Welcome to our Legal Terminologies page — your reliable guide to understanding some key legal terms used in Nigerian courts, litigation, contracts, real estate, corporate law, and criminal proceedings. This glossary is designed to assist clients, law students, and legal professionals in navigating legal processes with clarity and confidence.
A
Abuse of Court Process
Improper use of the legal system for purposes other than seeking justice, such as filing multiple suits on the same matter.
Accessorial Liability
Liability of a person who aids, abets, or encourages another in the commission of a crime.
Acknowledgment of Debt
A written admission by a debtor that they owe a specific amount of money to a creditor.
Admissibility of Confessional Statement
Determines whether a confession is acceptable as evidence under legal rules and procedure.
Admissibility of Documentary Evidence
Rules governing whether a document can be presented and accepted in court as evidence.
Adoption Proceedings
Legal process through which an individual becomes the lawful parent of a child.
Affidavit of Service
A sworn statement proving that court documents have been properly delivered to a party.
Affirmative Defence
A defence raised by a defendant asserting new facts to defeat the plaintiff’s claim even if the allegations are true.
Agent-Principal Relationship
A fiduciary relationship where one person (the agent) is authorized to act on behalf of another (the principal).
Alibi
A defence in criminal law that the accused was elsewhere when the crime occurred.
Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)
Methods for resolving disputes outside the courts, such as mediation or arbitration.
Amicus Curiae
A “friend of the court” — a person not party to a case who offers information or expertise to assist the court.
Annual Returns
Yearly filings that registered companies must submit to the Corporate Affairs Commission in Nigeria.
Appellant
A party who applies to a higher court to reverse the decision of a lower court.
Appellate Court
A court having jurisdiction to review decisions of lower courts.
Appellate Jurisdiction
The authority of a court to review and modify decisions made by lower courts.
Arbitration Clause
A provision in a contract requiring disputes to be resolved through arbitration rather than litigation.
Arbitral Award
The final decision made by an arbitrator in an arbitration proceeding.
Articles of Association
A document that defines a company’s internal rules and regulations.
Assignment of Interest
The transfer of legal rights or interest in property or contract to another party.
Attestation Clause
Part of a legal document where witnesses affirm that the document was signed voluntarily and by the right person.
Attorney-Client Privilege
The legal protection that keeps communications between an attorney and their client confidential.
Audi Alteram Partem
A principle of natural justice meaning “hear the other side” — both parties must be heard before a decision is made.
Authentication of Documents
The process of verifying the legitimacy of a document for legal use.
Automatic Forfeiture
Immediate loss of property or rights due to a breach of legal conditions, often without court action.
B
Bail Application
A formal request to a security agency or the court seeking the temporary release of a person in custody, pending trial or investigation.
Bailiff
A court official responsible for serving court processes and enforcing court orders, including executing judgments.
Bankers’ Books Evidence
A rule that allows certified copies of bank records to be admissible in evidence without producing the original documents.
Bare Trust
A trust where the trustee has no discretion and must follow the instructions of the beneficiary.
Beneficial Interest
The right to benefit from assets or property, even if legal title is held by another person.
Beyond Reasonable Doubt
The standard of proof in criminal cases; if doubt exists, the accused must be acquitted.
Binding Precedent
A previous court decision that must be followed by lower courts in subsequent similar cases.
Bona Fide Purchaser
Someone who buys property for value and without notice of any third-party claims or defects in title.
Brief of Argument
A written summary of legal issues and arguments submitted to an appellate court.
Burden of Proof
The responsibility of a party to prove their assertions in court — in criminal cases, this rests on the prosecution.
C
Call Up Notice
A formal request or instruction summoning a person to appear or perform a legal obligation, commonly used in service of military or loan repayment contexts.
Capacity to Sue and Be Sued
A person’s legal ability to bring an action or be subject to one in court.
Cause of Action
The legal grounds on which a plaintiff seeks redress in court, based on facts and legal theory.
Caveat
A warning or notice filed to suspend certain legal processes, often used in probate or land matters.
Certificate of Occupancy (C of O)
A legal document issued by the government confirming an individual’s right to occupy and use land in Nigeria.
Certified True Copy (CTC)
A copy of a document that is officially confirmed as a true copy of the original by a competent authority.
Civil Summons
A legal document served on a defendant to appear in civil court.
Claimant
A person who initiates a legal claim in a civil proceeding.
Clause of Non-Liability
A contract term that absolves one party from legal liability under certain conditions.
