An arrangement for dealing with unpaid debts that is less formal and intrusive than bankruptcy (q.v.).

A person who owes a debt.

A formal statement by a court to clarify a specific point of law for interested parties.

A provisional order made by a Family Court judge which terminates the marriage. However, neither party can remarry until the decree becomes absolute (see entry above), which usually occurs one month after the date of the decree nisi.

A written document that is signed, sealed and delivered. "Sealing" (attaching a seal with wax) is no longer necessary. "Delivering" is traditionally completed when the person signing the document says "I deliver this as my act and deed".

To be treated as.

Publication of false and derogatory statements about another person, without any justification recognised by law. See also: slander, libel.

See slander.

See libel.

A person who has been charged with a criminal offence, or whom a civil action has been brought against.

See: Regulations.

Allowing lower ranking officials to make decisions on behalf of the person responsible by law for making the decision. Also: to delegate.

Person who swears an affidavit (q.v.).

Expulsion from a country of a resident non-citizen who has committed a serious crime or is considered a threat to national security.

The record of evidence given in committal proceedings (q.v.).

Decision.

Situation where a decision making body improperly allows itself to be directed by another person or body when making a decision.

A hearing held before the full hearing so that the court or tribunal can give directions to the parties about how the action should proceed.

(A provision) that does not have to be strictly complied with; not mandatory (q.v.).

Money paid out on behalf of another. In a solicitor's bill, a disbursement may include payments made on lodging documents, and stamp duty, for example.

To fulfil or be released from an obligation. A debt is discharged when it is paid.

Giving particular information to another party as required by a contract or legal process.

A procedure by which documents relevant to a civil (q.v.) action are exchanged between the parties before the case comes on for hearing.

Power to choose whether to do or not to do a certain thing, e.g. investigate a complaint.

See: precedent.

A relationship where two people (of the same or opposite sex) are not married but are living or have lived together as a couple.

A situation in which a person may be convicted twice for the same offence.

Undue pressure placed on a person to force him or her to do something.

The obligation of a person to exercise reasonable care in the conduct of an activity. Breach of a duty of care which causes damage or loss to another may give rise to an action in tort (q.v.).

The right or freedom to do something or the right to prevent someone else from doing something over the real property (q.v.) of another.

Charges or liabilities e.g. mortgages

A charge (q.v.) or liability, e.g. a mortgage.

A power of attorney (q.v.) or guardianship which continues to have effect even if the donor ceases to be mentally competent.

To make people obey (a law, the terms of an agreement, etc). Also: enforceability.

Fairness. A system of legal rules developed by the Lord Chancellor and special courts in England to make the common law (q.v.) fairer. Also: a financial interest in property or goods.

The action of recovering land or property from an occupier or tenant by legal proceedings.

Of the one part. An application made ex parte is made by one party only - or may be made by an interested person who is not a party.

Out of marriage; illegitimate.

A clause in a contract which attempts to exclude or avoid liability (q.v.).

The person whose duty it is to carry the provisions of a will into effect. Where that person is female, she may be called an executrix.

A document or thing shown to a witness when giving evidence, produced for inspection to the court or referred to in an affidavit (q.v.).

An undertaking or statement made when offering goods for sale which would naturally encourage people to buy the goods.

Permanent exclusion of a student from a school; compare: suspension (q.v.).

legitimate use or reproduction of part or all of copyright (q.v.) material by someone other than the copyright owner, for defined purposes.

Confinement of a person without legal permission.

Examination of the body of a person suspected of having committed an offence, or the taking of certain body samples.

Intentionally dishonest act (or lack of action) done to deceive someone.

The right to belong, or not belong, to an industrial association (trade union).

The right of any person to have access to documents held by government agencies, except those exempted by legislation.

To undertake (q.v.) that a contract or a legal act will be correctly carried out, e.g. that money will be repaid. The person giving the undertaking is called the guarantor.

A person who has the right and duty to protect another person, his or her property and rights. A plenary guardian has all the powers of a parent.

Evidence of a fact not personally seen or heard by a witness, but proved by him or her to have been said by another. Hearsay evidence is normally not admissible in court proceedings, but there are exceptions to this rule.

Where goods are sold with instalment payments required from the purchaser. No rights of ownership lie with the purchaser until the last payment due has been made.

A police "line up" held so a witness to an offence can try to identify a suspect among other people of similar appearance.

Terms set out in legislation (q.v.) that are automatically part of a contract, without having to be stated in the contract document.

A term, not stated in a contract but which must be fulfilled, that services and related goods will be fit for the purpose for which they are supplied.

In place of. So: time in lieu - agreement to allow time off instead of payment for overtime worked.

In the position of a parent; having the same authority as a parent over a child.

Not allowed, i.e. not able to be used as evidence in a court action.

