Legal Glossary

Plain English definitions of common legal terms used in England & Wales.

751 terms

A

Act of Parliament Constitutional Law: A law (statute) that has been passed by both Houses of Parliament and received Royal Assent. Read the full entry →
Actus Reus Criminal Law: The physical element of a crime — the guilty act. It may consist of an act, an omission (where there is a duty to act), or a state of affair… Read the full entry →
Adverse Possession Land Law: The acquisition of title to land by occupying it for a prescribed period (12 years for unregistered land; a 10-year application process for… Read the full entry →
Affidavit: A written statement of facts confirmed by the oath or affirmation of the person making it. Used as evidence in court proceedings, particular… Read the full entry →
Arraignment Criminal Law: The process in the Crown Court at which the indictment is put to the defendant and they are asked to plead guilty or not guilty. The arraign… Read the full entry →
Asylum Immigration Law: International protection granted to a person who has a well-founded fear of persecution for reasons of race, religion, nationality, membersh… Read the full entry →
Audi Alteram Partem Administrative & Public Law: Latin: 'hear the other side'. A principle of natural justice requiring that both parties to a dispute be given a fair opportunity to present… Read the full entry →
Ab Initio: Latin: 'from the beginning'. Used to describe something that is void or invalid from the start. A void contract is void ab initio — it has n… Read the full entry →
Authorised Person Banking & Finance Law: A person who has permission from the FCA (or PRA) to carry on regulated activities in the UK under the Financial Services and Markets Act 20… Read the full entry →
Abuse of Dominance Competition Law: Conduct by an undertaking holding a dominant position in a market that exploits that position unfairly (e.g., excessive pricing, refusal to… Read the full entry →
Adjudication Construction Law: A rapid dispute resolution process, particularly important in construction (Housing Grants, Construction and Regeneration Act 1996). The adj… Read the full entry →
Auto-Enrolment Pensions Law: The legal requirement under the Pensions Act 2008 for employers to automatically enrol eligible jobholders into a qualifying workplace pensi… Read the full entry →
Arbitration Agreement Arbitration & ADR: An agreement to submit present or future disputes to arbitration. Must be in writing (Arbitration Act 1996, s.5). Gives rise to a mandatory… Read the full entry →
Arbitral Award Arbitration & ADR: A binding decision made by an arbitral tribunal resolving a dispute. Awards are enforceable as court judgments; international awards are enf… Read the full entry →
Anticipatory Breach Contract Law: A breach of contract occurring before the time for performance, where one party clearly indicates (by words or conduct) that they will not p… Read the full entry →
Administration Order Insolvency & Restructuring Law: An order placing a company into administration under the Insolvency Act 1986, Schedule B1. The administrator manages the company's affairs w… Read the full entry →
Assignment Contract Law: The transfer of a right or benefit under a contract from one party (the assignor) to a third party (the assignee). The assignee acquires the… Read the full entry →
Assured Shorthold Tenancy Landlord & Tenant: The default form of residential tenancy in England & Wales since 28 February 1997, created by the Housing Act 1988 (as amended). The landlor… Read the full entry →
Account of Profits Equity & Trusts: An equitable remedy requiring the wrongdoer to pay over profits made from the wrongful act. In contract law, available in exceptional circum… Read the full entry →
Administration (Insolvency) Insolvency Law: A formal insolvency procedure under the Insolvency Act 1986 (Schedule B1) designed to rescue a company as a going concern, achieve a better… Read the full entry →
Attorney General's Reference Criminal Law: A procedure by which the Attorney General can refer a point of law to the Court of Appeal following an acquittal, or can refer an unduly len… Read the full entry →
Affray Criminal Law: Using or threatening unlawful violence towards another such that a person of reasonable firmness present at the scene would fear for their p… Read the full entry →
ABH (Actual Bodily Harm) Criminal Law: An offence under s.47 Offences Against the Person Act 1861. Assault occasioning actual bodily harm — any hurt or injury calculated to interf… Read the full entry →
Automatism Criminal Law: A defence in criminal law where the defendant's body acted without the control of the conscious mind — an involuntary act. Distinguished fro… Read the full entry →
Accounting Officer Administrative & Public Law: The senior official in a government department or public body who is personally responsible for the propriety and regularity of public finan… Read the full entry →
Approved Mental Health Professional Mental Health Law: A specially trained professional (usually a social worker) authorised to carry out assessments and make applications for compulsory admissio… Read the full entry →
Appropriate Adult Police Powers: A person (parent, guardian, social worker, or other responsible adult) required to be present during the detention and questioning of a juve… Read the full entry →
Allocations Scheme Housing Law: A scheme that every local housing authority must have under Part VI Housing Act 1996, governing how social housing is allocated. Must give r… Read the full entry →
Articles of Association Company & Commercial Law: The constitutional document of a company setting out the internal rules for running the company, including directors' powers, shareholder me… Read the full entry →
Absolute Right Human Rights Law: A Convention right that cannot be limited or restricted in any circumstances. Article 3 (prohibition of torture) is absolute. Contrasted wit… Read the full entry →
Allocation Evidence & Procedure: The process by which a civil claim is assigned to one of four tracks: small claims (up to £10,000), fast track (£10,000-£25,000), intermedia… Read the full entry →
Administration Company & Commercial Law: An insolvency procedure where an administrator is appointed to manage a company with the objective of rescuing it as a going concern, achiev… Read the full entry →
Aggravating Factor Sentencing: A factor that increases the seriousness of an offence for sentencing purposes. Statutory aggravating factors include previous convictions an… Read the full entry →
Ancillary Relief Family Law: Now called 'financial remedies' — orders made by the court on divorce for the division of matrimonial assets, including lump sum orders, pro… Read the full entry →
Anti-Competitive Agreement Competition Law: An agreement between undertakings, decision by an association, or concerted practice that has as its object or effect the prevention, restri… Read the full entry →
Assured Tenancy Housing Law: A residential tenancy under Housing Act 1988 where the tenant has security of tenure. The landlord may only recover possession by proving on… Read the full entry →
Accrued Benefits Pensions: Pension benefits that a member has already built up in a defined benefit scheme, based on service completed and pensionable salary to date.… Read the full entry →
Automatic Enrolment Pensions: The legal requirement under Pensions Act 2008 for employers to automatically enrol eligible workers into a qualifying workplace pension sche… Read the full entry →
Attendance Allowance Welfare: A non-means-tested, non-contributory benefit for people aged 65+ who need help with personal care due to physical or mental disability. Paid… Read the full entry →
AWOL Military Law: Absent Without Official Leave. A service offence under section 9 of the Armed Forces Act 2006 committed when a person fails to attend at the… Read the full entry →
Accountable Person Building Safety: Under the Building Safety Act 2022, the person or entity with a legal obligation to assess and manage building safety risks in a higher-risk… Read the full entry →
ATOL Protection Aviation & Transport Law: The Air Travel Organiser's Licensing scheme administered by the CAA. Protects consumers who book package holidays or flights-inclusive arran… Read the full entry →
Absolute Exemption Information Law: Under the Freedom of Information Act 2000, an exemption from disclosure that is not subject to the public interest test (e.g., information a… Read the full entry →
Abstraction Licence Water & Sewerage Law: A licence required under the Water Resources Act 1991 to abstract water from rivers, lakes, or underground sources above specified threshold… Read the full entry →
Anti-Doping Violation Sports Law: A breach of anti-doping rules including the presence of a prohibited substance, refusal to submit to testing, or tampering. Strict liability… Read the full entry →
Anti-Money Laundering Banking & Finance Law: Legal obligations on regulated businesses (including banks) to identify, report, and prevent money laundering under the Proceeds of Crime Ac… Read the full entry →
Abuse of Dominant Position Competition Law: Conduct by an undertaking holding a dominant market position that is abusive, such as excessive pricing, refusal to supply, or tying. Prohib… Read the full entry →
Assured Shorthold Tenancy (AST) Landlord & Tenant Law: The default residential tenancy since the Housing Act 1996. Provides limited security of tenure; the landlord can recover possession using a… Read the full entry →
Advance Decision Court of Protection: A decision made by a person with capacity to refuse specific medical treatment in the future if they lose capacity. Must be valid (made volu… Read the full entry →
Algorithmic Accountability AI & Technology Law: The principle that organisations deploying algorithmic decision-making systems should be responsible for their outcomes, including bias, err… Read the full entry →
Automated Decision-Making (ADM) AI & Technology Law: Decisions made solely by automated means without human involvement, restricted under Article 22 UK GDPR. Data subjects have the right not to… Read the full entry →
AI Safety Institute AI & Technology Law: UK government body (established 2023) responsible for evaluating the safety of frontier AI models. Part of the UK's 'pro-innovation' regulat… Read the full entry →

B

Barrister: A lawyer who is qualified to represent clients in the higher courts (Crown Court, High Court, Court of Appeal, Supreme Court) and specialise… Read the full entry →
Burden of Proof Evidence & Procedure: The obligation on a party to prove the facts in issue. In criminal cases, the prosecution must prove guilt beyond reasonable doubt. In civil… Read the full entry →
Bail Criminal Law: The release of a person accused of a crime, subject to conditions, pending their trial or next court appearance. Bail may be unconditional o… Read the full entry →
Best Interests Medical & Healthcare Law: The guiding principle under the Mental Capacity Act 2005 for decisions made on behalf of adults who lack capacity. The decision-maker must c… Read the full entry →
Benefit Sanction Social Welfare & Benefits Law: A reduction or suspension of Universal Credit for failure to meet work-related requirements (e.g., missing a Jobcentre appointment or not ap… Read the full entry →
Bill of Lading Maritime Law: A document issued by a carrier acknowledging receipt of goods for shipment. It serves as a receipt, evidence of the contract of carriage, an… Read the full entry →
Beneficial Interest Property Law: The right to enjoy the benefits of property held on trust, as distinct from the legal title. A beneficial interest arises where property is… Read the full entry →
Building Safety Regulator Construction Law: A body established within the Health and Safety Executive by the Building Safety Act 2022, responsible for overseeing the safety of higher-r… Read the full entry →
Basic Intent Criminal Law: A criminal offence that can be committed recklessly (without specific intention), such as assault, ABH, criminal damage, and manslaughter. V… Read the full entry →
Biodiversity Net Gain Environmental Law: A requirement under the Environment Act 2021 that developers must deliver at least a 10% increase in biodiversity value as a condition of pl… Read the full entry →
Bolam Test Tort Law: The standard of care in clinical negligence: a doctor is not negligent if they act in accordance with a practice accepted as proper by a res… Read the full entry →
Balance of Probabilities Evidence & Procedure: The standard of proof in civil proceedings. A fact is proved if the court considers it more likely than not to have occurred (i.e. more than… Read the full entry →
Bona Fide Purchaser Land Law: A purchaser who acquires a legal estate in good faith, for value, and without notice of any prior equitable interest. Known as 'Equity's Dar… Read the full entry →
Battery Criminal Law: The application of unlawful force to another person. The force need not be hostile; the slightest touching suffices if done without consent.… Read the full entry →
Burial Rights Administrative & Public Law: The right to be buried in a churchyard (for parishioners) or a local authority cemetery. There is no common law right to choose one's place… Read the full entry →
But-For Test Tort Law: The primary test for factual causation in tort: the defendant's breach caused the damage if, but for the breach, the damage would not have o… Read the full entry →
Banker's Duty of Confidentiality Banking & Finance: The duty owed by a bank to its customer not to disclose information about the customer's account. Subject to four exceptions: compulsion of… Read the full entry →
Block Exemption Competition Law: A regulation that exempts certain categories of agreements from the prohibition on anti-competitive agreements. UK block exemptions cover ve… Read the full entry →
Broadcasting Code Broadcasting: The Ofcom Broadcasting Code setting standards for television and radio content. Covers protecting under-18s, harm and offence, crime, religi… Read the full entry →
Benefit Cap Welfare: A limit under Welfare Reform Act 2012 on the total amount of benefit a working-age household can receive (£20,000 outside London, £23,000 in… Read the full entry →
Banning Order Sports Law: An order made by a court under the Football Spectators Act 1989 prohibiting a person convicted of a football-related offence from attending… Read the full entry →
Bribery Fraud & Economic Crime: The offence of offering, promising, or giving a financial or other advantage to induce a person to perform a relevant function improperly (s… Read the full entry →
Best Value Duty Local Government Law: The duty under s.3 Local Government Act 1999 requiring local authorities to make arrangements to secure continuous improvement in the way th… Read the full entry →
Byelaw Local Government Law: A regulation made by a local authority for the good governance of its area, covering matters such as public order, parks, and waste. Must be… Read the full entry →