Common Intention
A shared understanding or agreement between parties, often inferred from conduct.
Community Service Sentence
A punishment for a criminal offence requiring the offender to perform unpaid work for the benefit of the community.
Commutation of Sentence
Reduction of a criminal sentence to a lesser form by an executive authority or court.
Compensation for Trespass
Monetary damages awarded to a person whose property was unlawfully entered or interfered with.
Compulsory Acquisition
Government’s power to acquire private land for public use, with or without the owner’s consent, subject to compensation.
Confession Under Caution
A suspect’s statement admitting guilt, made after being informed of their right to remain silent and consult a lawyer.
Consent Judgment
A court judgment based on an agreement between the parties, recorded and made enforceable by the court.
Consideration
Something of value exchanged between parties in a contract — a necessary element for enforceability.
Consolidation of Suits
A court’s decision to merge two or more cases with common issues for efficient adjudication.
Constructive Notice
Legal presumption that a person should have known a fact by virtue of its availability in public records or surroundings.
Contempt of Court
Any act that disrespects the authority of the court or obstructs the administration of justice.
Contractual Obligations
The duties each party is legally bound to fulfill under a contract.
Contributory Negligence
A legal defence where the claimant’s own negligence contributed to the harm suffered, possibly reducing damages.
Conveyance
The legal process of transferring ownership of property from one person to another.
Corporate Personality
The legal recognition of a company as a separate entity from its shareholders or directors.
Costs of Proceedings
The legal expenses incurred in the course of litigation, which the losing party may be ordered to pay.
Counter Affidavit
A sworn document filed in opposition to an affidavit presented by the other party.
Counter Claim
A claim brought by a defendant in response to the plaintiff’s original claim.
Court of Competent Jurisdiction
A court that has the legal authority to hear and determine a particular case.
Court Processes
The documents and procedures used to commence and conduct litigation (e.g., writs, summonses, affidavits).
Cross-Examination
The questioning of a witness by the opposing party during trial to test credibility or truthfulness.
Cumulative Sentence
When multiple sentences run one after another, instead of concurrently.
Custodial Sentence
A sentence requiring the offender to serve time in prison or detention.
Customary Right of Occupancy
The right to occupy land based on traditional or customary law, recognized under Nigerian land laws.
D
Damages
Financial compensation awarded to a party for loss, harm, or injury caused by another’s actions.
Date of Hearing
The scheduled date on which a case is set to be heard in court.
De Facto
A situation or condition that exists in fact, even if not legally recognized.
De Jure
A condition that is legally recognized, regardless of whether it exists in practice.
Declaration of Title
A court’s pronouncement affirming legal ownership of land or property.
Default Judgment
A judgment entered against a party who fails to respond to or appear in court.
Defence of Estoppel
A legal bar preventing a party from asserting something contrary to what is implied by previous actions or statements.
Defendant
A person or entity against whom a legal action is brought.
Demurrer
A pleading that objects to the legal sufficiency of the opponent’s case without addressing the facts.
Deponent
The person who makes and signs an affidavit or sworn declaration.
Discharge and Acquittal
A court decision that releases an accused person from legal charges due to lack of evidence or not guilty finding.
Disclaimer
A formal denial of responsibility or a renunciation of a legal claim.
Discovery of Documents
A pre-trial process where parties exchange relevant documents to prepare for trial.
Discretionary Power
Authority granted to a person or body to decide according to their judgment within legal bounds.
Disqualification of Counsel
Removal of a lawyer from representing a party due to conflict of interest or breach of professional conduct.
Dissenting Judgment
An opinion by one or more judges expressing disagreement with the majority decision of the court.
Documentary Hearsay
Statements in documents made by a third party offered as evidence of the truth of the matter stated.
Domicile
A person’s permanent home or legal residence.
Due Execution
The proper signing, sealing, and delivery of a legal document according to legal requirements.
Duty of Care
A legal obligation to exercise reasonable care to avoid harm to others.
Duress
Coercion or threats used to force someone into a contract or agreement against their will.
E
Easement
A legal right to use another person’s land for a specific purpose (e.g., right of way).
Ejusdem Generis
A rule of interpretation stating that general words following specific ones apply to things of the same kind.
Election Petition
A legal challenge to the conduct or outcome of an election.
Electronic Evidence
Digital records or data (e.g., emails, videos) submitted in court as proof.
