Glossary

A person or organisation which owns land and / or buildings which are leased to tenants

Act which empowers applications (seeking extension of a lease or some other action concerning tenancy

The system made up of rules established by an act of parliament, custom or practice enjoining or prohibiting certain action

Describes the judges of the House of Lords who are known as the Lords of Appeal in ordinary

The legal profession in the UK is divided into two branches. Barristers have the right to represent clients in higher courts whereas most solicitors are restricted to represent their clients in the lower courts

A person, not legally qualified, who accompanies another during a court hearing. The person may be a colleague, friend or spouse.

A senior barrister who deals with more serious cases, but not a QC.

The letting of land or tenements, e.g. rent etc, for property for a prescribed period

Leave means ‘permission’. Some steps in legal action require the permission of the court. For example a losing party may be granted leave to appeal.

Advice about the law and your options from a qualified legal representative or advice centre

State funded assistance, for those on low incomes, to cover legal fees.

The person to whom a grant of probate or letters of ADMINISTRATION has been issued

Person to whom personal estate is given by will

Authority granted by a Probate Registry to someone interested in the estate of a person who has died without leaving a will. The order allows the 'administrator' to carry out the duties relating to the estate

A duty carried out by a bailiff or sheriff under the authority of a warrant or writ of fi-fa, for a sum of money whereby goods of value belonging to the debtor are claimed with a view to removal and sale at a public auction in an attempt to obtain payment

Responsibility or obligation. For example, a debt is a liability or responsibility.

A written and published statement/article which infers damaging remarks on a persons reputation

Permission to carry out an act that would otherwise be considered illegal

A legal right to withhold the goods/property of another until payment is made

This form is used to ensure that all issues are resolved and that the parties are ready for trial. Used for Fast track and Multi track claims only

A person who starts or defends a case without legal representation. Such a person is entitled to be accompanied by another person who may advise them, but may not address the court

Legal proceedings or court action. Litigation can be either civil or criminal proceedings.

A person who conducts legal proceedings on behalf of a child or a mentally incapacitated person

The process of filing (delivering) documents to a court. See also filing

Period between 1 August and 30 September in each year during which there are only restricted High Court sittings for urgent matters

The cabinet minister who acts as speaker of the House of Lords and oversees the hearings of the Law Lords. Additional responsibilities include supervising the procedure of Courts other than Magistrates or Coroners Courts and selection of judges, magistrates, queens counsel and members of tribunals

Senior judge of the Court of Appeal (Criminal Division) who also heads the Queens Bench Division of the High Court of Justice)

Title given to certain judges sitting in the Court of Appeal