C

Case Law: Law established by the outcome of former court cases. Also known as common law or judge-made law, it operates through the doctrine of preced… Read the full entry →
Claimant Evidence & Procedure: The person who brings a civil action (formerly known as the plaintiff). Read the full entry →
Common Law: Law developed by judges through decisions of courts, as distinct from statute law enacted by Parliament. England & Wales has a common law le… Read the full entry →
Consideration Contract Law: Something of value (money, a promise, an act, or forbearance) given by each party to a contract. A contract is not enforceable without consi… Read the full entry →
Caveat Emptor Contract Law: Latin: 'let the buyer beware'. The principle that the buyer takes the risk regarding the quality and condition of goods or property purchase… Read the full entry →
Certiorari Administrative & Public Law: A prerogative remedy (now called a 'quashing order') by which the High Court quashes a decision of an inferior court, tribunal, or public bo… Read the full entry →
Contributory Negligence Tort Law: A partial defence reducing the claimant's damages where the claimant's own negligence contributed to their loss. Governed by the Law Reform… Read the full entry →
Covenant Land Law: A promise contained in a deed. In land law, covenants may be positive (requiring action) or restrictive (prohibiting action). Restrictive co… Read the full entry →
Cross-Examination Evidence & Procedure: The questioning of a witness by the opposing party's advocate after examination-in-chief. Its purpose is to challenge the witness's evidence… Read the full entry →
Constructive Trust Equity & Trusts: A trust imposed by law (not created by the parties) to prevent unconscionable conduct. Arises in various contexts including breach of fiduci… Read the full entry →
Capital Gains Tax (CGT) Tax Law: A tax charged on the profit (gain) arising from the disposal of an asset. Annual exemption applies. The rate depends on the type of asset an… Read the full entry →
Copyright Intellectual Property: An automatic intellectual property right protecting original literary, dramatic, musical, and artistic works. No registration required in th… Read the full entry →
Clinical Negligence Medical Law: A breach of duty of care by a medical professional causing injury to a patient. The standard of care is judged by reference to a responsible… Read the full entry →
Cooling-Off Period Consumer Protection Law: A period (typically 14 days) during which a consumer may cancel a distance or off-premises contract without giving any reason, under the Con… Read the full entry →
Cartel Competition Law: An agreement between competing firms to fix prices, share markets, rig bids, or limit output. Hardcore cartels are prohibited under Chapter… Read the full entry →
Charitable Purpose Charity Law: One of 13 descriptions of purposes recognised as charitable under section 3 of the Charities Act 2011, including prevention of poverty, adva… Read the full entry →
CIO Charity Law: Charitable Incorporated Organisation. A corporate form designed specifically for charities, providing limited liability while being regulate… Read the full entry →
Court Martial Military Law: A judicial court for trying members of the armed forces for service offences under the Armed Forces Act 2006. Consists of a judge advocate a… Read the full entry →
Contempt of Court Criminal Law: Conduct that interferes with the administration of justice. Criminal contempt includes disobeying court orders and publishing material that… Read the full entry →
Cy-Près Equity & Trusts: An equitable doctrine applied to charitable trusts. Where the original charitable purpose has failed or become impossible, the court or Charity Commission may direct the property to be applied to a charitable purpose as near as possible to the original (Charities Act 2011, Part 6).
Caution Police Powers: The formal warning given by police on arrest or before questioning: 'You do not have to say anything. But it may harm your defence if you do… Read the full entry →
Committal Criminal Law: The transfer of a case from the magistrates' court to the Crown Court for trial or sentence. Also refers to committal proceedings to determi… Read the full entry →
Costs Order Evidence & Procedure: An order made by the court requiring one party to pay the legal costs of another. In civil proceedings, the general rule is that costs follo… Read the full entry →
Causation (Legal) Tort Law: The requirement in both tort and criminal law to establish a causal link between the defendant's act or omission and the harm suffered. Fact… Read the full entry →
Coroner Coroners & Inquests: An independent judicial office holder responsible for investigating certain deaths. A coroner must investigate where there is reason to susp… Read the full entry →
Cybercrime Criminal Law: Criminal offences committed using computers, networks, or the internet. In England & Wales, the principal statute is the Computer Misuse Act… Read the full entry →
Commonhold Property Law: A form of freehold ownership of individual units (typically flats) within a multi-unit building, where the common parts are managed by a com… Read the full entry →
Carbon Budget Environmental Law: A cap on the total amount of greenhouse gas emissions that can be emitted in the UK over a five-year period. Set by the Secretary of State u… Read the full entry →
Consistory Court Ecclesiastical Law: The bishop's court in each Church of England diocese, presided over by the Chancellor (a senior lawyer). The Consistory Court has jurisdicti… Read the full entry →
Charterparty Maritime Law: A contract for the hire of a ship (or part of its cargo space) for the carriage of goods or for a period of time. The main types are voyage… Read the full entry →
Chief Coroner Coroners & Inquests: The head of the coroner system in England and Wales, established by the Coroners and Justice Act 2009. The Chief Coroner provides national l… Read the full entry →
Conditional Fee Agreement (CFA) Evidence & Procedure: A 'no win, no fee' arrangement between a lawyer and client where the lawyer's fee is payable only if the case is successful. The lawyer may… Read the full entry →
Care Order Childcare & Safeguarding: An order under s.31 Children Act 1989 placing a child in the care of a designated local authority. The local authority acquires parental res… Read the full entry →
Cross-Class Cram-Down Insolvency Law: A mechanism under Part 26A Companies Act 2006 (inserted by CIGA 2020) allowing a court to sanction a restructuring plan even if one or more… Read the full entry →
Constructive Dismissal Employment Law: Where an employer commits a fundamental breach of the employment contract (e.g., unilaterally reducing pay, bullying, changing job role with… Read the full entry →
Charge (Fixed) Company & Commercial Law: A security interest over specific, identified assets of a company. The chargor cannot deal with the assets without the chargee's consent. Ta… Read the full entry →
Charge (Floating) Company & Commercial Law: A security interest over a class of assets (present and future) of a company. The chargor can deal with the assets in the ordinary course of… Read the full entry →
Compulsory Purchase Land Law: The power of a public authority to acquire land compulsorily for public purposes, subject to compensation at market value. Governed by the A… Read the full entry →
Clean Hands Equity & Trusts: An equitable maxim: 'he who comes to equity must come with clean hands.' A person seeking an equitable remedy must not themselves have acted… Read the full entry →
Cy-Pres Equity & Trusts: An equitable doctrine applied to charitable trusts. Where a charitable purpose has failed, the court or Charity Commission may apply the tru… Read the full entry →
Common Assault Criminal Law: An offence under s.39 Criminal Justice Act 1988 comprising assault (causing the victim to apprehend immediate unlawful personal violence) an… Read the full entry →
Community Treatment Order Mental Health Law: An order under s.17A MHA 1983 allowing a detained patient to be discharged into the community subject to conditions (e.g., taking medication… Read the full entry →
Custody Officer Police Powers: A police officer (at least sergeant rank) responsible for the welfare and rights of detained persons, including ensuring access to legal adv… Read the full entry →
Confiscation Order Fraud & Economic Crime: An order made by the Crown Court under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 requiring a convicted defendant to pay a sum equivalent to their benef… Read the full entry →
Conservation Area Planning & Land Use: An area designated by the local planning authority under s.69 Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990 as being of specia… Read the full entry →
Controlled Drug Criminal Law: A substance listed in Schedule 2 to the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971. Classified into Class A (most harmful — heroin, cocaine, ecstasy), Class B… Read the full entry →
Child Protection Plan Family Law: A plan drawn up by the local authority following a child protection conference, setting out the steps to be taken to safeguard a child who h… Read the full entry →
Cremation Regulations Administrative & Public Law: Regulations requiring medical certification before cremation (two medical certificates or a coroner's certificate) to ensure no crime has be… Read the full entry →
Contaminated Land Environmental Law: Land that is in such a condition, by reason of substances in, on, or under it, that significant harm is being caused or there is a significa… Read the full entry →
Collateral Contract Contract Law: A contract that exists alongside the main contract, often arising from a pre-contractual statement that induces the main contract. Can be used to circumvent the parol evidence rule.
Condition Precedent Contract Law: A condition that must be fulfilled before a contractual obligation arises or before a contract comes into existence. Read the full entry →
Condition Subsequent Contract Law: A condition which, if fulfilled, brings a contract or contractual obligation to an end.
Constructive Manslaughter Criminal Law: Unlawful act manslaughter: an unlawful killing caused by an act that is (1) unlawful, (2) dangerous (objectively), and (3) a substantial cau… Read the full entry →
Charge Land Law: A form of security over property. In land law, a legal charge (mortgage) gives the chargee the right to sell the property if the borrower de… Read the full entry →
Company Secretary Company & Commercial Law: An officer of the company responsible for compliance with the Companies Act 2006. Public companies must have a company secretary; private co… Read the full entry →
Costs Assessment Evidence & Procedure: The process by which the court determines the amount of legal costs to be paid by one party to another. Costs may be assessed on a standard… Read the full entry →
Capital Gains Tax Tax Law: A tax on the gain (profit) made when disposing of a chargeable asset. The annual exempt amount (currently £3,000) applies. Rates are 10%/20%… Read the full entry →
Conciliation Evidence & Procedure: A form of ADR where a neutral third party (the conciliator) helps the parties reach a settlement. Similar to mediation but the conciliator m… Read the full entry →
Company Voluntary Arrangement Company & Commercial Law: A binding agreement between a company and its creditors under Part I of the Insolvency Act 1986, supervised by an insolvency practitioner. A… Read the full entry →
Change of Use Administrative Law: A material change in the use of land or buildings that constitutes 'development' under s.55 Town and Country Planning Act 1990 and therefore… Read the full entry →
Compulsory Purchase Order Administrative Law: An order authorising a public body to acquire land without the owner's consent, for purposes such as infrastructure, regeneration, or housin… Read the full entry →
Community Order Criminal Law: A sentence served in the community rather than custody, with one or more requirements attached (e.g., unpaid work, curfew, drug rehabilitati… Read the full entry →
Concurrent Sentence Criminal Law: Where a defendant is convicted of multiple offences, sentences that run at the same time. The total sentence served equals the longest indiv… Read the full entry →
Consecutive Sentence Criminal Law: Where a defendant is convicted of multiple offences, sentences that run one after another. The total sentence served is the sum of the indiv… Read the full entry →
Child Arrangements Order Family Law: An order under s.8 Children Act 1989 (replacing residence and contact orders) that regulates with whom a child is to live, spend time, or ot… Read the full entry →
Concerted Practice Competition Law: A form of coordination between undertakings that falls short of a formal agreement but replaces independent decision-making with practical c… Read the full entry →
Category 1 Hazard Housing Law: Under the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS), a serious hazard in residential property that poses a significant risk to health… Read the full entry →
Contracted-Out Scheme Pensions: An occupational pension scheme that, before 2016, was contracted out of the State Second Pension (S2P/SERPS). Members received lower Nationa… Read the full entry →
Carer's Allowance Welfare: A benefit under SSCBA 1992, s.70 for people who spend at least 35 hours a week caring for someone receiving certain disability benefits. The… Read the full entry →
Child Benefit Welfare: A universal benefit payable for each child under 16 (or under 20 if in approved education/training). Subject to the High Income Child Benefi… Read the full entry →
Claimant Commitment Welfare: A written record under Universal Credit of the requirements a claimant accepts as a condition of receiving benefit, including work search an… Read the full entry →
Conditionality Welfare: The principle that receipt of working-age benefits is conditional on meeting work-related requirements. UC claimants are placed in condition… Read the full entry →
Contribution-Based Benefit Welfare: A benefit that requires a sufficient National Insurance contribution record to qualify, including contributory Jobseeker's Allowance, contri… Read the full entry →
Council Tax Reduction Welfare: A means-tested reduction in council tax liability administered by local authorities, replacing Council Tax Benefit from 2013. Schemes vary b… Read the full entry →
Charity Commission Charity Law: The independent regulator of charities in England and Wales, responsible for registering charities, ensuring compliance with charity law, an… Read the full entry →
Chancel Repair Liability Ecclesiastical Law: An ancient obligation on certain landowners (former lay rectors) to repair the chancel of the parish church. It runs with the land and can b… Read the full entry →
Contract for Difference Energy Law: A long-term contract between a low-carbon electricity generator and a government-owned company, guaranteeing a fixed price for electricity t… Read the full entry →
Corrupt Practice Election Law: A serious election offence under the Representation of the People Act 1983, including bribery, treating, undue influence, and personation. C… Read the full entry →
Custody Record Police Powers: A written record maintained by the custody officer for each person detained at a police station, documenting the grounds for detention, righ… Read the full entry →
Custody Threshold Sentencing: The statutory requirement (Sentencing Act 2020, s.230) that a court must not pass a custodial sentence unless the offence is so serious that… Read the full entry →
Connected Lender Liability Financial Services: Under s.75 Consumer Credit Act 1974, where goods or services (£100–£30,000) are purchased using credit, the creditor is jointly and severall… Read the full entry →
Conclusive Grounds Decision Modern Slavery: The second and final NRM decision: whether, on the balance of probabilities, the person is a victim of modern slavery. A positive decision e… Read the full entry →
Category A Prisoner Prison & Parole: A prisoner whose escape would be highly dangerous to the public, the police, or the security of the state. Subject to the highest security c… Read the full entry →
Cookie Consent Cyber & Digital Law: Under the Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations 2003, websites must obtain informed consent before placing non-essential cookies… Read the full entry →
Controlled Drug Classification Drug Regulation Law: Under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971, drugs are classified A (most harmful: heroin, cocaine, MDMA), B (cannabis, amphetamines), or C (anabolic… Read the full entry →
Coroner's Inquest Burial & Cremation Law: A judicial inquiry conducted by a coroner to determine who the deceased was and how, when, and where they came by their death. Required for… Read the full entry →
CMA Investigation Consumer Protection Law: An investigation by the Competition and Markets Authority into anti-competitive agreements, abuse of dominant position, or mergers that may… Read the full entry →
Chapter I Prohibition Competition Law: The prohibition under s.2 Competition Act 1998 of agreements between undertakings that have as their object or effect the prevention, restri… Read the full entry →
Contracts for Difference (CfD) Energy Law: A government scheme to support renewable energy generation. The generator receives a fixed 'strike price' for electricity — if the market pr… Read the full entry →
Caveat (Probate) Wills & Probate: A notice entered at the Probate Registry to prevent a grant of probate from being issued. Used to protect a person's position while investig… Read the full entry →
Common Law Marriage (Myth) Cohabitation Law: A widespread misconception that unmarried couples living together acquire the same legal rights as married couples. English law does not rec… Read the full entry →
Cohabitation Agreement Cohabitation Law: A written agreement between unmarried partners setting out arrangements for property, finances, and other matters during and after the relat… Read the full entry →
Common Intention Constructive Trust Cohabitation Law: A trust arising where parties share a common intention that the beneficial ownership of property should differ from the legal ownership, and… Read the full entry →