Enforcement of Judgment
Legal procedures used to compel a losing party to comply with a court’s decision.
Equitable Interest
An ownership right recognized by equity, even if legal title is held by someone else.
Equity and Good Conscience
The guiding principles of fairness that courts of equity apply when strict legal rules are inadequate.
Equity Will Not Suffer a Wrong Without a Remedy
A maxim that courts of equity will provide relief where the law fails to do so.
Estoppel Per Rem Judicatam
A rule preventing the re-litigation of issues that have already been judicially determined.
Eviction Notice
A formal notification from a landlord requiring a tenant to vacate the property.
Ex Debito Justitiae
A remedy available as of right rather than at the court’s discretion — “as a debt of justice.”
Ex Parte Motion
A court application made by one party without notifying the other side, usually for urgent relief.
Examination-in-Chief
The initial questioning of a witness by the party who called them, aimed at establishing facts.
Exclusive Jurisdiction
Jurisdiction that only one court possesses over certain matters.
Exhibit
A document, object, or record presented as evidence in court proceedings.
Expert Witness
A person qualified by knowledge or skill to give opinion evidence in a legal proceeding.
Expunge from Record
The removal of specific evidence or material from the official court record.
Extenuating Circumstances
Conditions that reduce the culpability of a defendant, possibly leading to a lighter sentence.
Extrajudicial Statement
A statement made outside court, often inadmissible unless it meets an exception to the hearsay rule.
F
Fact in Issue
A fact that is directly in dispute and must be proven or disproven during the trial.
Fiduciary Duty
A legal obligation of one party to act in the best interest of another, often arising in trustee, agent, or director relationships.
Final Written Address
A document submitted by parties at the end of trial summarizing arguments and legal authorities relied upon, urging the court to rule in their favour.
Force Majeure
A clause in contracts freeing parties from liability when extraordinary events (e.g., war, natural disasters) prevent fulfillment.
Fraudulent Misrepresentation
A false statement made knowingly or recklessly to induce another party into a contract.
Further Affidavit
An additional affidavit filed to reinforce or clarify facts previously stated.
Further and Better Affidavit
A more detailed affidavit filed after a court or opposing party challenges the sufficiency of the original affidavit.
G
Garnishee Order
A court directive requiring a third party (often a bank) to pay money owed by a judgment debtor directly to the judgment creditor.
Garnishee Proceedings
Legal action initiated by a creditor to enforce a monetary judgment by seizing funds from a debtor’s account or third party.
General Damages
Monetary compensation awarded for non-quantifiable losses such as pain, emotional distress, or loss of reputation.
Grant of Probate
Legal authority issued by the court confirming the validity of a deceased person’s will and empowering the executors to administer the estate.
H
Hearsay Evidence
Testimony or evidence based on what a witness heard someone else say, rather than personal knowledge — generally inadmissible unless an exception applies.
Hostile Witness
A witness who appears unwilling or antagonistic to the party who called them and may be cross-examined by that party.
I
Illegality
A defence or reason for setting aside a contract or act that violates the law.
Impeachment of Witness
The process of challenging the credibility of a witness by introducing contradictory evidence or showing bias.
Inadmissible Evidence
Evidence that cannot be considered by the court due to legal rules or defects in its presentation.
Indemnity Clause
A contract term where one party agrees to compensate another for losses or damages incurred.
Indictable Offence
A serious criminal offence that must be tried in a higher court, such as murder or armed robbery.
Infraction
A minor violation of law, regulation, or rule that may attract a fine or warning, not jail time.
Injunctive Relief
A court order requiring a person to do or refrain from doing a specific act to prevent harm.
Inter Alia
Latin for “among other things” — used to introduce one of several matters.
Interlocutory Application
A temporary or interim request made during the course of a lawsuit, usually before final judgment.
Interlocutory Injunction
A temporary court order preventing an action until the full hearing of a case.
Interpretation of Statute
The process by which courts determine the meaning and application of legislative provisions.
Issue Estoppel
A bar preventing a party from re-litigating an issue that has already been judicially determined.
J
Joinder of Parties
The legal procedure of adding parties to an existing suit, either as claimants or defendants.
Joint Tenancy
A form of co-ownership where each party has equal rights to the whole property, and the right of survivorship applies.
Judgment Creditor
A party in whose favour a judgment for the payment of a sum of money has been given.
Judgment Debtor
A party against whom a judgment for the payment of money has been given and remains unpaid.