A not-for-profit comm­unity organisation with a separate legal identity and a structure regulated by legislation.

Compensation for a wrong done, or an expense or loss suffered as a result of the act or default of another. Verb: indemnify.

A serious crime which is generally triable before a judge and jury.

See: presentment.

The legal term for a person under 18, used particularly in family law and civil actions (q.v.).

Agreement given for something to be done, after the procedure has been fully explained so that the person understands the procedure and his or her rights to agree or refuse.

A court order which directs someone either to do, or to refrain from doing, a particular thing. An injunction may be interim (operative until further order) or perpetual (continuing indefinitely).

Unable to pay debts in full.

A formal legal document in writing.

A temporary court order allowing or preventing certain action, until a full hearing can make a decision on the matter.

The asking of questions. In criminal cases, the questioning of suspects by police. In civil proceedings, the pre-hearing process, by which a party asks the other party a series of written questions (interrogatories) which are then required to be answered on oath.

One who dies without leaving a valid will. The deceased's property is distributed to the nearest relatives in an order set by law.

Not valid (q.v.); without legal effect.

A patient admitted to a mental hospital on a doctor's recommendation and without the patient's consent.

Two or more persons who own land together in undivided shares; on the death of one owner his or her interest automatically passes to the surviving owner(s). Although each owner can sell or transfer their interest they cannot include it in their will. Compare: tenants in common (q.v.).

The amount awarded to be paid under a court order.

Review by a court of an adminis­trative act (q.v.) on the basis of fault in the decision-making process. Compare: review on the merits.

The authority of a court to decide matters brought before it; the geographical limit within which a court order can be enforced.

A member of a jury (q.v.).

A panel of people selected from the general public to decide the guilt or innocence of people tried in criminal cases, or questions of damages (q.v.) in civil cases.

Consciously and deliber­ately involved in committing an offence.

A document of agreement between a landlord and a tenant, for rental of premises.

An interest in land for a fixed period.

Able to be enforced by law.

Laws made by Parliament which are referred to singly as Acts.

A person to whom property is leased.

A person who leases property to another.

A notice from a creditor that legal action will be taken if a debt is not paid.

The document by which a person is empowered to manage the estate of a deceased who left no valid will.

Legal responsibility, e.g. for breaking a contract, committing a crime. It may be civil (q.v.) or criminal, and is enforced by civil or criminal courts.

The publication of defamatory material in permanent form. See also: defamation, slander.

See defamation.

See slander.

The right to hold a person's property as security for the performance of an obligation (e.g. the payment of money owing).

Court proceedings in civil matters (q.v.). A litigant is one of the opposing parties (q.v.) in a civil proceeding.

A desire to cause harm to someone, partic­ularly in relation to an action for defamation (q.v.).

A form of writ to commence an action for review of an administrative decision (failure to perform a duty) in the Supreme Court.

Having to be strictly complied with. Mandatory reporting: obligation to report, e.g. cases of abuse of children, to authorities. Mandatory sentencing: automatic gaol term for certain offences.

any form of storage from which a copyright (q.v.) work can be reproduced.

Assessment of a person's income and assets to see if they qualify for financial assistance.

Form of dispute resolution where an impartial third party helps communication and negotiations between the parties, but does not decide the dispute. Compare: arbitration (q.v.).

Reasonable quality, being in a good enough condition to be sold.

Making a false statement, either deliberately or unintentionally, to induce someone to do something they would otherwise not have done, e.g. buy something.

Circumstances which go towards reducing the damages or punishment which the court may order against a defendant or prisoner.

the rights of the creator (not the owner) of an artistic, dramatic or literary work or film to have their authorship acknowledged and to protect the integrity of the work or film.

A transfer of real property (land) or personal property (goods) as security for the repayment of money borrowed. The creditor to whom the mortgage is made is the mortgagee, the debtor who makes it is the mortgagor.

A form of communal title whereby land is not owned but is used by those who have rights over it. Describes traditional Aboriginal rights over land in Australia.

The rules and procedures to be followed by a person or body with the power to settle disputes. (See: Chapter 14.1 Administrative law. Some rules of natural justice are to act fairly, without bias, and the right of all parties to be heard.

The basic requirements for a reasonable lifestyle, e.g. food, clothes, housing, etc.

A tort (q.v.) involving the breach of a duty of care (q.v.) resulting in loss or damage to another person.

A person you can choose to assist you in presenting your case in court, but who cannot speak for you.

preliminary, not final; as in order nisi, decree nisi (q.v.).

A person acting as a buyer on behalf of someone else.

It is not his deed. A defence raised where a person has completed a deed in ignorance of its character.

The minimum term a prisoner must serve before being eligible for parole (q.v.).

Weekly wages currently earned or that the worker is considered capable of earning.

