Glossary Of Legal Terms
Ghana Legal Services legal terms combined, without duplications, and arranged in alphabetical order:
Adjudication: The legal process of resolving disputes by a court or adjudicative body, including hearings, evidence presentation, and issuance of judgments.
Affidavit: A written statement made under oath, typically used as evidence in court proceedings.
Allodial: Referring to absolute ownership of land, free from any feudal or governmental restrictions, particularly in systems of land tenure.
Amicus Curiae: A person or organisation who is not a party to a case but offers information or expertise relevant to the case.
Appeal: A request made to a higher court to review and change the decision of a lower court.
Appeal: A request made to a higher court to review and reconsider a decision made by a lower court.
Appellate Court: A court with the authority to review decisions made by lower courts, typically on the basis of errors of law or procedure.
Arbitration: A method of alternative dispute resolution where disputes are resolved by a neutral third party (arbitrator) outside of court.
Arraignment: A court proceeding in which the defendant is formally charged with a crime and asked to respond by pleading guilty, not guilty, or no contest.
Bail: Temporary release of an accused person from custody, typically secured by payment of a bond or surety, pending trial.
Bail: The temporary release of an accused person awaiting trial, sometimes on the condition that a sum of money be lodged to guarantee their appearance in court.
Bankruptcy: Legal status of an individual or entity unable to repay debts owed to creditors, resulting in court-administered liquidation or reorganisation of assets.
Bench Warrant: A written order issued by a judge authorising the arrest of a person who has failed to appear in court as required.
Brief: A written argument submitted to a court by a party to a case, outlining the legal reasons for the desired outcome.
Bylaws: Rules and regulations adopted by a corporation, association, or organisation to govern its internal operations and conduct.
Case Law: The body of law established by judicial decisions, particularly appellate court rulings, which serve as precedents for future cases.
Caveat: A warning or notice, typically to a court or public officer, to suspend a certain proceeding until the notifier is given a hearing.
Certiorari: An order by which a higher court reviews a decision of a lower court.
Chattel: Movable personal property, distinct from real property, such as furniture, vehicles, and equipment.
Citizenship: Legal status of being a member of a particular country or nation, entitling individuals to rights, privileges, and protections under the law.
Civil Law: The body of law governing disputes between individuals or organisations, typically involving non-criminal matters such as contracts, property, and personal injury.
Common Law: A legal system based on judicial precedent and tradition, where court decisions and customary practices shape the law.
Compensation: Payment or restitution awarded to a party to compensate for loss, injury, or damages suffered as a result of another's actions.
Concurrent Jurisdiction: The authority of multiple courts to hear and decide cases involving the same subject matter within the same geographic area.
Consideration: Something of value exchanged between parties to a contract, typically money, goods, or services, forming the basis of mutual obligations.
Constitutional Law: The body of law that governs the interpretation and application of a country's constitution, including fundamental rights, government structure, and powers.
Contempt of Court: Behaviour that disrespects or disobeys the authority, justice, and dignity of the court.
Contract: A legally binding agreement between parties, outlining rights, obligations, and terms of exchange.
Counterclaim: A claim made by a defendant in response to a plaintiff's claim, asserting a right of recovery against the plaintiff in the same legal action.
Creditor: A person or entity to whom money or goods are owed, typically in the context of a debt or obligation.
Damages: Monetary compensation awarded by a court to a party for loss, injury, or harm suffered as a result of another's actions or negligence.
Debtor: A person or entity that owes money or has an obligation to another party, typically in the context of a loan, contract, or financial transaction.
Deed: A legal document that conveys or transfers ownership of real property from one party to another.
Defamation: False statements or communications that harm the reputation of an individual or entity, giving rise to a civil claim for damages.
Defendant: The party being accused or sued in a legal proceeding, typically in response to a complaint or criminal charges.
Discovery: The pre-trial process of gathering evidence and information relevant to a legal case, including depositions, interrogatories, and document requests.
Docket: A court's calendar or schedule of cases to be heard.
Due Process: The principle that individuals are entitled to fair treatment and legal proceedings, including notice, hearing, and opportunity to be heard, as guaranteed by law.
Easement: Legal right to use or access another person's land for a specific purpose, such as a right of way or utility access.
Eminent Domain: The power of the government to expropriate private property for public use, with compensation to the property owner.
En Banc: This refers to an appellate court session in which all the judges of the court participate, as opposed to a panel of a subset of judges.
Equity: Principles of fairness, justice, and morality applied by courts to supplement or override strict legal rules, particularly in cases of unconscionable conduct or hardship.
Escrow: A legal arrangement where funds or assets are held by a third party until certain conditions are met or obligations are fulfilled.
Estoppel: A legal doctrine preventing a person from asserting a claim or defence contrary to their prior actions, representations, or conduct.
Evidence: Information presented in court to support or refute a claim, including testimony, documents, objects, and expert opinions.
Ex Parte: A legal proceeding or communication conducted or made by one party without the presence or participation of the other party, typically in emergency situations or interim matters.
Executor: A person appointed in a will to carry out the instructions and wishes of the deceased, including administering the estate and distributing assets to beneficiaries.
Extradition: The legal process of transferring an accused or convicted person from one jurisdiction to another for prosecution or punishment.
Fraud: Intentional deception or misrepresentation made by one party to another, inducing the other party to act to their detriment, and giving rise to legal remedies.
Good Faith: Honest intention or belief, without fraud or deceit, in the performance of a legal duty or contractual obligation.
Habeas Corpus: A legal action or writ by means of which detainees can seek relief from unlawful imprisonment.
