A conclusion in criminal proceedings that the defendant is not found guilty of the charge.

A legal professional who represents or speaks for a party in legal proceedings. The precise rights of audience depend on the jurisdiction and court.

A statement or plea acknowledging responsibility for conduct constituting an offence.

A serious form of assault involving circumstances such as significant injury or the use of a dangerous weapon; exact definitions vary by law.

A serious form of unlawful physical force causing significant harm or involving aggravating circumstances; terminology varies by jurisdiction.

A defence based on evidence that the accused was elsewhere when the alleged offence occurred.

A statement asserting a fact or wrongdoing that has not yet been proved.

An official measure that pardons or protects a defined group from prosecution or punishment, subject to the applicable legal instrument.

Literally “friend of the court”; a person or body permitted to assist a court on a legal issue without being a party to the case.

A procedure asking a higher court to review a decision of a lower court.

A court empowered to review decisions made by lower courts.

The formal participation of a lawyer or party in proceedings before a court or tribunal.

A person or body authorised to decide a dispute.

A private dispute-resolution process in which parties submit a dispute to an arbitrator or tribunal for determination.

Amounts that were due but remain unpaid, such as rent, instalments or support payments.

A judicial authorisation permitting the arrest of a named person in accordance with the applicable criminal procedure.

Formal witnessing or certification of a signature, document or act in accordance with legal requirements.

A person legally authorised to act for another; in some jurisdictions the term also means a qualified lawyer.

The decision of an arbitral tribunal, or in some contexts an amount ordered or assessed by a court or tribunal.

A professional organisation representing or regulating lawyers within a jurisdiction or professional community.

A lawyer in jurisdictions that divide the profession between barristers and solicitors, traditionally focused on advocacy and specialist legal advice.

A rule made by a body under authority granted by legislation or another legal instrument.

A dispute, claim, prosecution or other legal matter brought before a court or tribunal.

An organisation established for legally recognised charitable purposes.

A trust established for charitable purposes under the applicable law.

Pressure, threats or force used to compel a person to act without free consent.

The body of law regulating anti-competitive agreements, abuse of market power, merger control and related market conduct.

Business practices that consider the organisation's impact on people, communities, governance and the environment.

A lawyer acting for or advising a party in a legal matter.

Certain grave acts committed as part of a widespread or systematic attack against civilians, as defined by applicable international law.

A formal legal instrument or order issued by an authorised state authority; its effect depends on the legal system.

Certain acts committed with intent to destroy, in whole or in part, a protected national, ethnic, racial or religious group under international law.

The structures and processes through which authority, oversight, responsibility and decision-making are organised.

The institutions and authorities through which a state exercises public powers and administers laws and policy.

A legal mechanism in some jurisdictions for challenging unlawful detention.

A situation in which wrongdoing is not effectively investigated, prosecuted or punished.

A financial condition in which a person or entity cannot meet debts as they fall due or otherwise meets the legal test for insolvency.

The permanent international court established by the Rome Statute to prosecute certain serious international crimes within its jurisdiction.

The body of international law regulating conduct in armed conflict and protecting persons not, or no longer, participating in hostilities.

A judicial officer authorised to hear and decide legal matters.

“Judicial” relates to courts and adjudication; the “judiciary” refers collectively to the system of courts and judges.

Legal theory and philosophy; the term can also refer to a body of judicial decisions in some legal systems.

A broad legal and ethical concept concerning fairness, lawful decision-making and the administration of rights and obligations.

A qualified legal professional. Titles, licensing requirements and rights of audience differ by jurisdiction.

Master of Laws, a postgraduate academic degree in law.

Professional legal work undertaken for the public good without the ordinary commercial fee arrangement.

Formal confirmation or approval that gives legal effect to an act, agreement or treaty in accordance with applicable rules.

The principle that public and private power is exercised under and subject to law.

A lawyer in jurisdictions that distinguish solicitors from barristers, commonly advising clients, preparing matters and, where permitted, appearing before courts or tribunals.

A written law enacted by a legislative authority.

The intentional infliction of severe physical or mental pain or suffering in circumstances defined by applicable domestic or international law.

A formal hearing in which a court examines evidence and legal arguments to determine a case.

A body authorised to determine particular types of disputes or legal questions, sometimes outside the ordinary court structure.

A group established to work on a defined issue, project or area of policy or professional activity.