Plain language
Legal dictionary
Legal terms explained with formal definitions and simpler everyday language.
Dictionary results
Habeas Corpus
/hay-bee-us kor-pus/
A court order requiring a person under arrest to be brought before a judge or into court, especially to secure their release unless lawful grounds are shown for their detention.
In simple English
An emergency legal action that forces the police or prison service to bring a locked-up person to court so a judge can decide if their arrest is lawful.
Affidavit
/af-i-dey-vit/
A written statement confirmed by oath or affirmation, for use as evidence in court.
In simple English
A formal written statement of facts that you sign in front of a Commissioner for Oaths, swearing that everything written in it is 100% true.
Amicus Curiae
/ah-mee-kus kyoo-ree-eye/
An impartial adviser, of the court, in a particular case.
In simple English
A 'friend of the court' - usually a neutral senior lawyer invited by judges to give expert advice on difficult legal matters.
Bail
/beyl/
The temporary release of an accused person awaiting trial, sometimes on condition that a sum of money or surety is lodged to guarantee their appearance in court.
In simple English
Temporary freedom granted to someone arrested, under the agreement that they will attend court whenever summoned. By Nigerian law, police bail is free!
Plaintiff
/pleyn-tif/
A person who brings a case against another in a court of law.
In simple English
The person who starts a lawsuit in court against someone else because they believe they have been wronged.
Defendant
/dih-fen-duhnt/
An individual, company, or institution sued or accused in a court of law.
In simple English
The person or group being sued in a civil case, or accused of a crime in a criminal case.
Subpoena
/suh-pee-nuh/
A writ ordering a person to attend a court.
In simple English
An official command from a court ordering you to appear in person to testify as a witness or bring important documents.
Ultra Vires
/uhl-truh vahy-reez/
Beyond one's legal power or authority.
In simple English
Doing something beyond your legally approved powers. For example, if a local government chairman tries to pass a law on international passports, it is ultra vires.
Injunction
/in-juhngk-shuhn/
An authoritative warning or order by a court to do or cease doing a specific action.
In simple English
A direct order from a judge stopping someone from doing something (like demolishing a house or selling a land) until a final decision is made.
Prima Facie
/pree-muh fey-shee/
Based on the first impression; accepted as correct until proved otherwise.
In simple English
At first glance. A case has 'prima facie' merit if there is enough obvious evidence to start a trial without it being dismissed immediately.
Jurisdiction
/joor-is-dik-shuhn/
The official power to make legal decisions and judgments.
In simple English
A court's legal right to hear a specific case. For example, a Magistrate Court has no jurisdiction to trial murder or treason cases.
Adjournment
/uh-jurn-muhnt/
A postponement of court proceedings to a future date.
In simple English
Putting off a court case to another day, usually because lawyers need more time, or the judge is busy.
De Jure
/dey joor-ee/
According to rightful entitlement or law; by right.
In simple English
Something that exists according to the written law, whether it is practiced in reality or not.
De Facto
/dey fak-toh/
In fact, whether by right or not.
In simple English
Something that is happening in actual practice, even if it is not officially written in the law.
Nolle Prosequi
/nohl-ee proh-sek-wee/
A formal notice of abandonment of all or part of a suit by the Attorney General.
In simple English
The exclusive power of the Attorney General of Nigeria to step in and cancel any ongoing criminal trial in the public interest.