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Starting with law: An overview of the law
Starting with law: An overview of the law

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Starting with law: An overview of the law

Y166 Glossary

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Glossary for Y166 Starting with law

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G

gh

gg

Government

This is the governing body of a state. It is normally formed by the political party with a majority in Parliament.

J

Judiciary

This is a term for judges.

L

Law of succession

This is the branch of law that outlines rules on inheritance.

Law of tort

This term is used to refer to a civil wrong. There are many types of tort, including negligence, nuisance, trespass and defamation. If the wrong is proved then the injured party may be able to claim compensation from the person committing the wrong.

Legal aid

This is a government-funded scheme that provides legal advice, representation and help for people who would otherwise be unable to obtain it (for example due to financial hardship). Civil legal aid is available to those who wish to make or defend a case, provided that they have a reasonable chance of winning the case and that they meet certain means-test requirements. Criminal legal aid is available for any defendant in a criminal case, provided that it is in the interests of justice. Again, a means test exists to decide who qualifies for legal aid.

M

Mens Rea

Mens Rea  in uk legal context " Guilty state of mind" The thoughts and intentions behind a wrongful act( including knowledge that the act is illegal, often at issue in murder trials

O

Open court

This is a term used to refer to cases that are held in a courtroom that is open to the public.

P

Parliament

In the UK, Parliament consists of the House of Commons and the House of Lords.

Precedent

(Judicial precedent) This term is used to describe the following of legal principles set out in previously decided cases that had similar facts to the current case.

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