A pledge that statements made are true which is made with one's hand on the bible. Witnesses in court are required to take an oath or make an affirmation (q.v.) before giving evidence.

A wrong prohibited by the criminal law.

A person who commits an offence.

Burden of proof (q.v.).

Decision by a body to take action, e.g. to start an investigation, without a complaint having been made.

Most important.

Court orders made in relation to care of children, where agreement cannot be reached on a Parenting Plan (q.v.), and covering aspects such as residence, contact, maintenance and other issues.

To free a prisoner on his or her own recognisances (q.v.) after serving a minimum term.

Involving money. So: pecuniary loss - loss of an amount of money; pecuniary penalty - fine; pecuniary interest - financial interest (in property).

Lying under oath (q.v.) when questioned in a court proceeding or when making a sworn statement. A person found guilty of perjury may face imprisonment.

Ownership of property remains with a group or organisation as a whole, not individual members of the group.

The person highest on a designated list who is available and able to make decisions on medical treatment for a patient who is unable to give informed consent (q.v.).

Person who initiates legal proceedings against another in a civil dispute (c.f. complainant).

Written or printed statements delivered by parties to one another so questions of fact and law to be decided in a court action can be ascertained.

A formal written legal docu­ment by which one person (the donor) gives another (the donee) power to represent them or act in their place for certain purposes. See: enduring power.

An informal conference between the parties in a court action to try to reach a settlement or clarify any matters in dispute before the full hearing.

A report, usually prepared by the Department of Human Services, for the court to consider before sentencing a young person.

The doctrine by which courts are obliged to follow past decisions.

See: committal proceedings.

A writ issued by a higher court (e.g. the Supreme Court) to prevent lower courts and officials from exceeding their powers or to compel them to exercise their functions, e.g. habeas corpus (q.v.), mandamus (q.v.), certiorari (q.v.).

On the face of it; enough evidence to indicate legal action is likely to be successful.

In a divorce action, the dissol­ution of marriage (q.v.) itself, rather than the ancillary relief (q.v.).

The proving of a will, the acceptance by the Probate Registry of the Supreme Court that the deceased's will is valid (q.v.) and the last will in existence.

A non-custodial sentencing order (q.v.) that involves good behaviour and supervision by a probation officer under defined reporting conditions for a specified period.

A non-custodial sentencing order (q.v.) that involves good behaviour and supervision by a probation officer under defined reporting conditions for a specified period.

To encourage or persuade someone to commit an offence.

A name which cannot be registered because it is obscene or offensive, impracticable or against the public interest.

An order to stop decision-making proceedings in a lower court or tribunal.

a notice banning a workplace activity that may risk safety or health of any person.

The party (q.v.) presenting evidence against the person accused of committing a crime.

The party (q.v.) presenting evidence against the person accused of committing a crime.

An application to a court by the Department of Human Services for intervention to protect the welfare of a child; may involve removal of the child from the family.

A court order resulting from a protection application (q.v.) with various options for supervised care of a child.

A debt that must be accepted for proportional payment from available funds by the trustee of a bankrupt (q.v.), and from which the bankrupt is released on discharge from bankruptcy.

Of careful business management.

Brain surgery used as a way of treating mental disorders.

Person appointed to act on behalf of an incorporated association in any public dealings.

According to, as directed by (an Act or Regulation).

Limited protection against an action for defamation (q.v.) except where the person revealing the information did so out of malice (q.v.).

Land or other real estate.

A bond (q.v.) the object of which is to secure the performance of an act by the person bound by it, e.g. to be of good behaviour.

A standard interest rate against which the rates for individual credit contracts may be calculated.

The administrative section of a court, which handles enquiries and submission of documents to the court. The officer in charge is a registrar.

Laws which are not made by Parliament but by other bodies to whom the power to make law is delegated in legislation (q.v.).

For prisoners - a reduction in the time to be served on a sentence of imprisonment.

To abrogate (q.v.) or cancel legislation (q.v.) or a regulation (q.v.).

The taking possession of goods by a creditor from a debtor who has breached a term of a credit contract.

A revocation or stopping action, particularly of a contract. Rescission is only allowed where restitution (q.v.) is possible (verb: to rescind).

A person against whom a summons has been issued or an appeal brought.

Giving back what has been provided (under a contract), stolen, or seized to pay a debt.

In family law, an order preventing a specified person from harassing or molesting the person applying for the order.

Applying to circumstances existing before the date on which a law came into effect.

Cancelling the effect of a previous act, e.g. an earlier will.

A penalty or punishment imposed on someone found guilty of an offence.

Extra information (e.g. tables, lists, forms for court documents) accompanying an Act (q.v.).

A creditor (q.v.) who holds a mortgage, charge (q.v.) or lien (q.v.) on the property of the debtor.

An order that property be seized to satisfy a debt.

