Basic Legal English: Terms every lawyer should know

The world of law is full of specific terms and expressions that can be intimidating for those who are just beginning their legal careers or who wish to work in an international environment. Mastering legal English is not only essential for understanding legal documents, but also for communicating effectively with colleagues and clients. Here is a list of key terms that every lawyer should know.

1. Plaintiff

The plaintiff is the person who initiates a lawsuit in court. In other words, it is the party filing the complaint against another person or entity (the defendant).

2. Defendant

The defendant is the person or entity against whom a lawsuit is filed. This term is fundamental to the judicial process as it defines one of the key parties in any case.

3. Contract

A contract is a legally binding agreement between two or more parties. It may be oral or written and must contain certain essential elements, such as offer, acceptance and consideration.

4. Settlement

A settlement is a negotiated resolution of a dispute without the need to go to trial. Settlements may be reached at any time during the litigation process.

5. Statute

In Common Law it is a primary source of law and can cover a wide variety of subjects, from criminal law to commercial law.

6. Litigation

Litigation is the process of resolving a dispute through the court system. It involves the preparation and presentation of cases in court, as well as the negotiation of settlements.

7. Precedent

Precedent is a prior judicial decision that is used as a reference in subsequent cases with similar circumstances. This concept is fundamental in the Common Law system.

8. Liability

Liability refers to the legal obligation of one person to compensate another for damages caused. There are different types of liability, including contractual liability and negligence liability.

9. Affidavit

An affidavit is a written document in which a person affirms under oath that the information contained therein is true. This document is often used as evidence in court.

10. Evidence

Evidence refers to information presented in a trial to prove or disprove a fact in question. This may include testimony, documents, objects and other items. Lawyers must be able to gather, present and disprove evidence in English effectively.

Mastering legal English is an ongoing process that requires dedication and constant practice. By familiarizing yourself with these essential terms, you will be better prepared to meet the challenges of working in an international legal environment. We speak the legal English you need.

Good luck on your journey to legal English mastery!