Legal System and Dispute Resolution

Legal System

The framework of courts and other legal institutions that create, interpret, and enforce laws.

Branches of Government

The three separate entities in government: Legislative, Executive, and Judicial, each with distinct responsibilities.

Legislative Branch

The branch of government responsible for creating statutes and laws through elected representatives.

Executive Branch

The branch that implements and enforces laws, including the Crown and the Cabinet.

Judicial Branch

The branch that interprets laws and administers justice through trial and appellate courts.

Common Law

A system of law developed through court decisions and judicial interpretations, rather than through statutes.

Burden of Proof

The obligation to prove one's assertion or claim in a legal case, typically resting with the claimant.

Civil Jurisdiction

The area of law dealing with disputes between individuals regarding rights, obligations, and liabilities.

Criminal Law

The body of law that relates to crime and punishment, assessing culpability and imposing penalties.

Preponderance of Evidence

The standard of proof in civil cases, requiring that the claim be more likely true than not.

Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)

Methods for resolving disputes outside of traditional litigation, including arbitration and mediation.

Arbitration

A non-judicial process where a neutral third-party makes a binding decision to resolve a dispute.

Mediation

A non-binding process in which a mediator helps parties find a mutually agreeable solution.

Legal Remedies

Compensations or penalties imposed in court to rectify a legal wrong.

Specific Performance

A legal remedy that compels a party to execute a contract as agreed.

Injunction

A court order requiring a party to do or refrain from doing a specific act.

Damages

Monetary compensation awarded to a claimant for losses suffered due to another party's actions.

Civil Resolution Tribunal (CRT)

A body that resolves certain disputes, such as small claims and motor vehicle claims, up to specified amounts.

Trial Courts

Courts that hear evidence and determine facts, applying law to render a judgment.

Appellate Courts

Courts that review decisions made by trial courts, focusing on legal errors.

Claimant (Plaintiff)

The party that initiates a lawsuit by making a claim against another party.

Defendant (Respondent)

The party being accused or sued in a legal proceeding.