D

Damages: A monetary remedy awarded by a court to compensate a party for loss or injury suffered as a result of another's breach of duty or contract. Read the full entry →
Defendant: The person against whom a civil claim or criminal prosecution is brought. Read the full entry →
Duty of Care Tort Law: A legal obligation to take reasonable care to avoid causing harm to others. Central to the tort of negligence (established in Donoghue v Ste… Read the full entry →
Debenture Company & Commercial Law: A document evidencing a debt or acknowledging indebtedness. In company law, debentures are commonly secured by a fixed or floating charge ov… Read the full entry →
Disclosure: The process by which parties to litigation are required to make available documents relevant to the issues in the case, whether or not those… Read the full entry →
Duress Contract Law: Pressure amounting to compulsion of the will, rendering a contract voidable. Includes duress to the person, duress to goods, and economic du… Read the full entry →
Deportation Immigration & Asylum Law: The compulsory removal of a non-British citizen from the UK on the grounds that their presence is not conducive to the public good, or follo… Read the full entry →
Data Controller Data Protection & Privacy: A person or organisation that determines the purposes and means of processing personal data. The data controller bears primary responsibilit… Read the full entry →
Data Processor Data Protection & Privacy Law: A natural or legal person which processes personal data on behalf of the data controller (UK GDPR, Article 4). Processors must comply with t… Read the full entry →
Data Breach Data Protection & Privacy Law: A breach of security leading to the accidental or unlawful destruction, loss, alteration, unauthorised disclosure of, or access to, personal… Read the full entry →
Deprivation of Liberty Medical & Healthcare Law: The restriction of a person's freedom to such a degree that they are deprived of their liberty within the meaning of Article 5 ECHR. In care… Read the full entry →
De Minimis: Latin: 'about trivial things'. The law does not concern itself with trifling matters (de minimis non curat lex). Used to dismiss claims or b… Read the full entry →
Defined Benefit Scheme Pensions: A pension scheme where benefits are calculated by a formula based on salary and length of service (e.g., 1/60th of final salary for each yea… Read the full entry →
Discovery Evidence & Procedure: The former term for disclosure — the process by which parties to litigation reveal relevant documents. Now called 'disclosure' under the Civ… Read the full entry →
Default Judgment Evidence & Procedure: A judgment entered in favour of the claimant when the defendant fails to file an acknowledgment of service or a defence within the required… Read the full entry →
Disclosure (Civil) Evidence & Procedure: The process by which parties to civil litigation must reveal to each other the documents relevant to the issues in dispute. Standard disclos… Read the full entry →
Deed Poll Civil Procedure: A legal document by which a person formally changes their name. In England & Wales, there is no legal requirement to change your name by dee… Read the full entry →
Diminished Responsibility Criminal Law: A partial defence to murder under s.2 Homicide Act 1957 (as amended by s.52 Coroners and Justice Act 2009). The defendant must prove on the… Read the full entry →
Duress by Threats Criminal Law: A defence to all offences except murder and attempted murder. The defendant must show a threat of death or serious physical injury, that a r… Read the full entry →
Duress of Circumstances Criminal Law: A defence where external circumstances (not a specific threat from a person) compel the defendant to commit an offence. For example, driving… Read the full entry →
Double-Lock Data Protection & Privacy: Under the Investigatory Powers Act 2016, a warrant for interception or equipment interference requires approval from both a Secretary of Sta… Read the full entry →
Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards Mental Health Law: The legal framework (Schedule A1, Mental Capacity Act 2005) for authorising the deprivation of liberty of people lacking capacity in hospita… Read the full entry →
Direct Discrimination Equality & Discrimination: Less favourable treatment of a person because of a protected characteristic (s.13 Equality Act 2010). Requires a comparator — someone withou… Read the full entry →
Detention Time Limits Criminal Law: Under PACE 1984, a person may be held for up to 24 hours (36 hours for indictable offences with superintendent authorisation, 96 hours with… Read the full entry →
Deferred Prosecution Agreement Criminal Law: An agreement under Schedule 17 Crime and Courts Act 2013 between a prosecutor and an organisation accused of economic crime, where prosecuti… Read the full entry →
Due Diligence Defence (Food) Consumer Protection: A defence under s.21 Food Safety Act 1990 where the defendant proves they took all reasonable precautions and exercised all due diligence to… Read the full entry →
Drug Scheduling Criminal Law: Under the Misuse of Drugs Regulations 2001, controlled drugs are placed in Schedules 1-5 determining rules for possession, supply, prescribi… Read the full entry →
Drug Treatment and Testing Order Drug Regulation Law: A community order requiring an offender to undergo treatment for drug dependency and submit to regular drug testing. Now part of the communi… Read the full entry →
Designated Safeguarding Lead Family Law: The person within an organisation (school, hospital, etc.) with lead responsibility for safeguarding children, including managing referrals… Read the full entry →
Duty of Care (Waste) Environmental Law: The duty under s.34 Environmental Protection Act 1990 on anyone who produces, imports, carries, keeps, treats, or disposes of waste to take… Read the full entry →
Director's Duties Company & Commercial Law: Statutory duties codified in ss.170-177 Companies Act 2006: act within powers, promote success, exercise independent judgment, exercise reas… Read the full entry →
Declaration of Incompatibility Human Rights Law: A declaration by a court under s.4 Human Rights Act 1998 that a provision of primary legislation is incompatible with a Convention right. Do… Read the full entry →
Derogation Human Rights Law: A state's temporary opt-out from certain Convention rights in time of war or other public emergency threatening the life of the nation (Arti… Read the full entry →
Data Protection Impact Assessment Data Protection & Privacy: An assessment required under Article 35 UK GDPR where processing is likely to result in a high risk to individuals' rights and freedoms. Mus… Read the full entry →
Devolution Constitutional Law: The transfer of powers from the UK Parliament to the Scottish Parliament, Senedd Cymru (Welsh Parliament), and Northern Ireland Assembly. De… Read the full entry →
Deportation Order Immigration Law: An order under s.5 Immigration Act 1971 requiring a person to leave the UK and prohibiting re-entry. May be made following a criminal convic… Read the full entry →
Dawn Raid Competition Law: An unannounced investigation at business premises by the CMA or EU Commission to search for evidence of competition law infringements. Obstr… Read the full entry →
Director Disqualification Competition Law: Under Company Directors Disqualification Act 1986, s.9A-9E, a director of a company involved in competition law breaches may be disqualified… Read the full entry →
Dominant Position Competition Law: A position of economic strength held by an undertaking enabling it to prevent effective competition by behaving independently of competitors… Read the full entry →
Decent Homes Standard Housing Law: A government standard requiring social housing to meet minimum criteria: be free from Category 1 hazards, be in reasonable repair, have reas… Read the full entry →
Demoted Tenancy Housing Law: A tenancy created when a court orders demotion of a secure or assured tenancy due to anti-social behaviour. The tenant loses security of ten… Read the full entry →
Disrepair Claim Housing Law: A civil claim by a tenant against a landlord for breach of the implied repairing covenant under Landlord and Tenant Act 1985, s.11. Remedies… Read the full entry →
Due Accuracy Broadcasting: The standard required for news broadcasts under the Ofcom Code. News must be reported with due accuracy, meaning accuracy adequate and appro… Read the full entry →
Due Impartiality Broadcasting: The requirement under Broadcasting Act 1990 and Ofcom Code that licensed broadcasters present news with due impartiality and maintain due im… Read the full entry →
Defined Contribution Scheme Pensions: A pension scheme where contributions are invested and the final pension depends on investment returns. Also called 'money purchase'. The mem… Read the full entry →
Disability Living Allowance Welfare: A tax-free benefit for disabled people under 65 with mobility or care needs, being replaced by Personal Independence Payment for working-age… Read the full entry →
Demurrage Maritime Law: Liquidated damages payable by a charterer to a shipowner for delay in loading or discharging cargo beyond the agreed laytime period specifie… Read the full entry →
Doping Violation Sports Law: A breach of anti-doping rules as defined by the World Anti-Doping Code, adopted in the UK by UK Anti-Doping (UKAD). Includes presence of pro… Read the full entry →
Duty of Care in Sport Sports Law: The legal obligation of sports governing bodies, organisers, and participants to take reasonable care to avoid causing injury to others, est… Read the full entry →
Decommissioning Energy Law: The process of safely dismantling and removing oil and gas infrastructure (platforms, pipelines) at the end of production. Licensees have st… Read the full entry →
Deprivation of Citizenship Immigration & Nationality: The power of the Secretary of State under s.40 BNA 1981 to deprive a person of British citizenship if conducive to the public good (and it w… Read the full entry →
Disqualification Order Animal Welfare & Agricultural Law: A court order prohibiting a person convicted of an animal welfare offence from owning, keeping, participating in the keeping of, or being pa… Read the full entry →
Denial of Service Attack Cyber & Digital Law: An attack designed to make a computer system or network unavailable by overwhelming it with traffic. Prosecutable under s.3 Computer Misuse… Read the full entry →
Diplomatic Immunity International Law: The immunity of diplomatic agents from the criminal, civil, and administrative jurisdiction of the receiving state, under the Vienna Convent… Read the full entry →
Due Diligence Defence Food Safety & Standards: Under s.21 Food Safety Act 1990, a person charged with a food safety offence may defend by proving they took all reasonable precautions and… Read the full entry →
Direct Award Procurement Law: Award of a public contract without a competitive process. Permitted only in limited circumstances defined by the Procurement Act 2023, such… Read the full entry →
Duty of Fair Presentation Insurance Law: Under the Insurance Act 2015, the insured must make a fair presentation of the risk to the insurer before the contract is entered into, disc… Read the full entry →
Dishonesty (Ivey Test) Fraud & Economic Crime: The objective test for dishonesty established by Ivey v Genting Casinos [2017] UKSC 67: the court ascertains the defendant's actual knowledg… Read the full entry →
Deposit Protection Landlord & Tenant Law: The legal requirement for landlords to protect tenancy deposits in a government-approved scheme (DPS, MyDeposits, or TDS) within 30 days. Fa… Read the full entry →
Deputyship Court of Protection: An appointment by the Court of Protection authorising a person (deputy) to make ongoing decisions for someone who lacks mental capacity and… Read the full entry →
Deepfake AI & Technology Law: AI-generated synthetic media (video, audio, images) depicting a person doing or saying things they never did. Raises legal issues under defa… Read the full entry →
Distance Contract E-commerce Law: A contract concluded between a trader and consumer under an organised distance sales scheme, without simultaneous physical presence (e.g., o… Read the full entry →
Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024 E-commerce Law: Major reform legislation enhancing consumer protection, giving the CMA new powers over digital markets, and introducing a Strategic Market S… Read the full entry →

E

Equity Equity & Trusts: A body of law developed by the Court of Chancery to supplement and remedy the limitations and inflexibility of the common law. Equitable rem… Read the full entry →
Easement Land Law: A right enjoyed by one landowner (the dominant tenement) over the land of another (the servient tenement), such as a right of way or right o… Read the full entry →
Estoppel Contract Law: A doctrine preventing a person from going back on a promise or representation when the other party has relied on it to their detriment. Main… Read the full entry →
Ex Parte: Latin: 'from one side'. An application made by one party without notice to the other party. Now called a 'without notice' application in civ… Read the full entry →
Environmental Permit Environmental Law: A permit required under the Environmental Permitting (England and Wales) Regulations 2016 for carrying out regulated activities, including o… Read the full entry →
Environmental Impact Assessment Environmental Law: A process required for certain development projects under the Town and Country Planning (Environmental Impact Assessment) Regulations, asses… Read the full entry →
EHC Plan Education Law: An Education, Health and Care Plan — a legal document issued by a local authority setting out the special educational provision, health prov… Read the full entry →
Examination-in-Chief Evidence & Procedure: The first questioning of a witness by the party who called them. Leading questions (questions that suggest the answer) are generally not per… Read the full entry →
Exceptional Hardship Road Traffic & Motoring Law: A defence to mandatory disqualification under the totting-up procedure. The driver must prove to the magistrates' court that disqualificatio… Read the full entry →
Either-Way Offence Criminal Law: A criminal offence that can be tried in either the magistrates' court or the Crown Court. Examples include theft, burglary, ABH, and crimina… Read the full entry →
Equitable Interest Property Law: A right in property recognised and enforced by equity rather than common law. Examples include the interest of a beneficiary under a trust,… Read the full entry →
Extradition Criminal Law: The legal process by which one country surrenders a person to another country for prosecution or to serve a sentence. In the UK, extradition… Read the full entry →
Exclusion Clause Contract Law: A contractual term that seeks to exclude or limit one party's liability for breach of contract or negligence. Regulated by the Unfair Contra… Read the full entry →
Estoppel by Convention Equity & Trusts: Where both parties to a transaction have acted on a shared assumption of fact or law, neither can deny that assumption if it would be unjust… Read the full entry →
Easement by Prescription Land Law: An easement acquired by long use — typically 20 years of continuous, uninterrupted use as of right (without force, secrecy, or permission).… Read the full entry →
Equitable Charge Land Law: A security interest created in equity over property, without transferring legal title. Common in land transactions where formalities for a l… Read the full entry →
Electronic Communications Network Cyber & Technology Law: A transmission system for conveying signals by electrical, electromagnetic, or electro-optical means, as defined by the Communications Act 2… Read the full entry →
Emergency Protection Order Childcare & Safeguarding: An order under s.44 Children Act 1989 authorising the removal of a child, or the prevention of removal, where there is reasonable cause to b… Read the full entry →
Exhumation Licence Criminal Law: A licence required from the Ministry of Justice (under s.25 Burial Act 1857) before human remains can be exhumed from any burial ground. Exh… Read the full entry →
Entire Obligation Contract Law: A contractual obligation that must be completely performed before payment is due. If the obligation is not fully performed, no payment is owed (Cutter v Powell [1795]), subject to the doctrine of substantial performance.
Egg-Shell Skull Rule Tort Law: The principle that a tortfeasor must take the victim as they find them. If the victim has a pre-existing vulnerability that makes the injury… Read the full entry →
Ex Turpi Causa Tort Law: The defence of illegality: a claim may be barred where the claimant's own illegal conduct is inextricably linked with the harm suffered (Pat… Read the full entry →
Enfranchisement Land Law: The right of a leaseholder to purchase the freehold (or an extended lease) of their property. Governed by the Leasehold Reform Act 1967 (hou… Read the full entry →
Expert Witness Evidence & Procedure: A person with specialist knowledge who gives opinion evidence to assist the court. The expert's duty is to the court, not the party instruct… Read the full entry →
Entrepreneurs' Relief Tax Law: Now called Business Asset Disposal Relief (BADR). A reduced CGT rate (10%) on qualifying business disposals up to a lifetime limit (currentl… Read the full entry →
Early Neutral Evaluation Evidence & Procedure: An ADR process where a neutral evaluator (often a judge or experienced practitioner) gives a non-binding assessment of the merits of the dis… Read the full entry →
Employment and Support Allowance Welfare: A benefit for people with limited capability for work due to illness or disability. Claimants undergo Work Capability Assessment. Income-rel… Read the full entry →
Electoral Register Election & Political Law: The official list of people eligible to vote in elections. Maintained by Electoral Registration Officers in each local authority area. Indiv… Read the full entry →
Election Petition Election & Political Law: A legal challenge to the result of an election, heard by the Election Court (two High Court judges). Grounds include corrupt practices, ille… Read the full entry →
Electoral Commission Election Law: An independent body established by PPERA 2000 to oversee elections, regulate political party finances, set standards for electoral administr… Read the full entry →
ELMS Animal Welfare & Agricultural Law: Environmental Land Management Schemes — the post-Brexit replacement for EU agricultural subsidies, paying farmers for environmental public g… Read the full entry →
Extraordinary Circumstances Aviation & Transport Law: Events outside an airline's control that exempt it from paying compensation under retained EU Regulation 261/2004. Includes extreme weather… Read the full entry →
European Arrest Warrant Extradition & Mutual Legal Assistance: A judicial decision issued by a Member State for the arrest and surrender of a requested person. Part 1 of the Extradition Act 2003 implemen… Read the full entry →
Electronic Communications Code Telecommunications Law: Schedule 3A Communications Act 2003, granting Code operators rights to install, maintain, and upgrade electronic communications apparatus on… Read the full entry →
Elective Home Education Education Law: Education provided by parents at home instead of at school. Parents must ensure children receive efficient, full-time education suitable to… Read the full entry →
Ecclesiastical Faculty Burial & Cremation Law: Permission from the ecclesiastical court (the consistory court of the diocese) required for exhumation from or works to a Church of England… Read the full entry →
Energy Price Cap Energy Law: The maximum amount energy suppliers can charge domestic customers on standard variable tariffs, set quarterly by Ofgem. Covers unit rates an… Read the full entry →

