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Glossary

We want to make it as easy as possible for you to do business with us.
We try and use plain english wherever we can. Unfortunately the law
like any other industy has its own language and we can't always promise
that we won't be using words that are second nature to us, but may not
be second nature to you.

To help you find your way around the maze of legal terminology we've
provided you with a short glossary of some of the legal terms which you
are more likely to come across in our correspondence and documentation.

Our list, some of which is adapted from www.nolo.com is not exhaustive
as we have not intended to provide a detailed legal dictionary. There are
a number of other excellent websites however which will assist you should
you need any further explanations beyond those in our glossary.

Click on the following link and you will find a legal dictionary which may not
keep you amused, but will keep you informed.

www.nolo.com

Joint Tenancy

A system of ownership where two or more people share ownership of the whole of real estate of property. When one owner dies the other owner automatically owns the deceased owner's share irrespective of what their Will might say.

Judgment

A final court ruling resolving the key questions in a law suit and determining the rights and obligations of the parties. Most judgments can be appealed by the losing party.

Jurisdiction

The scope of the Court's power to examine and determine the facts, interpret and apply the law, make orders and declare judgment. Jurisdiction may be limited by a geographic area, the type of parties who appear, the type of relief that can be sought (e.g. the amount of money claimed), and the issues to be decided.

Justice of the Peace

A person who is authorised by the Crown to act as a witness to signatures on certain documents.

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