Table of Common Legal Terms
|
Lawyers often use language that may be unfamiliar to members of the public that have better things to do with their time than commit arcane vocabulary to memory. That said, it is always handy to have some sort of legal dictionary ready to hand when brushing shoulders with the law.
The following table of common legal terms is provided to help readers navigate their way through some of the unnecessary fog that can descend when dealing with the law:
|
A |
|
Accused |
The person charged. The person who has allegedly committed the offence |
|
Acknowledgement of service |
When the particulars of a claim form (outlining details of the claim) are served on (delivered to) a defendant, they receive a response pack including a form which they must use to acknowledge they have received the claim. The defendant must file (return) the acknowledgment form within 14 days of receiving the particulars of the claim. The particulars can be served with, or separately from the claim form. |
|
Acquittal |
Discharge of defendant following verdict or direction of not guilty |
|
Act |
Law, as an act of parliament |
|
Action |
see CLAIM |
|
Adjourned generally or sine die |
|