Judgment in Rem
A judgment that determines the status of a thing or property and is binding on the whole world.
Judicial Discretion
The power of a judge to make decisions guided by law but based on fairness, justice, and facts of the case.
Judicial Precedent
Legal principle established in previous cases that courts follow in subsequent similar cases.
Jurat
The part of an affidavit where the commissioner or notary certifies when, where, and before whom the affidavit was sworn.
Jurisdictional Competence
The authority of a court to hear and determine a specific type of case.
Justiciable Issue
An issue suitable for judicial resolution and not merely theoretical or political.
L
Landlord-Tenant Relationship
A legal relationship governed by a lease or tenancy agreement between a property owner (landlord) and occupant (tenant).
Laches and Acquiescence
Equitable defences that bar a claim due to undue delay (laches) or passive acceptance (acquiescence) of a situation.
Lawful Attorney
A person legally empowered by another (through power of attorney) to act on their behalf.
Legal Capacity
The ability of an individual or entity to enter into binding contracts or initiate legal proceedings.
Legal Mortgage
A registered charge on land or property that secures the repayment of a loan, giving the lender legal rights over the asset.
Legal Practitioner
A person qualified and enrolled to practice law, such as a solicitor or barrister in Nigeria.
Legal Representation
The act of being advised or defended in legal matters by a qualified lawyer.
Letters of Administration
A legal document authorizing someone to manage the estate of a deceased person who died without a will.
Lex Loci
Latin for “the law of the place” — refers to the legal principles applicable in a particular jurisdiction.
Limitation Period
The statutory time within which a legal action must be commenced, after which it is barred.
Litigant in Person
A person who represents themselves in court without a lawyer.
Locus Standi
The legal standing or right of a party to bring an action before a court.
M
Malicious Prosecution
A legal claim against someone who wrongfully or unjustifiably initiated criminal proceedings.
Material Contradiction
A significant inconsistency in a witness’s testimony that may weaken their credibility or the case.
Mediation
A form of alternative dispute resolution where a neutral third party assists disputing parties to reach a settlement.
Mens Rea
Latin for “guilty mind” — refers to the mental element of a crime, such as intent or recklessness.
Merger of Causes of Action
The principle that separate legal claims arising from the same facts should be combined into one lawsuit.
Minority Judgment
A dissenting opinion by one or more judges who disagree with the majority ruling.
Mischief Rule
A rule of statutory interpretation aimed at determining the lawmaker’s intent by examining the problem the statute was meant to address.
Mitigating Factor
A circumstance that may reduce the severity of punishment or liability.
Moot Point
A legal issue that no longer presents a live controversy or practical significance.
Motion Ex Parte
A motion made by one party without notifying the other party, often used in urgent situations.
Motion on Notice
A motion where notice is given to the opposing party, allowing them to respond before the court hears it.
Murder
The unlawful killing of another human being with intent to cause death or grievous harm.
N
Natural Justice
Legal principles ensuring fairness in decision-making, such as the right to be heard and unbiased judgment.
Negligence
A breach of duty to take reasonable care, resulting in harm or loss to another.
Non Est Factum
A plea that a document signed by a person is void because they were mistaken about its nature.
Non-Suit
A judgment that terminates a case without deciding its merits, often due to procedural issues.
Notice of Appeal
A formal document filed to initiate an appeal against a decision of a lower court.
Notice of Preliminary Objection
A document filed to challenge the jurisdiction or competence of a court to hear a matter.
Null and Void
Having no legal force or effect from the outset.
O
Objection to Admissibility
A challenge to the acceptance of evidence on the ground that it does not meet legal standards.
Occupancy Right
The legal right to occupy land, often granted under customary law or statutory provisions.
Onus of Proof
The responsibility of a party to prove allegations made in court.
Originating Motion
A method of initiating legal action, typically used for applications involving statutory or administrative matters.
Originating Summons
A method of commencing a suit where there is little or no factual dispute, resolved primarily on legal issues.
Overriding Objective
The primary purpose of court rules and procedures to ensure just, efficient, and cost-effective litigation.
Ownership Dispute
A legal disagreement concerning who holds legal title or rights to a property or asset.
P
Parol Evidence
Oral testimony used to interpret or supplement a written contract, not to contradict it.
Part-Heard Matter
A case that has commenced and is yet to be completed or concluded in court.
Particulars of Claim
A detailed written statement of the facts forming the basis of a claimant’s legal case.