F

Fiduciary Equity & Trusts: A person who holds a position of trust and confidence in relation to another, such as a trustee, company director, solicitor, or agent. Fidu… Read the full entry →
Freehold Land Law: An estate in land of potentially infinite duration (fee simple absolute in possession). The most complete form of land ownership in English… Read the full entry →
Frustration Contract Law: A doctrine of contract law whereby a contract is automatically discharged when a supervening event, without the fault of either party, rende… Read the full entry →
Fair Dealing Intellectual Property: A permitted act under the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988 allowing limited use of copyright material without the owner's permission… Read the full entry →
Financial Promotion Banking & Finance Law: A communication that is an invitation or inducement to engage in investment activity. Restricted under s.21 FSMA 2000 to communications made… Read the full entry →
Forum Non Conveniens Conflict of Laws: The doctrine by which a court may stay proceedings on the ground that another court is a more appropriate forum for the trial of the action… Read the full entry →
Fiduciary Duty Equity & Trusts: A duty of loyalty, good faith, and avoidance of conflict of interest owed by one person (fiduciary) to another. Fiduciary relationships incl… Read the full entry →
Force Majeure Contract Law: A contractual clause excusing one or both parties from performance when extraordinary events beyond their control (war, natural disaster, pa… Read the full entry →
Freezing Order Evidence & Procedure: An interim injunction (formerly called a Mareva injunction) preventing a party from disposing of or dealing with their assets. Typically gra… Read the full entry →
Floating Charge Company & Commercial Law: A security interest over a class of assets (present and future) that does not attach to specific assets until crystallisation (e.g., on defa… Read the full entry →
Fixed Charge Company & Commercial Law: A security interest that attaches to a specific, identified asset (such as land, machinery, or specific book debts). The chargor cannot deal… Read the full entry →
Faculty Ecclesiastical Law: Permission granted by the Consistory Court of a Church of England diocese for alterations to a church building, its contents, or churchyard.… Read the full entry →
Football Banning Order Sports Law: A civil order under the Football Spectators Act 1989 (as amended) prohibiting a person from attending regulated football matches for between… Read the full entry →
Following Equity & Trusts: The process of pursuing the same asset as it moves from hand to hand (as distinct from tracing, which follows value through substitutions). A proprietary remedy available at common law and in equity.
Forum Bar Criminal Law: A provision in the Extradition Act 2003 (s.19B) allowing a court to refuse extradition if a substantial measure of the criminal conduct occu… Read the full entry →
Fraud by False Representation Fraud & Economic Crime: An offence under s.2 Fraud Act 2006 committed by dishonestly making a false representation (one that is untrue or misleading) with the inten… Read the full entry →
Fraud by Failing to Disclose Criminal Law: An offence under s.3 Fraud Act 2006 committed by dishonestly failing to disclose information that there is a legal duty to disclose, with in… Read the full entry →
Fraud by Abuse of Position Criminal Law: An offence under s.4 Fraud Act 2006 committed by a person who occupies a position of trust and dishonestly abuses that position, with intent… Read the full entry →
Food Safety Requirements Consumer Protection: Under s.8 Food Safety Act 1990, food fails food safety requirements if it has been rendered injurious to health, is unfit for human consumpt… Read the full entry →
Food Hygiene Rating Consumer Protection: A rating (0-5) given by local authorities following inspections under food hygiene regulations. In Wales, display is mandatory; in England,… Read the full entry →
Fly-Tipping Environmental Law: The illegal deposit of waste on land contrary to s.33 Environmental Protection Act 1990. An offence carrying unlimited fines and up to 5 yea… Read the full entry →
Fee Simple Land Law: The largest estate in land — fee simple absolute in possession. Equivalent to full ownership. The holder can dispose of it freely and it pas… Read the full entry →
Forfeiture Land Law: The landlord's right to terminate a lease for breach of covenant. In residential leases, s.146 Law of Property Act 1925 requires a notice an… Read the full entry →
Freezing Injunction Evidence & Procedure: An interim order preventing a party from disposing of or dealing with their assets, to preserve them for the purposes of satisfying any futu… Read the full entry →
Fairness and Privacy Broadcasting: Sections 7 and 8 of the Ofcom Code requiring broadcasters to avoid unjust or unfair treatment of individuals in programmes and unwarranted i… Read the full entry →
Flexible Drawdown Pensions: Under Pension Schemes Act 2015, the ability for those aged 55+ to access their defined contribution pension flexibly — taking any amount as… Read the full entry →
Funding Deficit Pensions: In a defined benefit scheme, the shortfall between the scheme's assets and its liabilities (the present value of promised benefits). Scheme… Read the full entry →
FCA Authorisation Banking & Finance Law: The requirement that any firm carrying on regulated financial activities in the UK must be authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority or… Read the full entry →
Financial Ombudsman Service Financial Services: The statutory alternative dispute resolution scheme for complaints by consumers against financial services firms. Can make awards up to £430… Read the full entry →
Failing to Prevent Bribery Fraud & Economic Crime: A corporate offence under s.7 Bribery Act 2010 — a company is guilty if a person associated with it bribes another to obtain or retain busin… Read the full entry →
Facial Recognition Technology AI & Technology Law: Biometric technology identifying individuals from facial features. Its use by police and private organisations is subject to data protection… Read the full entry →
Fitness to Practise (FTP) Professional Discipline: The standard assessed in regulatory proceedings to determine whether a professional is suitable to continue practising safely and effectivel… Read the full entry →

G

Gillick Competence Family Law: The principle (from Gillick v West Norfolk [1986]) that a child under 16 who has sufficient understanding and intelligence to fully understa… Read the full entry →
Green Belt Planning & Land Use Law: Areas of land designated in Local Plans where development is restricted to prevent urban sprawl. Very special circumstances must be demonstr… Read the full entry →
Guarantor Contract Law: A person who promises to pay a debt or perform an obligation if the primary debtor defaults. A guarantee must be in writing and signed to be… Read the full entry →
Garnishee Order Evidence & Procedure: A former term for a third party debt order. A court order requiring a third party (e.g., a bank) who owes money to the judgment debtor to pa… Read the full entry →
Grant of Probate Wills, Probate & Succession: A court document issued by the Probate Registry confirming the authority of an executor named in a will to administer the deceased's estate.… Read the full entry →
Ground Rent Property Law: A periodic payment made by a leaseholder to the freeholder under the terms of the lease. For new long residential leases granted from 30 Jun… Read the full entry →
GAMSTOP Gambling & Betting Law: The national online self-exclusion scheme for gambling in Great Britain. Consumers who register with GAMSTOP are blocked from gambling with… Read the full entry →
Guarantee Contract Law: A secondary obligation to answer for the debt, default, or miscarriage of another person. A guarantee must be evidenced in writing (Statute… Read the full entry →
GBH (Grievous Bodily Harm) Criminal Law: Really serious bodily harm. Under s.20 OAPA 1861 (malicious wounding/inflicting GBH — maximum 5 years) and s.18 (wounding/causing GBH with i… Read the full entry →
General Power of Competence Local Government: A power conferred on eligible local authorities by the Localism Act 2011 (s.1) to do anything that an individual generally may do, subject t… Read the full entry →
Golden Thread Criminal Law: In building safety law (BSA 2022): a digital record of building safety information maintained throughout a higher-risk building's lifecycle.… Read the full entry →
Gross Negligence Manslaughter Criminal Law: An unlawful killing caused by the defendant's grossly negligent breach of a duty of care. The negligence must be so bad as to amount to a cr… Read the full entry →
Ground for Possession Housing Law: A statutory reason upon which a landlord may seek to recover possession of a rented property. Grounds may be mandatory (court must grant pos… Read the full entry →
Guaranteed Minimum Pension Pensions: The minimum pension that contracted-out defined benefit schemes must provide to replace the State Earnings-Related Pension Scheme (SERPS). A… Read the full entry →
General Average Maritime Law: A principle of maritime law where all parties to a sea voyage proportionally share losses resulting from a voluntary sacrifice of cargo or e… Read the full entry →
General Synod Ecclesiastical Law: The legislative body of the Church of England, comprising the House of Bishops, House of Clergy, and House of Laity. It has power to pass Me… Read the full entry →
Gateway Process Building Safety: The three-stage building control process for higher-risk buildings under the Building Safety Act 2022: Gateway 1 (planning), Gateway 2 (befo… Read the full entry →
GAAR Tax Law: The General Anti-Abuse Rule (Finance Act 2013, Part 5) — enables HMRC to counteract tax arrangements that are abusive, i.e., arrangements th… Read the full entry →
Generative AI AI & Technology Law: AI systems that create new content (text, images, code, music) based on training data. Raises issues of copyright ownership (s.9(3) CDPA 198… Read the full entry →

H

Habeas Corpus: Latin: 'you may have the body'. A prerogative writ requiring a person who is detaining another to bring the detainee before the court to jus… Read the full entry →
Hearsay Evidence & Procedure: A statement made out of court that is adduced as evidence to prove the truth of its contents. In criminal proceedings, hearsay is generally… Read the full entry →
Higher-Risk Building Construction Law: As defined by the Building Safety Act 2022, a building that is at least 18 metres in height or has at least 7 storeys, and contains at least… Read the full entry →
Harassment (Equality) Equality & Discrimination Law: Unwanted conduct related to a protected characteristic that violates a person's dignity or creates an intimidating, hostile, degrading, humi… Read the full entry →
Honest Opinion Defamation & Privacy: A defence under s.3 Defamation Act 2013 (replacing fair comment). The statement must be an opinion, indicate the basis of the opinion, and b… Read the full entry →
Homelessness Duty Housing Law: The duty under Part VII Housing Act 1996 (as amended by Homelessness Reduction Act 2017) on local authorities to assist homeless persons, in… Read the full entry →
Horizontal Agreement Competition Law: An agreement between undertakings operating at the same level of the supply chain (i.e., competitors). Includes price-fixing, market-sharing… Read the full entry →
HHSRS Housing Law: Housing Health and Safety Rating System — a risk-based assessment method under Housing Act 2004 for evaluating 29 potential hazards in resid… Read the full entry →
House in Multiple Occupation Housing Law: A property occupied by three or more people forming two or more households, sharing facilities. HMOs are subject to additional regulation in… Read the full entry →
Harmful Content Broadcasting: Material that may cause harm to viewers/listeners, including content encouraging crime, disorder, or dangerous behaviour. Broadcasters must… Read the full entry →
Housing Benefit Welfare: A means-tested benefit to help with rent payments, being replaced by the housing element of Universal Credit for new claims. Still claimed b… Read the full entry →
HACCP Food Safety & Standards: Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points — a systematic approach to food safety management required by EU-retained Regulation 852/2004. A… Read the full entry →

I

Injunction: A court order requiring a party to do or refrain from doing a specific act. An equitable remedy granted at the court's discretion. Read the full entry →
Indictment Criminal Law: A formal written accusation of a crime, used in the Crown Court. An offence 'on indictment' is a serious offence tried before a judge and ju… Read the full entry →
Insolvency Company & Commercial Law: The state of being unable to pay debts as they fall due (cash-flow insolvency) or having liabilities exceeding assets (balance-sheet insolve… Read the full entry →
Infringement Intellectual Property: The unauthorised use of an intellectual property right (patent, trade mark, copyright, or design) in a way that violates the rights holder's… Read the full entry →
Inter Alia: Latin: 'among other things'. Used in legal writing to indicate that a list of items is not exhaustive. Read the full entry →
Insurable Interest Insurance Law: A legally recognised relationship between the insured and the subject matter of insurance, such that the insured would suffer financial loss… Read the full entry →
Indemnity Contract Law: A promise to hold another person harmless against loss or damage. An indemnity is a primary obligation (not dependent on the principal debto… Read the full entry →
In Camera Evidence & Procedure: Latin: 'in the chamber'. Proceedings heard in private, excluding the public and press. Now more commonly referred to as 'in private'. Used i… Read the full entry →
Interlocutory Evidence & Procedure: Relating to interim or procedural steps taken during proceedings, before the final hearing. An interlocutory injunction (now 'interim injunc… Read the full entry →
Interim Injunction Evidence & Procedure: A temporary court order restraining a party from doing something (or requiring them to do something) pending the final determination of the… Read the full entry →
Innominate Term Contract Law: A contractual term that is neither a condition nor a warranty but can be either depending on the consequences of breach. If the breach depri… Read the full entry →
Indictable Offence Criminal Law: A criminal offence that can be tried in the Crown Court before a judge and jury. The most serious criminal offences (murder, manslaughter, r… Read the full entry →
Intestacy Wills, Probate & Succession: Dying without a valid will. Where a person dies intestate, their estate is distributed according to the statutory rules in the Administratio… Read the full entry →
Inquest Coroners & Inquests: A public, fact-finding inquiry conducted by a coroner (sometimes with a jury) to determine who died, when, where, and how. An inquest is not… Read the full entry →
Interested Person Coroners & Inquests: A person who has a proper interest in an inquest and is therefore entitled to participate — including examining witnesses, receiving disclos… Read the full entry →
Internet Connection Records (ICR) Cyber & Technology Law: Records of websites and online services accessed by a user, required to be retained by internet service providers for 12 months under the In… Read the full entry →
Informed Consent Medical Law: The principle that a patient must be given sufficient information about material risks and alternatives before consenting to medical treatme… Read the full entry →
Intra Vires Administrative & Public Law: Within the powers. An act that is within the legal authority of the body performing it. The opposite of ultra vires. Read the full entry →
Infanticide Criminal Law: A partial defence and standalone offence under the Infanticide Act 1938. Where a woman causes the death of her child under 12 months old whi… Read the full entry →
Intoxication (Voluntary) Criminal Law: Voluntary intoxication is not a defence to basic intent offences (DPP v Majewski [1977]) but may be relevant to specific intent offences if… Read the full entry →
Intoxication (Involuntary) Criminal Law: Involuntary intoxication (e.g., spiked drink) is a defence to all offences if it prevented the defendant from forming the required mens rea.… Read the full entry →
Independent Mental Health Advocate Mental Health Law: A person who provides support and advocacy to patients detained under the MHA 1983. IMHAs help patients understand their rights and particip… Read the full entry →
Indirect Discrimination Equality & Discrimination: Applying a provision, criterion, or practice (PCP) which puts persons sharing a protected characteristic at a particular disadvantage, and w… Read the full entry →
Intoxication Criminal Law: Voluntary intoxication is no defence to crimes of basic intent (DPP v Majewski [1977]) but may negate the mens rea for crimes of specific in… Read the full entry →
Inheritance Tax Tax Law: A tax on the estate of a deceased person and certain lifetime gifts. The nil-rate band is £325,000; the residence nil-rate band adds up to £… Read the full entry →
Indefinite Leave to Remain Immigration Law: Permission to stay in the UK without any time restriction (also called 'settled status'). Grants the holder the right to live and work in th… Read the full entry →
Introductory Tenancy Housing Law: A probationary tenancy (usually 12 months) granted by local authorities to new tenants. The tenant has limited security; if problems arise,… Read the full entry →
Independent Producer Broadcasting: A television production company not owned by a broadcaster. Under Communications Act 2003, public service broadcasters must commission a cer… Read the full entry →
Intentional Homelessness Social Housing: Under Part VII Housing Act 1996, a person is intentionally homeless if they deliberately did or failed to do something that caused them to l… Read the full entry →
IPP Sentence Prison & Parole: Imprisonment for Public Protection — an indeterminate sentence abolished in 2012 (LASPO Act) but still affecting thousands of prisoners. Req… Read the full entry →
Investigatory Powers Commissioner Information Law: The independent judicial commissioner overseeing the use of investigatory powers (interception, equipment interference, bulk acquisition) un… Read the full entry →
Improvement Notice Food Safety & Standards: A notice served by an environmental health officer requiring a food business operator to rectify contraventions of food hygiene regulations… Read the full entry →
Independent Mental Capacity Advocate (IMCA) Court of Protection: An advocate appointed under the Mental Capacity Act 2005 to represent a person who lacks capacity and has no family or friends appropriate t… Read the full entry →
Interim Suspension Order Professional Discipline: A temporary order suspending a professional's registration pending investigation and hearing, imposed where public protection requires immed… Read the full entry →

J

Judicial Review Administrative & Public Law: The process by which the High Court supervises the exercise of public power. It ensures public bodies act within their legal authority and f… Read the full entry →
Judicial Notice Evidence & Procedure: The process by which a court accepts certain facts as true without requiring formal proof. Courts take judicial notice of matters of common… Read the full entry →
Judicial Commissioner Cyber & Technology Law: A senior judge who, under the Investigatory Powers Act 2016, must approve warrants for interception, equipment interference, and bulk data a… Read the full entry →
Joint Enterprise Criminal Law: The principle that secondary parties who assist or encourage a crime are liable alongside the principal offender. Following R v Jogee [2016]… Read the full entry →
Joint Tenancy Land Law: A form of co-ownership where co-owners own the whole property together with a right of survivorship (the last survivor takes the whole). Dis… Read the full entry →
Judge Advocate Military Law: A legally qualified judge who presides over courts martial proceedings, directing the lay members (military panel) on matters of law and sum… Read the full entry →
Jus Cogens International Law: Peremptory norms of international law from which no derogation is permitted. Examples include the prohibitions on torture, genocide, and sla… Read the full entry →

