Paralegal Technology Glossary

Hi, my name is Lydia Idir, and I am a student in the Paralegal Technology. I'm finishing my second year in this program at Ahuntsic College. I created this Glossary for all the future students in the Paralegal Technology. I think it's a good tool for them as beginners in the legal field. There is an incredible number of words in this field and even me after two years, I don't know them all. It's really important to use the right terms for a question of professionalism. During your internship, it will be important to use but also to understand these terms. Also, these words will help you during your academic and professional career but also in your daily life. My glossary has 20 words, with definitions, images, examples, pronunciation, etc... I used the Virtual Writing Tutor for the definitions, and I used all my school learning to find the words. After using this glossary, used these learning for the future.

bailiff

noun

An official in a court of law who keeps order, looks after prisoners, etc.

Example: The time would come when, if she did not go of her own accord, the BAILIFFS would arrive and put her out.

fr: huissier

Civil Code of Quebec

noun

The Civil Code comprises a body of rules which, in all matters within the letter, spirit or object of its provisions, lays down the « jus commune », expressly or by implication. In these matters, the Code is the foundation of all other laws, although other laws may complement the Code or make exceptions to it.

Example: The CIVIL CODE OF QUEBEC is a good way to know our rights as a citizen.

fr: Code civil du Québec

Common law

noun

The body of English law as adopted and modified separately by the different states of the US and by the federal government.

Example: In his interpretation of the statute, the trial judge was guided by the general presumptions against deprivation of liberty and alteration of the COMMON LAW.

consent

noun

Permission for something to happen or agreement to do something.

Example: He didn't give his CONSENT to be searched by the police.

fr: consentement

court

noun

A tribunal presided over by a judge, judges, or a magistrate in civil and criminal cases.

Example: The COURT of Appeal may divert from binding precedent in specific situations, also, its Criminal Division, is more flexible where the subject's liberty is at stake.

fr: tribunal

criminal act

noun

A criminal act, or actus reus, is an action or omission that is proscribed by law and may be punished by the state.

Example: A criminal is deserving of punishment because of the very nature of the CRIMINAL ACT.

fr: acte criminel

Criminal Code

noun

The Criminal Code is a federal law that includes definitions of most of the criminal offences that the Parliament of Canada has enacted. It is often updated as society evolves and to improve the Canadian criminal process.

Example: In my criminal Law course, the CRIMINAL CODE is necessary for learning.

fr: Code criminel

debtor

noun

A person or institution that owes a sum of money.

Example: If the DEBTORS are slow at paying, the entity might find that it was run into cash flow problems.

fr: débiteur

defendant

noun

An individual, company, or institution sued or accused in a court of law.

Example: The DEFENDANT in today's case is Mrs. Caracas.

fr: défendeur

judge

noun

A public official appointed to decide cases in a court of law.

Example: The JUDGE gave his verdict in favor of the accused.

fr: juge

judgment

noun

The explanation that the court gives at the conclusion of a hearing, explaining why an order is being made.

Example: The accused makes his JUDGMENT on appeal because he is not satisfied with the decision.

fr: jugement

jurisprudence

noun

The theory or philosophy of law.

Example: The use of JURISPRUDENCE is a common aspect in the justice system.

fr: jurisprudence

law

noun

The system of rules which a particular country or community recognizes as regulating the actions of its members and which it may enforce by the imposition of penalties.

Example: The LAW applies to all citizens.

fr: loi

lawyer

noun

A person who practices or studies law; an attorney or a counselor.

Example: My father works as a LAWYER in the largest law firm in Montreal.

fr: avocat

legal entity

noun

An individual, company, or organization that has legal rights and obligations.

Example: My father is suing a LEGAL ENTITY for damages.

fr: personne morale

legal guardian

noun

A legal guardian is a person who has been appointed by a court or otherwise has the legal authority (and the corresponding duty) to make decisions relevant to the personal and property interests of another person who is deemed incompetent, called a ward.

Example: After the accident of my cousin's mother, I became her LEGAL GUARDIAN.

fr: tuteur légal

lender

noun

An organization or person that lends money.

Example: CBC Bank can act as a LENDER.

fr: prêteur

probation

noun

The release of an offender from detention, subject to a period of good behavior under supervision.

Example: I went to court and was put on PROBATION.

fr: probation

sentence

noun

The punishment assigned to a defendant found guilty by a court, or fixed by law for a particular offense.

Example: Micheal B. Jordan's SENTENCE was 10 years in Alabama penitentiaries.

fr: sentence

warrant

noun

A document issued by a legal or government official authorizing the police or some other body to make an arrest, search premises, or carry out some other action relating to the administration of justice.

Example: The police arrived at Marco's house with an arrest WARRANT.

fr: mandat

This glossary was made with the Virtual Writing Tutor glossary maker and grammar checker.