Partition Suit
A legal action to divide jointly owned property among co-owners.
Pecuniary Jurisdiction
The monetary limit within which a court is empowered to adjudicate matters.
Per Incuriam
A decision made in ignorance or disregard of a binding precedent or statute, and thus not followed as precedent.
Permanent Injunction
A final court order restraining a party from performing a specific act indefinitely.
Personal Representative
An individual (executor or administrator) responsible for managing the estate of a deceased person.
Petition
A formal written request to a court for a legal remedy or order, often used in divorce or electoral matters.
Plaintiff
The party who initiates a lawsuit in civil proceedings (also known as a claimant in Nigeria).
Plea Bargain
An agreement in a criminal case where the defendant pleads guilty to a lesser charge for a reduced sentence.
Pleadings
Formal written statements by parties outlining their claims or defences.
Possession Proceedings
Legal actions to recover possession of land or property from a tenant or occupier.
Power of Attorney
A legal document authorizing one person to act on another’s behalf in legal or financial matters.
Prayer for Relief
The specific remedy a party asks the court to grant in a pleading.
Pre-Action Notice
A notice required by law or contract to be served on a defendant before initiating a legal action.
Preliminary Objection
An objection raised at the beginning of a proceeding to challenge the competence or jurisdiction of the case.
Presumption of Innocence
A fundamental legal principle that every person is considered innocent until proven guilty.
Prima Facie Case
A case that has sufficient evidence to proceed to trial or judgment unless rebutted.
Privileged Communication
Confidential communication between parties (e.g., attorney and client) that is protected from disclosure.
Probative Value
The degree to which evidence is useful in proving an important fact in a trial.
Procedural Irregularity
A deviation from prescribed legal procedures that may affect the validity of proceedings.
Production of Document
The act of presenting documents in court or to opposing parties as part of disclosure.
Proprietary Interest
A legal right or ownership in property or assets.
Public Policy
Legal principles and standards that protect the interests of society, used to invalidate harmful contracts or acts.
Punitive Damages
Damages awarded in addition to compensatory damages to punish the defendant for egregious conduct.
Q
Quantum Meruit
A legal principle that allows a person to recover reasonable payment for services rendered when no contract exists.
Quiet Enjoyment
A tenant’s right to possess and use rental property without interference from the landlord or others.
Quorum
The minimum number of members required to be present for a meeting or decision-making process to be valid.
R
Ratification
The act of approving or confirming a previously unauthorized act, making it legally valid.
Real Property
Land and anything permanently attached to it, such as buildings or structures.
Rebuttable Presumption
An assumption made by law that is taken to be true unless proven otherwise by evidence.
Recital Clause
Introductory part of a contract that explains the background or reasons for the agreement.
Rectification of Register
The legal correction of errors in official records, such as land or company registries.
Registered Title
A land title that is formally registered with the government, conferring legal ownership.
Relief Sought
The remedy or legal outcome requested by a party in a lawsuit.
Remedy
The means by which a court enforces a right or compensates a party for a breach.
Removal of Trustee
The legal process of removing a trustee from their fiduciary position due to misconduct or incapacity.
Renewal of Lease
The extension of an existing lease agreement for a further term, usually by mutual consent.
Res Judicata
A principle that prevents the re-litigation of a matter already finally decided by a competent court.
Rescission
The cancellation of a contract or transaction, restoring parties to their pre-contract positions.
Respondent
The party against whom an appeal, petition, or application is brought.
Resumption of Hearing
The continuation of a previously adjourned court proceeding.
Retrospective Legislation
A law that applies to actions that occurred before it was enacted.
Revocation of Title
The government’s legal withdrawal of a right of occupancy or land title, typically for public interest.
Right of Audience
The legal entitlement of a person, especially a lawyer, to appear and speak in court on behalf of a party.
Right of Appeal
A party’s legal entitlement to challenge a court decision in a higher court.
Right to Fair Hearing
A fundamental human right ensuring that parties in a dispute have the opportunity to be heard and present their case.
Rules of Court
Procedural regulations that govern how matters are conducted in court.
Rules of Evidence
Legal guidelines determining what evidence is admissible in judicial proceedings.
S
Sanction
A penalty or enforcement measure imposed by a court or authority for violation of rules or orders.
Security Deposit
Money held as a guarantee for the performance of an obligation, often used in tenancy agreements.
Service of Process
The formal delivery of court documents to parties involved in legal proceedings.