L

Laches Equity & Trusts: An equitable defence barring a claim where the claimant has delayed unreasonably in bringing proceedings and it would be unjust to grant rel… Read the full entry →
Leasehold Land Law: An estate in land for a fixed period (term of years absolute). The leaseholder has exclusive possession but the landlord retains the reversi… Read the full entry →
Lien: A right to retain possession of another person's property until a debt owed by the property's owner is discharged. A common law lien is a pa… Read the full entry →
Limitation Period: The period within which legal proceedings must be commenced. In tort and contract, generally 6 years from the date the cause of action accru… Read the full entry →
Liquidated Damages Contract Law: A sum fixed in advance by the parties to a contract as the amount of damages payable for a specified breach. If the sum is a genuine pre-est… Read the full entry →
Leave to Remain Immigration Law: Permission granted by the Home Office for a person to stay in the UK for a specified period and purpose, subject to conditions. Must be rene… Read the full entry →
Leniency Competition Law: A programme under which the first member of a cartel to report the cartel to the CMA receives immunity from fines. Subsequent reporters may… Read the full entry →
Listed Building Administrative Law: A building included on the statutory list of buildings of special architectural or historic interest maintained by Historic England. Listed… Read the full entry →
Lex Loci Damni Conflict of Laws: Latin: 'the law of the place of the damage'. Under the Rome II Regulation, the general rule for determining the applicable law in non-contra… Read the full entry →
Litigant in Person Evidence & Procedure: A party to court proceedings who represents themselves without a lawyer. Also known as a 'self-represented litigant'. The court has a duty t… Read the full entry →
Listed Building Consent Planning & Land Use Law: Consent required before carrying out works to a listed building that would affect its character as a building of special architectural or hi… Read the full entry →
Letters of Administration Wills, Probate & Succession: A grant issued by the Probate Registry authorising a person (administrator) to deal with the estate of someone who has died without a will (… Read the full entry →
Locking On Criminal Law: A protest tactic involving attaching oneself or an object to another person, object, or land to create a physical obstruction. Criminalised… Read the full entry →
Leasehold Enfranchisement Property Law: The statutory right of leaseholders to purchase the freehold of their property (or, for flats, to collectively purchase the freehold of the… Read the full entry →
Loss of Control Criminal Law: A partial defence to murder under ss.54-56 Coroners and Justice Act 2009, replacing the former defence of provocation. Requires a qualifying… Read the full entry →
Legal Aid Evidence & Procedure: Public funding for legal advice and representation, available to individuals who cannot afford to pay for legal services. Now administered b… Read the full entry →
Locus Standi Administrative & Public Law: Latin: 'place of standing'. The right of a party to bring an action or appear in court. In judicial review, the applicant must have 'suffici… Read the full entry →
Looked After Child Family Law: A child who is in the care of the local authority by virtue of a care order, or who is accommodated by the local authority for more than 24… Read the full entry →
Loss of Amenity Tort Law: A head of damages in personal injury claims compensating for the reduction in the claimant's ability to enjoy life (e.g., inability to pursu… Read the full entry →
Licence (Land) Land Law: A permission to enter or use another's land that does not create an interest in land. Distinguished from a lease (Street v Mountford [1985]). A licensee has weaker rights than a tenant.
Liquidator Insolvency Law: An insolvency practitioner appointed to wind up a company. The liquidator's duties include collecting and realising the company's assets, ad… Read the full entry →
Lawful Basis Data Protection & Privacy: One of six conditions under Article 6 UK GDPR that must be met for processing personal data to be lawful: consent, contract, legal obligatio… Read the full entry →
Liquidation Company & Commercial Law: The process of winding up a company's affairs, realising its assets, paying creditors, and distributing any surplus to shareholders. May be… Read the full entry →
Leniency Programme Competition Law: A CMA programme offering immunity or reduced penalties to cartel participants who report infringements and cooperate with investigations. Fi… Read the full entry →
Landlord Licensing Housing Law: Licensing schemes under Housing Act 2004 requiring landlords to obtain a licence to let property. Includes mandatory licensing for large HMO… Read the full entry →
Listed Events Broadcasting: Sporting and other events of national interest (including the Olympics, FIFA World Cup Final, Wimbledon Finals) that must be available on fr… Read the full entry →
Lifetime Allowance Pensions: The limit (abolished April 2024, was £1,073,100) on the total value of pension benefits that could be accumulated tax-advantaged. Excess amo… Read the full entry →
Limited Capability for Work Welfare: The test under Employment and Support Allowance and Universal Credit determining whether a health condition or disability limits someone's a… Read the full entry →
Licence Conditions Prison & Parole: Requirements imposed on a prisoner when released from custody. Standard conditions include reporting to probation, residing at an approved a… Read the full entry →
Lex Loci Delicti Conflict of Laws: The law of the place where the tort occurred. Under Rome II Regulation, generally the law applicable to non-contractual obligations. Read the full entry →
Licensing Objectives (Gambling) Gambling & Betting Law: The three objectives underpinning the Gambling Act 2005: (1) preventing gambling from being a source of crime; (2) ensuring gambling is fair… Read the full entry →
Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) Court of Protection: A legal document allowing a chosen person (attorney) to make decisions on behalf of someone (donor) who loses mental capacity. Two types: Pr… Read the full entry →
Liberty Protection Safeguards (LPS) Court of Protection: Proposed replacement for the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS), introduced by the Mental Capacity (Amendment) Act 2019. Provides stre… Read the full entry →

M

Mens Rea Criminal Law: The mental element ('guilty mind') required for criminal liability. Different offences require different levels of mens rea: intention, reck… Read the full entry →
Mandamus Administrative & Public Law: A prerogative remedy (now called a 'mandatory order') by which the High Court compels a public body to perform a public duty it has failed t… Read the full entry →
Mitigation Contract Law: The duty on an injured party to take reasonable steps to minimise their loss following a breach of contract or tort. Failure to mitigate red… Read the full entry →
Mortgage Land Law: A security interest in real property given by a borrower (mortgagor) to a lender (mortgagee) as security for a loan. The borrower retains po… Read the full entry →
Money Laundering Banking & Finance Law: The process of converting the proceeds of crime into apparently legitimate money or assets. Criminalised under the Proceeds of Crime Act 200… Read the full entry →
Merger Control Competition Law: The regulatory regime requiring notification and approval of mergers and acquisitions that meet jurisdictional thresholds. UK regime applies… Read the full entry →
Material Consideration Planning & Land Use Law: A factor relevant to the use and development of land that must be taken into account in determining a planning application (e.g., traffic, d… Read the full entry →
Mandatory Reconsideration Social Welfare & Benefits Law: A compulsory internal review by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) of a benefits decision before a claimant can appeal to the First-… Read the full entry →
Mediation Arbitration & ADR: A voluntary, non-binding ADR process where an independent mediator facilitates negotiation between parties. Any settlement reached is contra… Read the full entry →
Maritime Lien Maritime & Shipping Law: A privileged claim upon a ship (and sometimes its cargo and freight) that arises by operation of law and travels with the property regardles… Read the full entry →
McKenzie Friend Evidence & Procedure: A person who assists a litigant in person in court by taking notes, quietly offering advice, and helping organise documents. Named after McK… Read the full entry →
Moratorium Insolvency & Restructuring Law: A legally imposed period during which creditors cannot take enforcement action against a debtor. In corporate insolvency, an administration… Read the full entry →
Material Risk Medical Law: In medical law (following Montgomery v Lanarkshire [2015]), a risk is material if a reasonable person in the patient's position would be lik… Read the full entry →
Mental Health Tribunal Mental Health Law: A First-tier Tribunal that reviews the detention of patients under the Mental Health Act 1983 and may order discharge. Read the full entry →
Misuse of Private Information Defamation & Privacy: The modern tort protecting information in respect of which a person has a reasonable expectation of privacy. Developed from breach of confid… Read the full entry →
Material Contribution Tort Law: An alternative test for causation used where the but-for test fails: the defendant's breach need only have materially contributed to the dam… Read the full entry →
Members' Voluntary Liquidation Company & Commercial Law: A winding up of a solvent company by its members. The directors must make a statutory declaration of solvency. Read the full entry →
Minority Shareholder Protection Company & Commercial Law: Remedies available to shareholders who are unfairly prejudiced: unfair prejudice petition (s.994 CA 2006), derivative claim (ss.260-264), ju… Read the full entry →
Margin of Appreciation Human Rights Law: The latitude given to national authorities by the European Court of Human Rights in determining whether an interference with a Convention ri… Read the full entry →
Mitigating Factor Criminal Law: A circumstance that reduces the seriousness of an offence or the culpability of the offender for sentencing purposes, such as remorse, menta… Read the full entry →
Market Definition Competition Law: The process of identifying the relevant product and geographic market for competition analysis. Based on demand-side and supply-side substit… Read the full entry →
Market Investigation Competition Law: A detailed examination by the CMA of an entire market where competition may not be working well. May result in remedies including behavioura… Read the full entry →
Media Plurality Broadcasting: The principle that media ownership should be sufficiently diverse to ensure a variety of voices and viewpoints. Ofcom conducts plurality rev… Read the full entry →
Master Trust Pensions: A multi-employer occupational pension scheme where each employer has its own section but governance and investment are centralised. NEST is… Read the full entry →
Means-Tested Benefit Welfare: A benefit where entitlement and amount depend on income and capital. Universal Credit, Pension Credit, and Housing Benefit are means-tested;… Read the full entry →
Measure Ecclesiastical Law: A form of primary legislation specific to the Church of England, prepared by the General Synod and having the same force as an Act of Parlia… Read the full entry →
Market Abuse Financial Services: Conduct prohibited under Part VIII FSMA 2000 and the Market Abuse Regulation, including insider dealing, unlawful disclosure of inside infor… Read the full entry →
Mandatory Order Administrative & Public Law: A judicial review remedy (formerly mandamus) that compels a public body to perform a public duty. Typically used where a body has unlawfully… Read the full entry →
Montreal Convention Aviation & Transport Law: International convention (1999) governing airline liability for passenger death/injury, baggage loss/damage, and delay on international flig… Read the full entry →
Most Advantageous Tender Procurement Law: The procurement criterion requiring contracting authorities to evaluate tenders based on quality and price (or cost), ensuring value for mon… Read the full entry →
Minimum Term Sentencing Law: In a life sentence for murder, the minimum period the offender must serve in prison before becoming eligible to apply to the Parole Board fo… Read the full entry →
Material Change of Use Planning Law: A change in the use of land or buildings that constitutes 'development' under s.55 TCPA 1990 and therefore requires planning permission. The… Read the full entry →

N

Natural Justice Administrative & Public Law: The principles of procedural fairness applied by courts and public bodies: (1) the right to a fair hearing (audi alteram partem), and (2) th… Read the full entry →
Negligence Tort Law: A tort consisting of a breach of a duty of care owed to the claimant, causing reasonably foreseeable damage. The elements are: duty, breach,… Read the full entry →
Nuisance Tort Law: An unlawful interference with a person's use or enjoyment of land (private nuisance) or with a right common to the general public (public nu… Read the full entry →
Nemo Dat Quod Non Habet Contract Law: Latin: 'no one gives what they do not have'. A transferor of goods cannot give a better title than they possess. Exceptions exist under the… Read the full entry →
Nemo Judex in Causa Sua Administrative & Public Law: Latin: 'no one should be a judge in their own cause'. A principle of natural justice requiring that decision-makers be free from bias or per… Read the full entry →
Novation Contract Law: The substitution of a new contract for an existing one, with the consent of all parties. Unlike assignment, novation transfers both rights a… Read the full entry →
Norwich Pharmacal Order Evidence & Procedure: A court order requiring a third party who has become 'mixed up' in wrongdoing (innocently) to disclose information or documents to help iden… Read the full entry →
Net Zero Environmental Law: The legal target under the Climate Change Act 2008 (as amended in 2019) requiring the UK to achieve net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 205… Read the full entry →
Nuclear Site Licence Energy Law: A licence required under the Nuclear Installations Act 1965 for any site used for installing or operating a nuclear installation. Licences a… Read the full entry →
Necessity Criminal Law: A common law defence rarely recognised in English law. Where the defendant acts to prevent a greater evil, the defence may apply in limited… Read the full entry →
Naturalisation Immigration & Asylum Law: The process by which a foreign national acquires British citizenship by application to the Home Secretary. Requirements include residence in… Read the full entry →
Non-Refoulement Immigration & Asylum Law: The principle that a state must not return a person to a country where they face a real risk of persecution, torture, or inhuman treatment.… Read the full entry →
Nearest Relative Mental Health Law: A person defined by s.26 MHA 1983 (spouse, parent, eldest sibling, etc.) who has certain rights regarding the patient's detention, including… Read the full entry →
National Referral Mechanism Criminal Law: The UK framework for identifying and supporting victims of modern slavery and human trafficking. First responders (police, councils, etc.) r… Read the full entry →
Novus Actus Interveniens Tort Law: A new intervening act that breaks the chain of causation between the defendant's breach and the claimant's damage. May be the act of a third… Read the full entry →
Non-Molestation Order Family Law: An order under s.42 Family Law Act 1996 prohibiting a person from molesting an associated person (partner, ex-partner, family member). Breac… Read the full entry →
Notice to Quit Housing Law: Written notice served by a landlord or tenant to terminate a periodic tenancy. For residential tenancies, minimum periods apply (usually at… Read the full entry →
NEST Pensions: National Employment Savings Trust — a government-backed defined contribution pension scheme established under Pensions Act 2008 to provide a… Read the full entry →
Notifiable Event Pensions: Certain corporate events (e.g., sale of controlling company, significant business restructuring) that scheme trustees and sometimes employer… Read the full entry →
Narrative Verdict Coroners & Inquests: An inquest conclusion in which the jury or coroner records a brief factual statement of the circumstances of the death, rather than a short-… Read the full entry →
National Referral Mechanism (NRM) Modern Slavery & Trafficking: The UK framework for identifying and supporting victims of modern slavery and human trafficking. Referrals are made by 'first responder' org… Read the full entry →

O

Obiter Dictum Evidence & Procedure: A remark or observation made by a judge that is not essential to the decision. Obiter dicta are persuasive but not binding on lower courts. Read the full entry →
Offer Contract Law: An expression of willingness to contract on specified terms, made with the intention that it shall become binding as soon as it is accepted… Read the full entry →
Oblique Intent Criminal Law: A form of intention in criminal law where the defendant does not desire a particular result but foresees it as a virtually certain consequen… Read the full entry →
Overriding Interest Property Law: An interest in registered land that is binding on a purchaser even though it is not protected by an entry on the register. Listed in Schedul… Read the full entry →
Operating Licence (Gambling) Gambling & Betting Law: A licence required from the Gambling Commission by any person providing gambling facilities in or to Great Britain. Types include casino, bi… Read the full entry →
Office for Environmental Protection (OEP) Environmental Law: An independent body established by the Environment Act 2021 to scrutinise government environmental policy and law in England. The OEP can in… Read the full entry →
Ouster Clause Administrative & Public Law: A statutory provision purporting to exclude judicial review of a decision. The courts have generally been reluctant to give effect to ouster… Read the full entry →
Occupational Requirement Equality & Discrimination Law: An exception allowing discrimination where a particular protected characteristic is a genuine occupational requirement for the job (Schedule… Read the full entry →
Offer to Make Amends Tort Law: A statutory defence under s.2-4 Defamation Act 1996 where the defendant offers to publish a correction, apologise, and pay compensation. If… Read the full entry →
Ofcom Broadcasting: The Office of Communications — the independent regulator for communications industries in the UK, responsible for television, radio, telecom… Read the full entry →
Occupiers' Liability Tort Law: The duty owed by an occupier of premises to visitors (Occupiers' Liability Act 1957) and trespassers (Occupiers' Liability Act 1984) who are… Read the full entry →
Overreaching Land Law: The process by which a beneficial interest under a trust of land is transferred from the land to the purchase money when the buyer pays at l… Read the full entry →
Occupation Order Family Law: An order under s.33 Family Law Act 1996 regulating the occupation of the family home. May exclude a party from the home or restrict them to… Read the full entry →
Ofgem Energy Law: The Office of Gas and Electricity Markets. The independent energy regulator for Great Britain, responsible for protecting consumer interests… Read the full entry →
Ofwat Water & Sewerage Law: The Water Services Regulation Authority — the economic regulator of the water and sewerage sectors in England and Wales. Sets price controls… Read the full entry →
Office of the Public Guardian (OPG) Court of Protection: An executive agency of the Ministry of Justice that registers LPAs and enduring powers of attorney, supervises deputies, and investigates co… Read the full entry →

