Glossary of Legal terms
English for lawyers Damages- Money that a court orders to pay to party (plaintiff) who has suffered a loss by another party who caused the loss (defendant). Declaratory judgment- One that declares the rights of the parties or expresses the opinion of the court on a question of law, without ordering anything. Decree- A decision or order of the court. Interlocutory decree is a preliminary decree which is not final. Final decree is which fully and finally disposes of the litigation. Defamation- The making of false derogatory statements about a person’s character, moral, abilities, business practices or financial status. Libel is written and slander is spoken. Default- Occurs when a defendant fails to respond to the plaintiff’s complaint within the time allowed, or fails to appear at the trial. Defendant- The accused in a criminal case; the person from whom money or other recovery is sought in a civil case. Deferred sentence- The court ret...