Legal Terms

Legal Terms

Affidavit : A statement on oath for use as evidenee in judicial proceedings. Attorney, Power of : A document under seal authorising the person to whom it is given to act in all respects as the agent of the granter of the power in relation to matter specified in the documents. Bail : The security given to effect the release of an arrested or imprisoned, on the understanding that he shall appear for trial at a fixed time and place. Bailable Offence : Offence that admits of bail, i.e., release on security, pending trial. Bye-Laws : Special rules and regulations made by any company or corporation for carrying on its affairs, but they must neither contravene the powers conferred by parliament nor the laws of the land. Code : A body of classified laws or regulations. Court Martial : A military court to try persons under military law. Copyright : The exclusive right of an author in his literary or artistic work. It is vested in the author for a period of fifty years. Contempt of Court : Disobedience or disregard of the judgment or orders of the Court. Covenant : In law, means a promise made under seal. Decree : The award or decision of a court or arbitrator. Exhibit : A legal document presented as a proof of the facts. Extra-territorial Rights : These are enjoyed by diplomats, traders or others who, though residing in a country, are not subjected to its laws. Forgery : The act of falsely making or materially altering any writing with the intention to defraud. Also, the act of counterfeiting coins or currency. Indemnity : Security against damage or loss. Injunction : A judicial order requiring the party enjoined to take or refrain from some specified action. Jury : A body of persons chosen and sworn in to hear and pass verdict upon evidence brought forward at a trial, inquest or inquiry. Lease : Contract by which a lessor, usually in consideration of rent, conveys land or tenement to a lessee for a specified time. Legacy : A gift by will or personal property. Libel : Any publication or statement calculated to injure one's reputation or character. Licence : It is an authority or liberty given to do some act which, without such permission, would be unlawful. Mortgage : A deed transferring property to creditor as security for the payment of a debt. Notary Public : An officer publicly authorised to certify deeds and other documents. Official Receiver : A person properly authorised to carry out duties connection with the winding up of an insolvent's estate. Proxy : One who acts for another, or the written authorisation for such action. Summons : A writ of court commanding the attendance of a witness at a specified time and place. Warrant :  1. A magistrate's order for the arrest of a person or seizure of goods; 2. a receipt for goods deposited in a warehouse, and negotiable document; 3. a document entitling the holder to certain money or property. Writ : An order issued by a court commanding a person to whom it is addressed to act or abstain from acting in some way. Will : Legal disposal of property on one's death according to the written instructions of the deceased.

Posted in: Terminology