P

Precedent: The principle that courts are bound to follow legal principles established by higher courts in earlier decisions (stare decisis). Read the full entry →
Passing Off Intellectual Property: A common law tort protecting goodwill. The claimant must show goodwill, misrepresentation (leading the public to believe the defendant's goo… Read the full entry →
Patent Intellectual Property: A monopoly right granted for a new invention that involves an inventive step and is capable of industrial application. Registered with the U… Read the full entry →
Probate Wills & Probate: The legal process of administering the estate of a deceased person. A grant of probate confirms the authority of the executor named in the w… Read the full entry →
Privity of Contract Contract Law: The rule that only parties to a contract can sue or be sued on it. The Contracts (Rights of Third Parties) Act 1999 creates an important sta… Read the full entry →
Promissory Estoppel Contract Law: An equitable doctrine preventing a party from going back on a clear and unequivocal promise to forego their strict legal rights, where the o… Read the full entry →
Points-Based System Immigration & Asylum Law: The UK immigration system for work visas (Skilled Worker, Global Talent, Student, etc.), under which applicants must score sufficient points… Read the full entry →
Polluter Pays Principle Environmental Law: The principle that the person or entity responsible for pollution should bear the costs of managing it to prevent damage to human health or… Read the full entry →
Personal Data Data Protection & Privacy Law: Any information relating to an identified or identifiable living individual (data subject). Includes names, identification numbers, location… Read the full entry →
Prima Facie: Latin: 'at first sight'. Evidence that is sufficient to establish a fact or raise a presumption of fact unless rebutted. A prima facie case… Read the full entry →
Product Liability Consumer Protection Law: Strict liability of producers for damage caused by defective products under the Consumer Protection Act 1987. The claimant need not prove ne… Read the full entry →
Proximate Cause Insurance Law: In insurance law, the dominant or effective cause of a loss. The insurer is only liable if the loss was proximately caused by an insured per… Read the full entry →
Practical Completion Construction Law: The stage in a construction project when the works are substantially complete and the employer can take possession. Triggers release of half… Read the full entry →
Planning Permission Planning & Land Use Law: Formal approval from the Local Planning Authority required before carrying out 'development' as defined in s.55 Town and Country Planning Ac… Read the full entry →
Permitted Development Planning & Land Use Law: Development that can be carried out without needing to apply for planning permission, as specified in the Town and Country Planning (General… Read the full entry →
Premises Licence Licensing Law: A licence issued under the Licensing Act 2003 authorising the use of premises for the sale of alcohol, provision of regulated entertainment,… Read the full entry →
Part 36 Offer Evidence & Procedure: A formal settlement offer made under Part 36 of the Civil Procedure Rules. If the offer is not accepted and the offeree fails to beat it at… Read the full entry →
Pre-Action Protocol Evidence & Procedure: Steps that parties are expected to take before commencing court proceedings, as set out in the Civil Procedure Rules. Protocols require exch… Read the full entry →
Plea Bargain Criminal Law: An agreement in criminal proceedings where the defendant agrees to plead guilty, often to a lesser charge, in exchange for a more lenient se… Read the full entry →
Prescribed Person Employment Law: In whistleblowing law, a person or body designated by the Secretary of State to whom a worker may make a qualifying disclosure. Prescribed p… Read the full entry →
Possession Order Landlord & Tenant: A court order requiring a tenant or occupier to leave a property. In residential cases, a landlord must obtain a possession order before evi… Read the full entry →
Proscribed Organisation Counter-Terrorism: An organisation that has been banned by the Home Secretary under the Terrorism Act 2000 on the ground that it is concerned in terrorism. It… Read the full entry →
Price Cap (Energy) Energy Law: The maximum amount that energy suppliers can charge domestic customers on a default tariff, set quarterly by Ofgem. The price cap limits the… Read the full entry →
Phishing Cyber & Technology Law: A form of social engineering in which a fraudster sends deceptive communications (typically email) purporting to be from a legitimate organi… Read the full entry →
Penalty Clause Contract Law: A contractual term imposing a detriment on the contract-breaker out of all proportion to any legitimate interest of the innocent party. Foll… Read the full entry →
Proprietary Estoppel Equity & Trusts: An equitable doctrine that arises where: (1) a landowner makes an assurance regarding an interest in land, (2) the claimant relies on that a… Read the full entry →
Pledge Commercial Law: A bailment of personal property as security for a debt. The pledgor delivers possession to the pledgee, who may sell the property if the deb… Read the full entry →
Positive Covenant Land Law: An obligation requiring the landowner to do something (e.g., maintain a fence). Positive covenants do not generally bind successors in title… Read the full entry →
Privity of Estate Land Law: The relationship between a landlord and tenant, or their successors, arising from the tenure. Covenants that 'touch and concern' the land pa… Read the full entry →
Perjury Criminal Law: The criminal offence of making a false statement on oath in judicial proceedings, knowing it to be false or not believing it to be true. Gov… Read the full entry →
Perverting the Course of Justice Criminal Law: A common law offence committed by acts tending and intended to pervert the course of public justice, such as fabricating evidence, intimidat… Read the full entry →
Proportionality Administrative & Public Law: A ground of judicial review, particularly where human rights are engaged. The court asks whether the measure: (1) pursues a legitimate aim;… Read the full entry →
Peppercorn Rent Land Law: A nominal rent (often literally one peppercorn) with no monetary value. Under the Leasehold Reform (Ground Rent) Act 2022, ground rent in ne… Read the full entry →
Protected Characteristic Equality & Discrimination Law: One of nine grounds of identity protected from discrimination under the Equality Act 2010: age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage/ci… Read the full entry →
Positive Action Equality & Discrimination Law: Measures permitted by the Equality Act 2010 (s.158-159) to address disadvantage, different needs, or underrepresentation of people sharing a… Read the full entry →
Public Sector Equality Duty Equality & Discrimination Law: The duty under s.149 Equality Act 2010 on public bodies to have due regard to eliminating discrimination, advancing equality of opportunity,… Read the full entry →
PACE Codes of Practice Criminal Law: Statutory codes (A-H) issued under PACE 1984 governing the exercise of police powers. Breach does not automatically make evidence inadmissib… Read the full entry →
Publication on Matter of Public Interest Tort Law: A defence under s.4 Defamation Act 2013 replacing Reynolds privilege. The defendant must show the statement was on a matter of public intere… Read the full entry →
Priority Need Social Housing: A category under Part VII Housing Act 1996 that determines whether a homeless person is owed the main housing duty. Categories include pregn… Read the full entry →
Possession with Intent to Supply Criminal Law: An offence under s.5(3) Misuse of Drugs Act 1971. Penalties depend on the class of drug: Class A carries maximum life imprisonment. Read the full entry →
Parol Evidence Rule Contract Law: The rule that where a contract is in writing, extrinsic evidence may not be adduced to add to, vary, or contradict the written terms. Subject to numerous exceptions.
Private Nuisance Tort Law: An unlawful interference with a person's use or enjoyment of land, or some right over or in connection with it. Requires continuous or recur… Read the full entry →
Public Nuisance Tort Law: An act or omission that materially affects the reasonable comfort and convenience of a class of the public. Both a crime and a tort (the cla… Read the full entry →
Pre-Emption Rights Company & Commercial Law: The right of existing shareholders to be offered new shares before they are offered to outsiders (s.561 Companies Act 2006). Can be disappli… Read the full entry →
Positive Obligation Human Rights Law: The duty of the state not merely to refrain from interfering with Convention rights but to take positive steps to secure them. Example: duty… Read the full entry →
Proof of Debt Company & Commercial Law: A formal claim submitted by a creditor in insolvency proceedings to establish their right to receive a distribution from the insolvent estat… Read the full entry →
Preferential Creditor Company & Commercial Law: A creditor with statutory priority in insolvency distributions. Includes employees (wages owed, holiday pay) and, since December 2020, HMRC… Read the full entry →
Prescribed Part Insolvency Law: Under s.176A Insolvency Act 1986, a portion of the proceeds of floating charge realisations (up to £800,000) that must be set aside for dist… Read the full entry →
PAYE Tax Law: Pay As You Earn — the system by which employers deduct income tax and National Insurance contributions from employees' wages and pay them to… Read the full entry →
Parliamentary Privilege Constitutional Law: The rights and immunities enjoyed by each House of Parliament and their members, including freedom of speech (Article 9, Bill of Rights 1689… Read the full entry →
Parliamentary Sovereignty Constitutional Law: The constitutional principle that Parliament is the supreme legal authority in the UK. Parliament can make or unmake any law, and no body ca… Read the full entry →
Prerogative Power Constitutional Law: Residual powers of the Crown exercised by ministers without statutory authority, including treaty-making, deployment of armed forces, and th… Read the full entry →
Parental Responsibility Family Law: All the rights, duties, powers, responsibilities, and authority which by law a parent has in relation to the child and the child's property… Read the full entry →
Premium Rate Services Broadcasting: Telephone and other services charged at more than the normal rate, regulated by the Phone-paid Services Authority under Communications Act 2… Read the full entry →
Product Placement Broadcasting: The inclusion of products, services, or trademarks within a programme in return for payment. Permitted with restrictions under Ofcom rules;… Read the full entry →
Programme Sponsorship Broadcasting: A form of commercial arrangement where a third party pays to be associated with a programme. Subject to Ofcom rules: must be transparent, sp… Read the full entry →
Public Service Broadcasting Broadcasting: Television and radio services with obligations to provide programming that serves the public interest, including news, education, and conten… Read the full entry →
Pension Protection Fund Pensions: A statutory fund established by Pensions Act 2004 that pays compensation to members of eligible defined benefit schemes where the sponsoring… Read the full entry →
Pension Sharing Order Pensions: A court order on divorce under Matrimonial Causes Act 1973, s.24B that transfers a percentage of one party's pension rights to the other, cr… Read the full entry →
Protected Pension Age Pensions: A pension age below the normal minimum (currently 55) that some scheme members have retained due to scheme rules in place before 6 April 200… Read the full entry →
Personal Independence Payment Welfare: A non-means-tested benefit for people aged 16-64 with long-term physical or mental health conditions affecting daily living or mobility. Rep… Read the full entry →
Public Benefit Charity Law: A requirement under the Charities Act 2011 that all charitable purposes must be for the public benefit. Fee-charging charities must not excl… Read the full entry →
Publication on Public Interest Defamation & Privacy: The statutory defence under s.4 Defamation Act 2013 (replacing Reynolds privilege). The defendant must show the statement was on a matter of… Read the full entry →
Prohibiting Order Administrative & Public Law: A judicial review remedy (formerly prohibition) that prevents a public body from acting unlawfully. Can be used prospectively to restrain an… Read the full entry →
Parole Board Prison & Parole: The independent body that assesses the risk posed by prisoners and decides whether they can be safely released into the community on licence… Read the full entry →
Proper Law Conflict of Laws: The system of law with which a contract has its closest and most real connection. Under Rome I Regulation, determined by party choice or, fa… Read the full entry →
Personal Licence Licensing Law: A licence held by an individual authorising them to supply or authorise the supply of alcohol. Obtained after completing a licensing qualifi… Read the full entry →
Prevention of Future Deaths Report Coroners & Inquests: A report issued by a coroner where evidence at an inquest reveals a risk of future deaths. The recipient (individual or organisation) must r… Read the full entry →
Prevent Duty Counter-Terrorism Law: The statutory duty under the Counter-Terrorism and Security Act 2015 requiring specified authorities (schools, universities, NHS, prisons) t… Read the full entry →
Protected Animal Animal Welfare & Agricultural Law: Under the Animal Welfare Act 2006, an animal is protected if it is of a kind commonly domesticated in the British Islands, under the control… Read the full entry →
Psychoactive Substance Drug Regulation Law: Under the Psychoactive Substances Act 2016, any substance that produces a psychoactive effect (stimulant, depressant, hallucinogenic) other… Read the full entry →
Patent Claims Intellectual Property Law: The legal definition of the scope of protection conferred by a patent. Claims define the monopoly right — what others are prevented from doi… Read the full entry →
Personation Election & Political Law: The offence of voting as another person at an election, or applying for a ballot paper in another person's name. A corrupt practice under th… Read the full entry →
Professional Standards Authority (PSA) Professional Discipline: Body overseeing health and social care professional regulators (GMC, NMC, GDC, etc.). Can refer decisions to the High Court if it considers… Read the full entry →

Q

Quantum Meruit Contract Law: Latin: 'as much as is deserved'. A claim for reasonable remuneration for work done or services rendered where there is no express agreement… Read the full entry →
Qualifying Period Employment Law: The minimum period of continuous employment required before an employee can bring certain claims. For unfair dismissal, the qualifying perio… Read the full entry →
Qualified Right Human Rights Law: A Convention right that can be interfered with if the interference is prescribed by law, pursues a legitimate aim, and is necessary in a dem… Read the full entry →
Quistclose Trust Equity & Trusts: A resulting trust arising where money is lent for a specific purpose. If the purpose fails, the money is held on trust for the lender rather… Read the full entry →
Quashing Order Administrative & Public Law: A judicial review remedy (formerly certiorari) that sets aside or nullifies a decision of a public body. The effect is to declare the decisi… Read the full entry →
Qualified Exemption Information Law: Under FOIA 2000, an exemption where disclosure may still be required if the public interest in disclosure outweighs the public interest in m… Read the full entry →

