The world of law can sometimes feel difficult to navigate due to the unprecedented amount of legal jargon that one needs to decipher. At Fairmont, we prioritise transparency and want our clients to feel fully equipped with as much legal knowledge as possible. We believe familiarising yourself with legal jargon can help you navigate your legal matter with confidence.
With Legal Jargon 101, we aim to take the guesswork out of some common legal terms. Keep on reading for our quick guide:
Defendant: This term refers to the individual or entity that the legal action is being brought against. In court, they are the party that is being accused.
Allegation: In the instance that a claim is made against an individual or entity, an allegation is being made. It refers to the belief that forms the foundation of the legal complaint.
Reasonable Suspicion: When law enforcement believes a crime has occurred or is about to occur, this term is used to justify certain actions they may feel the need to carry out such as “stop and search”.
Evidence: This refers to the information used to support or refute an allegation or claim. Evidence can take various forms and is a key aspect the courts use to establish facts and disprove lies.
Verdict: When a decision has been reached in court, the judge will express their verdict. The verdict determines if the defendant is innocent or guilty.
If you need help with a legal matter or simply need some more help with deciphering legal terms, contact a friendly member of our team today and we’ll be happy to assist.