Habeas Corpus: A legal writ that requires a person under arrest to be brought before a judge or into court to secure their release unless lawful grounds are shown for their detention.
In-Camera: A legal proceeding or part of a proceeding conducted in private, out of public view.
Indemnity: Legal protection or compensation provided by one party to another for loss, damage, or liability incurred as a result of specified risks or actions.
Indictment: A formal charge or accusation of a serious crime, typically issued by a grand jury or prosecuting authority.
Injunction: A court order requiring an individual or entity to refrain from certain actions or to perform specific actions.
Innocent Misrepresentation: Unintentional or inadvertent false statements made by one party to another, giving rise to legal remedies for the injured party.
Insolvency: The state of being unable to pay debts as they come due, leading to legal proceedings for debt relief or bankruptcy.
Intellectual Property: Legal rights protecting creations of the mind, such as inventions, literary and artistic works, designs, symbols, and trade secrets.
Interlocutory: A temporary or provisional decision by a court that is not final or conclusive.
Joint Venture: A business arrangement where two or more parties collaborate and combine resources to undertake a specific project or venture.
Judgment: The official decision or finding of a court on the matters submitted to it.
Judgment: The official decision or ruling of a court in a legal case, determining the rights and liabilities of the parties involved.
Jurisdiction: The authority of a court to hear and decide legal cases within a specified geographic area or subject matter.
Jurisdiction: The official power to make legal decisions and judgments.
Jurisprudence: The philosophy, theory, and principles of law, including the study of legal systems, concepts of justice, and interpretation of legal texts. Lawsuit: A legal action brought before a court by one party against another to seek resolution of a dispute or claim.
Legal Aid: Government-funded or non-profit legal assistance provided to individuals who cannot afford legal representation.
Liability: Legal responsibility or obligation, often referring to financial or legal consequences for actions or omissions.
Lien: A legal claim or encumbrance on property as security for a debt or obligation, allowing the creditor to seize or foreclose on the property if the debt is not repaid.
Litigation: The process of taking legal action or resolving disputes through the court system.
Mandamus: A court order compelling a government official to properly fulfil their official duties or correct an abuse of discretion.
Mediation: A voluntary process of dispute resolution facilitated by a neutral third party (mediator) to help parties reach a mutually acceptable agreement.
Mistrial: A trial rendered invalid through an error in the proceedings.
Negligence: Failure to exercise reasonable care or diligence, resulting in harm or injury to others, and giving rise to legal liability.
Notary Public: An official authorised to witness and certify signatures on legal documents, administer oaths, and perform other official acts.
Perjury: The offence of willfully telling an untruth in a court after having taken an oath or affirmation.
Plaintiff: A person who brings a case against another in a court of law.
Plaintiff: The party bringing a civil lawsuit or legal action against another party, seeking redress for an alleged wrong or injury.
Plea Bargain: Negotiated agreement between a defendant and prosecutor in a criminal case, typically involving the defendant pleading guilty in exchange for reduced charges or sentencing.
Precedent: A legal case that establishes a principle or rule that is followed by other courts in subsequent similar cases.
Precedent: A legal principle or decision established in a previous case that serves as a guide for future cases with similar facts or issues.
Probate: The legal process of administering the estate of a deceased person, including distributing assets and settling debts.
Property Law: The area of law governing the ownership, transfer, and use of real and personal property, including land, buildings, and possessions.
Quid Pro Quo: A Latin term meaning "something for something," referring to an exchange or arrangement where one party provides something of value in return for something else.
Rebuttal: The presentation of evidence or arguments to contradict or challenge evidence or arguments presented by the opposing party.
Remand: To send a case back to a lower court from a higher court for further action.
Severance: The legal division or separation of joint property, interests, or claims into distinct parts or shares.
Sine Die: An adjournment of a meeting or legislative session without setting a date to reconvene.
Statute of Limitations: The time limit within which legal action must be initiated for a particular claim or offence, after which the right to pursue legal action is forfeited
Statute: A formal written law enacted by a legislative body, such as a parliament or congress, and codified in statutes or codes.
Subpoena: A legal document ordering someone to attend court or produce evidence.
Subpoena: A legal document ordering someone to attend court or produce evidence.
Summary Judgment: A judgment entered by a court for one party against another party without a full trial.
Tort: A civil wrong or infringement of a right leading to legal liability.
Trust: A fiduciary relationship in which one party holds legal title to property for the benefit of another.
Venire: A writ issued by a judge to a sheriff directing the summons of prospective jurors.
Verdict: The formal decision or finding made by a jury on the matters submitted to it in a trial.
Voir Dire: The process of questioning potential jurors to determine their suitability for serving on a jury.
Warrant: A legal document authorising police to perform a particular act, such as making an arrest or conducting a search.
Will: A legal document expressing a person's wishes regarding the distribution of their property after death.
Witness: A person who gives evidence in court.
Writ: A formal written order issued by a court commanding the performance or non-performance of a specific act.
Wrongful Death: A legal term denoting a claim against someone who can be held liable for a death.
Welcome to the Glossary of Legal Terms page at Ghana Legal Services. This resource is designed to help you navigate the complex language of the legal system with ease. Here, you'll find clear and concise definitions of key legal terms and concepts commonly used in Ghanaian law. Whether you're a legal professional, a student, or someone seeking to understand legal documents, our glossary will provide you with the essential knowledge needed to comprehend and engage with legal matters confidently. Explore our glossary to enhance your understanding of the legal terms that matter most.