Set Aside Judgment
A court’s reversal or nullification of a previous judgment, typically due to error or injustice.
Settled Principle
A legal principle that has been consistently applied and is well established by courts.
Shareholders’ Resolution
A formal decision made by a company’s shareholders at a meeting, often regarding governance or operations.
Specific Performance
A court order requiring a party to fulfill a contractual obligation, usually when damages are inadequate.
Special Damages
Quantifiable monetary losses claimed in a lawsuit, such as medical bills or loss of income.
Specific Relief
Non-monetary remedies granted by a court, such as injunctions or declarations.
Stamp Duty
A government tax imposed on legal documents such as contracts, leases, and property transfers.
Statement of Claim
A formal court document outlining the plaintiff’s allegations and relief sought.
Statement of Defence
A document filed by the defendant responding to the allegations in the statement of claim.
Statement of Truth
A declaration affirming that the contents of a legal document are true to the best of the signer’s knowledge.
Statutory Declaration
A written statement declared to be true under statutory authority, often used in place of sworn affidavits.
Statutory Interpretation
The process by which courts determine the meaning and application of legislation.
Strict Liability
Legal responsibility that does not depend on intent or negligence, typically used in hazardous activities or consumer law.
Sublease Agreement
A contract where a tenant leases part or all of the rented premises to another party.
Subpoena
A legal order compelling a person to attend court or produce documents.
Substituted Service
A court-approved method of serving legal documents through alternative means, such as newspaper publication or pasting.
Sui Generis
A Latin term meaning “of its own kind” — used to describe a unique legal category.
Summary Judgment
A judgment granted without a full trial when there is no dispute over material facts.
Summary Trial
A simplified and expedited trial procedure used for less serious offences or civil claims.
Summons
A legal notice requiring a person to appear in court.
T
Tenancy Agreement
A contract between a landlord and tenant outlining the terms and conditions of property rental.
Tenant at Will
A tenant who occupies premises with the landlord’s consent but without a fixed-term lease.
Tenancy by Holding Over
Continued occupation of rented premises after the lease has expired, usually on a periodic basis.
Terms of Settlement
A written agreement resolving a dispute between parties, often filed in court for adoption.
Tort
A civil wrong, other than a breach of contract, that causes harm or loss and may result in legal liability.
Tortfeasor
A person who commits a tort, i.e., someone legally responsible for a wrongful act.
Trespass to Land
Unauthorized and unlawful entry onto another person’s land or property.
Trustee
A person or institution holding and managing property for the benefit of another under a trust agreement.
U
Ultra Vires
An act beyond the powers or authority granted by law or a company’s constitution, and therefore void.
Undertaking as to Damages
A promise made to the court to compensate the other party if an injunction is later found to be wrongly granted.
Unjust Enrichment
A situation where one person unfairly benefits at another’s expense and is legally required to make restitution.
V
Valid Contract
A legally enforceable agreement that meets all required elements: offer, acceptance, consideration, and capacity.
Variance
A difference between what is alleged in pleadings and what is proven in evidence.
Verdict
The formal decision or finding made by a judge or jury at the conclusion of a trial.
Virtual Hearing
A court proceeding conducted via video conferencing technology rather than in person.
Vitiating Element
A factor such as fraud, duress, or mistake that can render a contract invalid or unenforceable.
Void ab Initio
A legal term meaning a document or contract is void from the beginning, as though it never existed.
Voidable Contract
A contract that is valid until one party chooses to void it due to certain legal defects.
Voir Dire
A preliminary examination to determine the admissibility of evidence or the competence of a witness.
W
Waiver
The voluntary relinquishment of a known right, claim, or privilege.
Warrant of Arrest
A legal document authorizing the police to apprehend a person suspected of committing a crime.
Willful Default
Intentional failure to fulfill a legal obligation or duty.
Witness Summons
A court order requiring a witness to appear and give evidence in legal proceedings.
Without Prejudice
A phrase used to indicate that statements or negotiations cannot be used as evidence in court.
Written Address
A formal legal document summarizing a party’s arguments and legal authorities after evidence has been taken.
Writ of Execution
A court order empowering enforcement of a judgment, such as seizing property to satisfy a debt.
Writ of Summons
A formal legal document issued by a court to notify a defendant of a claim against them and compel appearance.
Disclaimer
This glossary is intended to provide general legal information and is not a substitute for legal advice. For personalized legal consultation, please consultt your lawyer.