Legal Glossary & Maxims Directory

A civil wrong (other than a breach of contract) that causes a claimant to suffer loss or harm, resulting in legal liability for the person who commits the tortious act.

A failure to behave with the level of care that a reasonably prudent person would have exercised under the same circumstances, resulting in foreseeable harm to another.

A private dispute resolution procedure in which a dispute is submitted, by agreement of the parties, to one or more independent arbitrators who make a binding award.

The state of being legally responsible for something, such as a debt, damages from a wrongful act, or criminal punishment.

A legally binding agreement between two or more parties that creates mutual obligations enforceable by law upon offer, acceptance, and consideration.

An authoritative warning or order by a court requiring a party to do, or refrain from doing, a specific act.

A matter that has been adjudicated by a competent court and therefore may not be pursued again by the same parties.

The temporary release of an accused person awaiting trial, sometimes on condition that a sum of money or surety bond is lodged to guarantee their appearance in court.

The committal of an accused person to custody (either police or judicial) during an adjournment of a trial or pending further investigation.

A legal rule that prevents a person from asserting something contrary to what is implied by a previous action or statement made by that person.

Under judicial consideration and therefore prohibited from public discussion or media comment elsewhere that could prejudice the outcome.

The right or capacity to bring an action or to appear in a court on a legal question.

The legal process of resolving a dispute or deciding a case by hearing evidence and arguments from both sides before delivering a formal judgment.

The mental element of a person's intention to commit a crime, or knowledge that one's action or lack of action will cause a crime to be committed.

The objective or external element of a crime; the wrongful act or omission that constitutes the physical component of an offense.

A judicial writ requiring a person under arrest to be brought before a judge or into court, especially to secure the person's release unless lawful grounds are shown for their detention.

A judicial writ issued as a command to an inferior court or ordering a person to perform a public or statutory duty.

An offense for which a police officer may arrest the accused without a warrant and start an investigation without court permission.

Based on the first impression; accepted as correct until proved otherwise.

A fundamental principle of international law that is accepted by the international community of states as a norm from which no derogation is permitted (e.g. prohibitions on torture, genocide, piracy).

An action taken by a court of its own accord, without a formal request by any of the parties involved.

Beyond the legal powers or authority of a person, institution, or corporation.

A written document prepared by police in Bangladesh, India, and Pakistan when they receive information about the commission of a cognizable offense.