R

Ratio Decidendi Evidence & Procedure: The legal reasoning or principle upon which a court's decision is based. The ratio is the binding part of a judgment under the doctrine of p… Read the full entry →
Rescission Contract Law: The setting aside of a contract so that it is treated as if it never existed. Available for misrepresentation, undue influence, duress, and… Read the full entry →
Res Judicata: Latin: 'a matter already judged'. The principle that a final judicial decision on the merits is conclusive between the parties and cannot be… Read the full entry →
Right of Abode Immigration Law: The right under s.1 Immigration Act 1971 to live in and come and go freely from the UK without immigration control. Held by British citizens… Read the full entry →
Right to Erasure Data Protection & Privacy Law: Also known as the 'right to be forgotten'. A data subject's right to request the deletion of personal data where it is no longer necessary,… Read the full entry →
Res Ipsa Loquitur Tort Law: Latin: 'the thing speaks for itself'. A doctrine of evidence in tort law allowing negligence to be inferred from the circumstances of an acc… Read the full entry →
Regulated Activity Financial Services: An activity specified in the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Regulated Activities) Order 2001 that requires FCA authorisation to ca… Read the full entry →
Retention Construction Law: A percentage (typically 3-5%) of the contract sum withheld by the employer as security against defects. Half is released at practical comple… Read the full entry →
Reporting Restriction Media & Entertainment Law: A court order or statutory provision restricting the publication of certain information about court proceedings, particularly where children… Read the full entry →
Restitution Equity & Trusts: A remedy aimed at reversing unjust enrichment — restoring to the claimant a benefit conferred on the defendant in circumstances where it wou… Read the full entry →
Ratification Company & Commercial Law: The act of confirming or adopting an act previously done without authority. In agency law, a principal can ratify an agent's unauthorised ac… Read the full entry →
Repudiation Contract Law: A serious breach of contract showing an intention not to be bound by it, or an anticipatory breach where a party indicates before the due da… Read the full entry →
Remoteness of Damage Contract Law: A limiting principle in contract and tort law. In contract, losses are recoverable only if they were reasonably foreseeable at the time of c… Read the full entry →
Reserved Judgment Evidence & Procedure: A judgment that is not delivered immediately at the end of a hearing but is 'reserved' for the judge to prepare and hand down at a later dat… Read the full entry →
Remoteness Tort Law: The legal principle limiting the extent of damages recoverable by a claimant. In contract law, damages are too remote unless they arise natu… Read the full entry →
Recklessness Criminal Law: A form of mens rea in criminal law. Following R v G [2003], the test is subjective: a person acts recklessly when they are aware of a risk t… Read the full entry →
Ransomware Cyber & Technology Law: Malicious software that encrypts a victim's data and demands payment (a 'ransom') for the decryption key. Deploying ransomware is a criminal… Read the full entry →
Restructuring Plan Insolvency Law: A procedure introduced by the Corporate Insolvency and Governance Act 2020 (inserting Part 26A into the Companies Act 2006) allowing a compa… Read the full entry →
Reynolds Privilege Media & Communications Law: A former common law defence to defamation, established in Reynolds v Times Newspapers [2001], protecting responsible journalism on matters o… Read the full entry →
Reasonably Practicable Health & Safety Law: The standard applied under health and safety legislation (Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974). An employer must reduce risks so far as i… Read the full entry →
Rectification Equity & Trusts: An equitable remedy correcting a written document that does not accurately reflect the parties' prior agreement or common intention. Availab… Read the full entry →
Restrictive Covenant Land Law: A negative obligation attached to land, preventing the owner from doing something (e.g., building above a certain height). Enforceable in eq… Read the full entry →
Responsible Clinician Mental Health Law: The approved clinician with overall responsibility for a patient's case under the MHA 1983. Usually a consultant psychiatrist. Read the full entry →
Reasonable Adjustments Equality & Discrimination: The duty on employers, service providers, and others under ss.20-22 Equality Act 2010 to take reasonable steps to avoid substantial disadvan… Read the full entry →
Reasonable Grounds for Suspicion Criminal Law: The objective standard required for stop and search and arrest. The officer must have a genuine suspicion based on objective factors — not p… Read the full entry →
Right to Buy Housing Law: The statutory right of secure tenants of local authorities and certain housing associations to purchase their home at a discount. Introduced… Read the full entry →
Right to Connect Water & Sewerage Law: The legal right of a property owner to connect their drains to the public sewer, subject to providing notice to the sewerage undertaker (Wat… Read the full entry →
Repudiatory Breach Contract Law: A breach of a condition, or a sufficiently serious breach of an innominate term, that entitles the innocent party to treat the contract as a… Read the full entry →
Resulting Trust Equity & Trusts: A trust that arises by operation of law where: (1) an express trust fails or does not exhaust the trust property (automatic resulting trust)… Read the full entry →
Redundancy Employment Law: A dismissal attributable wholly or mainly to the employer ceasing (or intending to cease) business, or the diminishing need for employees to… Read the full entry →
Rule of Law Constitutional Law: The constitutional principle that everyone is subject to the law, the law must be clear and prospective, and disputes must be resolved by in… Read the full entry →
Relevant Merger Situation Competition Law: Under Enterprise Act 2002, a merger situation exists where two or more enterprises cease to be distinct and either the UK turnover test (£10… Read the full entry →
Rent Repayment Order Housing Law: An order under Housing and Planning Act 2016 requiring a landlord to repay up to 12 months' rent to a tenant or local authority where the la… Read the full entry →
Remediation Order Building Safety: An order under the Building Safety Act 2022 requiring a landlord or developer to remedy specified defects in a relevant building. Can be sou… Read the full entry →
Reasonable Grounds Decision Modern Slavery: The first threshold decision in the National Referral Mechanism: whether there are reasonable grounds to believe that a person is a potentia… Read the full entry →
Recall Prison & Parole: The return of a released prisoner to custody for breach of licence conditions. The Secretary of State may recall a prisoner on the recommend… Read the full entry →
Restraint of Trade Sports Law: A contractual term that restricts a person's freedom to carry on their trade or profession. In sports law, transfer systems and non-compete… Read the full entry →
Returning Officer Election & Political Law: The person responsible for the conduct of an election in a constituency or electoral area. They ensure the election is carried out lawfully… Read the full entry →
Right to Cancel (14 Days) E-commerce Law: Under the Consumer Contracts Regulations 2013, consumers have a 14-day cooling-off period to cancel distance or off-premises contracts witho… Read the full entry →
Remediation Professional Discipline: In professional discipline, the process by which a professional demonstrates insight into their failings and takes steps to address them. Evidence of remediation may result in less severe sanctions.
Revalidation Professional Discipline: Periodic process by which professionals demonstrate continued fitness to practise. Doctors must revalidate every 5 years; other professions… Read the full entry →

S

Solicitor: A lawyer who provides legal advice, prepares documents, and may represent clients in lower courts. Most legal work in England & Wales is car… Read the full entry →
Statute: A written law passed by Parliament. Also called an Act of Parliament. Statutes take precedence over common law. Read the full entry →
Specific Performance Equity & Trusts: An equitable remedy compelling a party to perform their contractual obligations. Granted at the court's discretion, typically for contracts… Read the full entry →
Subpoena: A court order requiring a person to attend court to give evidence (subpoena ad testificandum) or to produce documents (subpoena duces tecum)… Read the full entry →
Statutory Nuisance Environmental Law: A nuisance defined by statute (s.79 Environmental Protection Act 1990) including smoke, fumes, dust, smells, noise, accumulations, and premi… Read the full entry →
Self-Assessment Tax Law: The system by which taxpayers calculate and report their own tax liability to HMRC and file annual returns. Applies to the self-employed, co… Read the full entry →
Subject Access Request (SAR) Data Protection & Privacy Law: A request by a data subject under Article 15 UK GDPR to obtain confirmation of whether their personal data is being processed, and to receiv… Read the full entry →
Stare Decisis Evidence & Procedure: Latin: 'to stand by things decided'. The doctrine of precedent: courts are bound to follow the legal principles established in previous deci… Read the full entry →
Satisfactory Quality Consumer Protection Law: A statutory standard under the Consumer Rights Act 2015 (s.9). Goods must meet the standard a reasonable person would consider satisfactory,… Read the full entry →
Section 75 Claim Banking & Finance Law: Under s.75 Consumer Credit Act 1974, the credit card company is jointly and severally liable with the supplier for misrepresentation or brea… Read the full entry →
Subrogation Insurance Law: The right of an insurer who has paid a claim to stand in the shoes of the insured and recover the loss from the party who caused it. Also ap… Read the full entry →
School Admissions Code Education Law: Statutory guidance governing school admissions in England. Admission authorities must comply with the Code, ensuring oversubscription criter… Read the full entry →
Strict Liability (Doping) Sports Law: In anti-doping rules, the principle that the athlete is responsible for any prohibited substance found in their sample, regardless of how it… Read the full entry →
Standstill Period Procurement Law: In public procurement law, a mandatory waiting period (usually 10 calendar days) between the notification of an award decision and the concl… Read the full entry →
Set-Off Evidence & Procedure: A defence or counterclaim that allows a defendant to reduce the claimant's claim by an amount the claimant owes to the defendant. Legal set-… Read the full entry →
Scott Schedule Evidence & Procedure: A tabulated document used in construction disputes and other multi-issue cases. It lists each item of claim with columns for the claimant's… Read the full entry →
Summary Judgment Evidence & Procedure: A procedure (CPR Part 24) allowing a party to obtain judgment without a full trial where the other party has no real prospect of success and… Read the full entry →
Striking Out Evidence & Procedure: The power of the court to dismiss all or part of a claim or defence. Under CPR r.3.4, the court may strike out a statement of case that disc… Read the full entry →
Statutory Demand Insolvency & Restructuring Law: A formal written demand for payment of a debt exceeding £750 (for companies) or £5,000 (for individuals). If the debtor fails to pay, secure… Read the full entry →
Summary Offence Criminal Law: A criminal offence that can only be tried in the magistrates' court. Summary offences are generally less serious (e.g., common assault, most… Read the full entry →
Serious Disruption Prevention Order Criminal Law: A civil order introduced by the Public Order Act 2023 that may be imposed on individuals who have been convicted of protest-related offences… Read the full entry →
Specific Intent Criminal Law: A criminal offence that requires proof of a particular intention, such as murder, s.18 GBH with intent, theft, and burglary. Evidence of vol… Read the full entry →
Strict Liability (Criminal) Criminal Law: A criminal offence that does not require proof of mens rea (guilty mind) for one or more elements. The defendant is liable regardless of fau… Read the full entry →
Salvage Maritime Law: In maritime law, a right to a reward for saving or assisting a vessel, cargo, or other property in danger at sea. Governed by the Internatio… Read the full entry →
Self-Exclusion (Gambling) Gambling & Betting Law: A scheme that allows a person to voluntarily ban themselves from gambling for a set period. GAMSTOP is the national online self-exclusion sc… Read the full entry →
Shoulder Dystocia Medical Law: A medical complication during childbirth where the baby's shoulder becomes trapped behind the mother's pubic bone. Central to the facts of M… Read the full entry →
Summary Dismissal Employment Law: Immediate dismissal without notice, lawful only where the employee has committed an act of gross misconduct (e.g., theft, violence, serious… Read the full entry →
Striking Off Company & Commercial Law: The removal of a company from the Companies House register, either voluntarily (by the directors applying under s.1003 Companies Act 2006) o… Read the full entry →
Senior Managers Regime Financial Services: A regulatory framework requiring senior managers in FCA/PRA-authorised firms to be pre-approved, with a duty of responsibility. If the firm… Read the full entry →
Sectioning Mental Health Law: The informal term for compulsory admission and detention under the Mental Health Act 1983. A patient may be 'sectioned' under s.2 (assessmen… Read the full entry →
Stop and Search Police Powers: The power of a police constable under s.1 PACE 1984 to search a person or vehicle for stolen or prohibited articles, provided they have reas… Read the full entry →
Section 78 PACE Evidence & Procedure: The court may refuse to allow prosecution evidence if its admission would have such an adverse effect on the fairness of proceedings that it… Read the full entry →
Suspicious Activity Report Fraud & Economic Crime: A report (SAR) made to the National Crime Agency by a person in the regulated sector (banks, solicitors, accountants) when they know or susp… Read the full entry →
Slavery Servitude and Forced Labour Criminal Law: Offences under s.1 Modern Slavery Act 2015. Holding a person in slavery or servitude, or requiring them to perform forced or compulsory labo… Read the full entry →
Serious Harm Test Tort Law: Under s.1 Defamation Act 2013, a statement is not defamatory unless its publication has caused or is likely to cause serious harm to the cla… Read the full entry →
Secure Tenancy Housing Law: A tenancy held by most local authority housing tenants under Housing Act 1985. Provides strong security of tenure; the landlord may only rec… Read the full entry →
Scheduled Monument Planning & Land Use: An archaeological site or historic building included on the Schedule of Monuments maintained by the Secretary of State. Scheduled Monument C… Read the full entry →
Section 47 Investigation Family Law: An investigation by the local authority under s.47 Children Act 1989 where there is reasonable cause to suspect a child is suffering, or lik… Read the full entry →
Significant Harm Childcare & Safeguarding: The threshold for state intervention under s.31 Children Act 1989. 'Harm' means ill-treatment or impairment of health or development. 'Signi… Read the full entry →
Self-Defence Criminal Law: A complete defence available where the defendant uses reasonable force to defend themselves, another person, or property. The force must be… Read the full entry →
Strict Liability Criminal Law: An offence that does not require proof of mens rea for one or more elements of the actus reus. Common in regulatory offences (e.g., selling… Read the full entry →
Severance Land Law: The process of converting a joint tenancy into a tenancy in common, extinguishing the right of survivorship. Can be done by written notice (… Read the full entry →
Shadow Director Company & Commercial Law: A person in accordance with whose directions or instructions the directors of a company are accustomed to act (s.251 CA 2006). Subject to di… Read the full entry →
Settlement Agreement Employment Law: A legally binding agreement (formerly a compromise agreement) under which the employee agrees to waive employment claims in return for a fin… Read the full entry →
Search Order Evidence & Procedure: An order requiring the respondent to permit their premises to be searched and documents/articles to be preserved. Formerly known as an Anton… Read the full entry →
Subject Access Request Data Protection & Privacy: A request by a data subject under Article 15 UK GDPR to obtain a copy of their personal data held by a controller. Must be responded to with… Read the full entry →
Section 106 Agreement Administrative Law: A legally binding agreement between a developer and the local planning authority under s.106 Town and Country Planning Act 1990, securing pl… Read the full entry →
Separation of Powers Constitutional Law: The constitutional doctrine that the functions of government should be divided between the legislature (Parliament), the executive (governme… Read the full entry →
Suspended Sentence Sentencing: A sentence of imprisonment that is not served immediately. The offender is released subject to conditions for an 'operational period' of up… Read the full entry →
Special Guardianship Order Family Law: An order under s.14A Children Act 1989 giving the special guardian parental responsibility which they can exercise to the exclusion of other… Read the full entry →
Substantial Lessening of Competition Competition Law: The test applied by the CMA in merger control. A merger may be prohibited or require remedies if it results, or may be expected to result, i… Read the full entry →
Section 8 Notice Housing Law: A notice served by a landlord under Housing Act 1988, s.8 seeking possession of an assured tenancy by proving one or more grounds in Schedul… Read the full entry →
Section 21 Notice Housing Law: A notice served by a landlord under Housing Act 1988, s.21 to end an assured shorthold tenancy without proving any fault. Requires at least… Read the full entry →
Scheme Funding Pensions: The requirement under Pensions Act 2004 for defined benefit schemes to have sufficient assets to meet their technical provisions (liabilitie… Read the full entry →
Sanction Welfare: A reduction in benefit (typically for UC) imposed when a claimant fails to meet their work-related requirements without good reason. May las… Read the full entry →
State Pension Age Welfare: The age at which a person becomes entitled to claim the State Pension. Currently 66, increasing to 67 by 2028 and scheduled to rise to 68 be… Read the full entry →
State Pension Welfare: A regular payment from the government in retirement based on National Insurance contributions. The new single-tier State Pension (from 2016)… Read the full entry →
Summary Hearing Military Law: A relatively informal disciplinary hearing conducted by the commanding officer for minor service offences under the Armed Forces Act 2006. L… Read the full entry →
Service Complaint Military Law: A formal complaint by a member of the armed forces about matters affecting them personally (e.g., bullying, discrimination, terms of service… Read the full entry →
Safety Certificate Sports Law: A certificate issued by a local authority under the Safety of Sports Grounds Act 1975 specifying the terms and conditions for safe use of a… Read the full entry →
Second Opinion Appointed Doctor Mental Health Law: A psychiatrist appointed by the Care Quality Commission to provide an independent second opinion on whether a detained patient should receiv… Read the full entry →
Serious Harm Defamation & Privacy: The threshold in s.1 Defamation Act 2013: a statement is not defamatory unless its publication has caused or is likely to cause serious harm… Read the full entry →
Super-Injunction Defamation & Privacy: An injunction that prohibits publication of the information and also prohibits reporting the existence of the injunction itself. Rare and co… Read the full entry →
Slavery and Trafficking Prevention Order Modern Slavery: A civil preventive order under s.14 Modern Slavery Act 2015 that can be made against a person convicted of a slavery or trafficking offence,… Read the full entry →
Sufficient Interest Administrative & Public Law: The standing requirement for judicial review under s.31(3) Senior Courts Act 1981. The applicant must demonstrate a sufficient interest in t… Read the full entry →
Statelessness Immigration & Nationality: The condition of not being considered a national by any state. International law (1961 Convention on the Reduction of Statelessness) and dom… Read the full entry →
Settled Status Immigration & Nationality: Immigration status confirming indefinite leave to remain in the UK. Under the EU Settlement Scheme, EU nationals who were resident in the UK… Read the full entry →
Strict Liability Contempt Media & Entertainment Law: Under the Contempt of Court Act 1981, publications creating a substantial risk of serious prejudice to active court proceedings are punishab… Read the full entry →
State Immunity International Law: The doctrine that a sovereign state cannot be sued in the courts of another state without its consent. In the UK, governed by the State Immu… Read the full entry →
Standards Committee Local Government Law: A committee of a local authority responsible for promoting and maintaining high standards of ethical conduct by councillors, and dealing wit… Read the full entry →
Specialty Rule Extradition Law: The principle that a person extradited may only be prosecuted for the offence(s) for which extradition was granted, unless the requesting st… Read the full entry →
Spectrum Licence Telecommunications Law: A licence issued by Ofcom under the Wireless Telegraphy Act 2006 authorising the use of radio frequencies. Essential for mobile networks, br… Read the full entry →
Safe Third Country Refugee & Asylum Law: A country through which an asylum seeker has passed and where they could have claimed asylum. Under the Nationality and Borders Act 2022 and… Read the full entry →
Subsidiary Protection Refugee & Asylum Law: International protection for persons who do not qualify as refugees but who face a real risk of serious harm (death penalty, torture, seriou… Read the full entry →
SENCO Education Law: Special Educational Needs Coordinator — a teacher in a school responsible for coordinating provision for pupils with special educational nee… Read the full entry →
Seat of Arbitration Arbitration & ADR: The juridical home of the arbitration, determining the procedural law governing the arbitration and the court with supervisory jurisdiction. Read the full entry →
Serious Irregularity Arbitration & ADR: A ground for challenging an arbitral award under s.68 Arbitration Act 1996 — a defect in procedure or the award that has caused or will caus… Read the full entry →
Sentencing Guidelines Sentencing Law: Definitive guidelines produced by the Sentencing Council that courts must follow unless it would be contrary to the interests of justice. Th… Read the full entry →
Serious Harm Threshold Defamation & Privacy: The requirement under s.1 Defamation Act 2013 that a statement must cause or be likely to cause 'serious harm' to the claimant's reputation… Read the full entry →
Single Publication Rule Defamation & Privacy: Under s.8 Defamation Act 2013, the limitation period for defamation runs from the date of first publication, not each subsequent access — pr… Read the full entry →
Short-Term Right to Reject Consumer Protection Law: The consumer's right under the Consumer Rights Act 2015 to reject goods that are faulty (not of satisfactory quality, fit for purpose, or as… Read the full entry →
Suspicious Activity Report (SAR) Fraud & Economic Crime: A report made to the National Crime Agency by a person in the regulated sector who suspects money laundering or terrorist financing. Failure… Read the full entry →
Section 25 Notice Landlord & Tenant Law: A notice served by a landlord under s.25 of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1954, either proposing new terms for a business tenancy or giving no… Read the full entry →
Section 45 Defence Modern Slavery & Trafficking: A statutory defence under s.45 Modern Slavery Act 2015 for victims of trafficking or slavery who are compelled to commit criminal offences a… Read the full entry →
Subscription Trap E-commerce Law: A practice where consumers are unknowingly enrolled in recurring payment schemes. The CMA has taken enforcement action and the Digital Marke… Read the full entry →
Striking Off / Erasure Professional Discipline: The most serious sanction in professional disciplinary proceedings — removal of the professional's name from the register, prohibiting them… Read the full entry →

