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Understanding Legal Terms Made Easier

Legal language can be confusing—especially if you are going through the justice system after a brain injury. This glossary explains common legal terms in clear, simple language so you can better understand what is happening and feel more confident.

✓ Find Clear Definitions

Look up legal terms and get simple, easy-to-understand explanations.

✓ Prepare for Legal Situations

Review important terms before court, meetings, or appointments.

✓ Build Confidence

Better understand what’s happening so you can feel more prepared and in control.

Browse the Glossary

Use this glossary to better understand legal terms you may hear in court or from a lawyer. Each definition is written in plain language to help make things clearer and easier to follow.

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Browse the Glossary

Use this glossary to better understand legal terms you may hear in court or from a lawyer. Each definition is written in plain language to help make things clearer and easier to follow.

A
Accused The person who has been charged with a crime.
Acquittal When a person is found not guilty of the charge against them.
Adjournment When a hearing or court date is moved to a later time or date.
Affidavit A written statement of facts that a person swears is true.
Appeal A request for a higher court to review a decision made by a lower court.
Arraignment A court appearance where charges are read and a plea may be entered.
B
Bail Temporary release from custody while waiting for trial or the next court date.
Bench Warrant An order that allows police to arrest someone who did not appear in court as required.
Breach Breaking a law, court order, or condition such as bail terms.
Burden of Proof The responsibility to prove something in court using evidence.
C
Charge A formal accusation that a person has committed an offence.
Clerk of the Court A court staff member who helps with administrative duties and documents.
Conference A meeting between people involved in a case, often to discuss next steps.
Custody When a person is held in jail or prison.
D
Defence Counsel The lawyer who represents the accused person.
Defendant Another word for the person accused of a crime.
Disclosure The information and evidence the Crown and police must share about the case.
Diversion An alternative process that may allow someone to avoid a conviction in some situations.
E
Evidence Information presented in court to help prove or disprove a case.
F
First Appearance The first time a person appears in court after being charged.
G
Guilty Plea When a person admits in court that they committed the offence.
H
Hearing A court proceeding where a judge listens to information and makes a decision.
I
Indictable Offence A more serious type of criminal offence.
J
Judge The person in court who listens to the case and makes decisions based on the law.
K
Keep the Peace A condition requiring someone to avoid trouble or further offences.
L
Lawyer A person who gives legal advice and may represent someone in court.
Legal Aid A service that may help pay for a lawyer if a person qualifies.
M
Motion A formal request asking the court to make a decision about part of a case.
N
Not Guilty A plea meaning the person does not admit to the charge.
O
Offence An act that breaks the law.
P
Plea A person’s formal response to a criminal charge.
Probation A sentence that allows a person to stay in the community under certain conditions.
Q
Quash To cancel or set aside a legal decision or charge.
R
Remand Keeping someone in custody until their next court date.
Release Conditions Rules a person must follow after being released from custody.
S
Sentence The penalty ordered by the court after someone is found guilty.
Summons A document telling a person they must come to court.
T
Testimony What a witness says in court under oath or affirmation.
Trial A court process where evidence is presented to decide a case.
U
Undertaking A promise to follow certain conditions after release.
V
Verdict The court’s final decision about whether a person is guilty or not guilty.
W
Warrant A legal document that allows police to take a certain action, such as an arrest.
Witness A person who gives evidence or information about a case.
X
X-Ray Evidence Medical imaging that may sometimes be used as part of evidence in a case.
Y
Youth Court A court that deals with cases involving young people.
Z
Zero Tolerance A strict approach where certain actions may lead to immediate consequences.

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