In relation to transport injuries, a serious long-term impairment, disfigurement or loss of a body function, or severe long-term mental or behavioural disturbance, or loss of a foetus.

An officer of the court responsible primarily for enforcement of court orders.

A reversed onus of proof (q.v.) which applies to applications for bail for some drug offences.

The publication of defamatory material in non-permanent form. See also: defamation, libel.

See defamation.

See libel.

Able to pay all debts when they are due.

Damages (q.v.) paid for pain and suffering, disfigurement or loss of earning capacity or enjoyment of life. Compare: general damages (q.v.).

A parenting order (q.v.) which sets out arrangements for aspects of parental responsibility not covered by other types of orders. See: child maintenance, residence, contact orders.

See child maintenance order.

See residence order.

See contact order.

Doing exactly what is stated in the terms of a contract.

A conviction for a minor criminal offence, which after a certain time without re-offending, is considered to no longer exist.

A state tax on transfers of ownership of assets or property, or on leases.

The existing situation.

A law made by Parliament (state or Commonwealth).

A written statement of facts which the person making it signs and solemnly declares to be true before a person authorised to take declarations.

A ground for defence included in a particular law which would prevent a person from being found guilty of an offence under the law.

Liability incurred regardless of fault or ignorance of the law.

A writ which commands the appearance of a person or the production of specified documents in a court.

Providing evidence to prove that an event took place, e.g. an expense was incurred.

To take legal action.

A minor offence heard and decided in a Magistrates' Court and not sent for trial before a judge and jury.

A document which is issued by the court requiring the attendance of the person named in the summons at court on a specified date.

A person who binds him or herself to be answerable for another. If there is a default, the surety will be liable.

A sentence of imprisonment which is only served if the convicted person commits further offences. May be partially or wholly suspended, or a combined custody and treatment order (q.v.).

exclusion of a student from school for a specified period as a disciplinary measure; less severe punishment than expulsion (q.v.).

Evidence given under oath (q.v.).

Refers to a lawyer's bill of costs (q.v.) which shows details of all the lawyer's charges.

The relation between a landlord and a tenant for rented premises. (See: lease).

Form of ownership of land, where two or more people occupy the whole of the land 'in common'. Each owner can sell, transfer or will his or her share. On the death of one owner his or her interest does not pass to the surviving owner. Compare: joint tenants (q.v.).

The ability to draw up a valid will, the mental capacity to understand about property rights and family responsibilities.

A gift that takes effect on the death of the giver, a bequest made in a will.

A person who makes a will. A female testator is sometimes called a testatrix.

A civil (q.v.) wrong, an act which causes harm, intentionally or otherwise, for which the remedy is an action for unliquidated (q.v.) damages.

In common law, movement from source to end user in the course of trade. Drug trafficking has a much wider definition.

Wrongful entry onto or interference with a property without the permission of the lawful owner or occupier.

A body set up to hear and decide disputes, usually with less formality and less strict rules of evidence than in a court proceeding.

A special bank account where a lawyer deposits money held on behalf of other people, subject to strict accounting rules.

A document which sets out the rights and obligations of the trustee and beneficiaries (q.v.) of a trust (q.v.).

Beyond the power. An act which is in excess of the authority conferred by law, and therefore invalid.

Action that takes unfair advantage of another party that is under a special disability (q.v.) in a contract or transaction.

To promise, in the course of legal proceedings, to do or refrain from doing an act. An undertaking is enforceable by attachment or like an injunction.

Taking unfair or improper advantage of the weakness of another party to make them agree to something.

Undetermined, unascertained, e.g. when damages are left to a jury to determine.

Legally binding (q.v.) or effective.

(Legal action) that is unnecessary or undertaken only to cause trouble or inconvenience for the other party.

A statement to the court by the victim of a crime setting out details of injury, loss or damage caused by the crime.

Permit that allows either temporary or permanent stay in a country.

Of no legal effect.

To give up a legal right or claim.

A document issued by a court directing an officer to take certain action. May be: a warrant of apprehension, directing that a person be arrested and brought before a court; a warrant of commitment, directing that a person be arrested and imprisoned; a warrant of distress, directing that a person's goods be seized to satisfy a debt; or a warrant of seizure and sale of real estate.

(1) A minor clause in a contract, the remedy for breach of which is damages for any loss. (2) A promise to repair or replace defective goods.

Person who makes a complaint about illegal or inappropriate actions of their employer.

A statement or offer made on the basis that it will not affect a person's legal rights in later court action.

A person who can provide direct information based on their own knowledge about a relevant fact in issue, and appears in court to do this.

A document in the monarch's name and under the seal of the Crown which commands the person to whom it is addressed to do or refrain from doing some act.

Of a debt: cancelled, releasing the debtor from obligation to pay.