T

Tort Tort Law: A civil wrong (other than breach of contract) for which the law provides a remedy, usually damages. Common torts include negligence, nuisanc… Read the full entry →
Trust Equity & Trusts: An arrangement where a person (trustee) holds property for the benefit of another (beneficiary). Trusts are governed by equity. Read the full entry →
Trespass Tort Law: A direct and intentional interference with person (trespass to the person: assault, battery, false imprisonment), land (trespass to land: en… Read the full entry →
Tax Avoidance Tax Law: The use of lawful means to minimise tax liability. Distinguished from tax evasion (criminal dishonesty). May be counteracted by the General… Read the full entry →
Tax Evasion Tax Law: The criminal offence of dishonestly concealing income, gains, or assets to reduce tax liability. Punishable under the Fraud Act 2006 and the… Read the full entry →
Trade Mark Intellectual Property: A sign (word, logo, shape, colour, sound) used to distinguish the goods or services of one trader from those of another. Registered at the U… Read the full entry →
TEN (Temporary Event Notice) Licensing Law: A notice under the Licensing Act 2003 permitting licensable activities at unlicensed premises for up to 168 hours, for up to 499 persons. Read the full entry →
Totting Up Road Traffic & Motoring Law: The process under s.35 of the Road Traffic Offenders Act 1988 by which a driver who accumulates 12 or more penalty points on their licence w… Read the full entry →
Transferred Malice Criminal Law: The doctrine in criminal law whereby a defendant who intends to commit a crime against one person but accidentally commits it against anothe… Read the full entry →
Testamentary Capacity Wills, Probate & Succession: The mental ability required to make a valid will. The test was established in Banks v Goodfellow (1870): the testator must understand the na… Read the full entry →
TPIM Counter-Terrorism: A Terrorism Prevention and Investigation Measure — a civil order imposed by the Home Secretary on an individual suspected of involvement in… Read the full entry →
TUPE Employment Law: Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) Regulations 2006. Protect employees' terms and conditions when the business or undertaki… Read the full entry →
Tracing Equity & Trusts: An equitable process of following the value of property through various transformations (e.g., money paid into a bank account, used to buy s… Read the full entry →
Transparency in Supply Chains Modern Slavery: The obligation under s.54 Modern Slavery Act 2015 for commercial organisations with annual turnover of £36m+ to publish a statement setting… Read the full entry →
Trade Effluent Consent Environmental Law: Consent required from the sewerage undertaker before discharging trade effluent (liquid waste from manufacturing, treatment, or cleaning pro… Read the full entry →
Tenancy in Common Land Law: A form of co-ownership where each co-owner has a distinct (though undivided) share that can be left by will. No right of survivorship. The d… Read the full entry →
Transaction at an Undervalue Company & Commercial Law: A transaction entered into by a company for no consideration or at a significantly less value than the consideration provided by the company… Read the full entry →
Totality Principle Sentencing: The principle that when an offender is sentenced for multiple offences, the overall sentence must be just and proportionate to the totality… Read the full entry →
Tenancy Deposit Protection Housing Law: Under Housing Act 2004, landlords of ASTs must protect deposits in a government-approved scheme within 30 days and provide prescribed inform… Read the full entry →
The Pensions Regulator Pensions: The statutory body responsible for regulating UK workplace pensions, established by Pensions Act 2004. Powers include issuing improvement no… Read the full entry →
Transfer Value Pensions: The capital sum that may be transferred from one pension scheme to another when a member moves. Defined benefit members have a statutory rig… Read the full entry →
Trivial Commutation Pensions: The ability to convert small pension pots into a one-off cash lump sum if total pension savings are below a threshold. Allows members to sim… Read the full entry →
Transfer Fee Sports Law: A payment made by one sports club to another for the transfer of a player's registration. The Bosman ruling (1995) abolished mandatory trans… Read the full entry →
Trafficking Modern Slavery: Under s.2 Modern Slavery Act 2015, arranging or facilitating the travel of another person with a view to their exploitation, including sexua… Read the full entry →
Temporary Event Notice Licensing Law: A notice under the Licensing Act 2003 allowing licensable activities at unlicensed premises for up to 168 hours (7 days), for up to 499 pers… Read the full entry →
Transparency Statement Modern Slavery & Trafficking: A statement required under s.54 Modern Slavery Act 2015 from commercial organisations with turnover of £36 million or more, setting out the… Read the full entry →
TOLATA Claim Cohabitation Law: A claim under the Trusts of Land and Appointment of Trustees Act 1996 to establish, quantify, or enforce a beneficial interest in property.… Read the full entry →

U

Ultra Vires Administrative & Public Law: Beyond the powers. An act by a public body or company that exceeds its legal authority is ultra vires and may be declared void. Read the full entry →
Undue Influence Equity & Trusts: An equitable doctrine rendering a transaction voidable where one party has exercised influence over another in a way that is unconscionable.… Read the full entry →
Utmost Good Faith Insurance Law: The historical principle (uberrima fides) requiring both parties to an insurance contract to act with the utmost good faith. Now largely rep… Read the full entry →
Universal Credit Welfare: A means-tested benefit under Welfare Reform Act 2012 replacing six legacy benefits. Paid monthly to working-age claimants, combining support… Read the full entry →
Unjust Enrichment Equity & Trusts: A cause of action arising where the defendant has been enriched at the claimant's expense in circumstances that the law regards as unjust, a… Read the full entry →
Ultra Vires (Company Law) Company & Commercial Law: Beyond the powers of a company as defined in its constitution. Historically, acts outside a company's objects clause were void. The Companie… Read the full entry →
Unfair Dismissal Employment Law: A statutory claim under s.94 Employment Rights Act 1996. An employee with 2+ years' service has the right not to be unfairly dismissed. The… Read the full entry →
Universal Service Obligation (Telecoms) Cyber & Technology Law: The obligation under the Communications Act 2003 to provide basic telecommunications services (including broadband at a minimum speed) to al… Read the full entry →
Unfair Prejudice Petition Company & Commercial Law: A petition under s.994 Companies Act 2006 by a member alleging the company's affairs are being conducted in a manner that is unfairly prejud… Read the full entry →
Undertaking Competition Law: In competition law, any entity engaged in economic activity, regardless of legal status or how it is financed. Includes companies, partnersh… Read the full entry →
Unexplained Wealth Order Fraud & Economic Crime: An order under Part 1 of the Criminal Finances Act 2017 requiring a person to explain the origin of property worth over £50,000 where there… Read the full entry →
Unauthorised Access Cyber & Digital Law: Under s.1 Computer Misuse Act 1990, the offence of causing a computer to perform any function with intent to secure unauthorised access to a… Read the full entry →
Universal Service Obligation Telecommunications Law: The obligation ensuring basic electronic communications services are available throughout the UK at an affordable price. Currently includes… Read the full entry →
Unfair Commercial Practice Consumer Protection Law: A commercial practice that contravenes the requirements of professional diligence and materially distorts the economic behaviour of the aver… Read the full entry →

V

Vicarious Liability Tort Law: The legal responsibility of one person for the wrongful acts of another, typically an employer for the torts of an employee committed during… Read the full entry →
Void: Having no legal effect from the outset. A void contract is treated as if it never existed. Distinguished from 'voidable', which is valid unt… Read the full entry →
Voidable Contract Law: A legal act or transaction that is valid and effective until it is set aside (avoided) by the party entitled to do so. Distinguished from 'v… Read the full entry →
Value Added Tax (VAT) Tax Law: An indirect tax charged on the supply of goods and services at each stage of production and distribution. Standard rate: 20%. Reduced rate:… Read the full entry →
Volenti Non Fit Injuria Tort Law: Latin: 'to a willing person, no injury is done'. A complete defence in tort where the claimant voluntarily assumed the risk of harm. The cla… Read the full entry →
Variation Construction Law: A change to the scope of works under a construction contract. Standard forms typically provide mechanisms for valuing variations and adjusti… Read the full entry →
Verdict (Conclusion) Coroners & Inquests: The formal finding of a coroner or inquest jury as to how a person died. Standard conclusions include: natural causes, accident/misadventure… Read the full entry →
Victimisation (Equality) Equality & Discrimination Law: Subjecting a person to a detriment because they have done or may do a protected act, such as bringing a discrimination claim or giving evide… Read the full entry →
Voidable Preference Company & Commercial Law: A transaction by an insolvent company that puts a creditor in a better position than they would have been in on a winding up, made within 6… Read the full entry →
Vertical Agreement Competition Law: An agreement between undertakings operating at different levels of the supply chain (e.g., manufacturer and retailer). Generally less harmfu… Read the full entry →
Voter ID Election Law: A requirement under the Elections Act 2022 for voters at polling stations in Great Britain to show an approved form of photographic identifi… Read the full entry →
Voluntary Attendance Police Powers: Where a person attends a police station voluntarily (not under arrest) to assist with enquiries. The person is free to leave at any time and… Read the full entry →
Vento Guidelines Equality & Discrimination Law: Judicial guidelines setting the range of compensation for injury to feelings in discrimination cases: lower band (less serious), middle band… Read the full entry →

W

Waiver: The voluntary relinquishment or abandonment of a known right. In contract law, waiver may prevent a party from insisting on strict performan… Read the full entry →
Winding Up Company & Commercial Law: The process of dissolving a company and distributing its assets. May be voluntary (by shareholders' or creditors' resolution) or compulsory… Read the full entry →
Without Prejudice: A rule of evidence preventing statements made in a genuine attempt to settle a dispute from being put before the court as evidence of admiss… Read the full entry →
Writ: Historically, a formal written order issued by a court commanding a person to do or refrain from doing a specified act. In modern practice,… Read the full entry →
Winding-Up Petition Insolvency & Restructuring Law: An application to the court for an order that a company be wound up (liquidated). May be presented by creditors, the company itself, directo… Read the full entry →
Wrongful Trading Insolvency Law: A civil liability under s.214 Insolvency Act 1986. A director of a company in insolvent liquidation may be ordered to make a personal contri… Read the full entry →
Wrongful Dismissal Employment Law: A common law claim for breach of contract where an employer dismisses an employee without giving the contractual or statutory notice period,… Read the full entry →
Wednesbury Unreasonableness Administrative & Public Law: The standard of irrationality in judicial review, from Associated Provincial Picture Houses v Wednesbury Corporation [1948]. A decision is W… Read the full entry →
Water Undertaker Environmental Law: A company appointed under the Water Industry Act 1991 to provide water supply services in a particular area. The main water undertakers are… Read the full entry →
Whistleblowing Employment Law: Protected disclosures under the Employment Rights Act 1996 (Part IVA). Workers who make qualifying disclosures about wrongdoing are protecte… Read the full entry →
Watershed Broadcasting: The time (9pm in the UK) before which material unsuitable for children should not generally be shown on television. The transition to adult… Read the full entry →
Work Capability Assessment Welfare: The assessment determining whether a claimant has limited capability for work or work-related activity, qualifying them for ESA or the limit… Read the full entry →
Wholesome Water Water & Sewerage Law: Water that meets the standards set by the Water Supply (Water Quality) Regulations 2016. Water companies have a duty to supply wholesome wat… Read the full entry →
Welfare Principle Childcare & Safeguarding: The paramount principle in children's cases: the child's welfare is the court's paramount consideration in any decision about their upbringi… Read the full entry →

Z

Zero-Hours Contract Employment Law: A contract under which the employer is not obliged to provide any minimum working hours and the worker is not obliged to accept any work off… Read the full entry →