Definition A duty solicitor is a lawyer who is available to provide legal services to people who cannot afford to pay for a private lawyer. These lawyers are often employed by government agencies or professional associations to provide free or low-cost legal services to low-income individuals. Example Imagine you’re a low-income person who needs legal […]

Definition A notice of termination is a written document informing a party that a contract or agreement will be terminated on a specific date. Example Imagine you’re a company that has signed a contract with a supplier for the delivery of materials. However, you have recently discovered that the supplier is not respecting the terms […]

Definition A fine is a pecuniary sanction imposed by a judicial or administrative authority in response to an offence or violation of the law. Example Of course you can! Let’s take the example of a driver who exceeds the authorized speed limit on a road. If this driver is stopped by the police and found […]

Definition A hearing is a public session held before a court or judge where the parties present their arguments and evidence in a legal case. Example Imagine you are involved in a dispute and have to appear in court to make your case. You’re sitting in the courtroom, anxious and nervous, waiting for your turn […]

Definition A company is a legal entity separate from its owners, which may be created to carry out business activities and which has rights and obligations distinct from those of its owners. Example A concrete example of this definition would be a family business that decides to incorporate. The family members then become shareholders in […]

Definition An offence is a violation of a law or regulation. Example A concrete example of an infraction would be breaking the speed limit on a highway. If you drive faster than the speed limit, you are in violation of the Highway Safety Code. This infraction can result in fines, demerit points and even suspension […]

Definition A director is a person appointed to manage the affairs of a company or organization. He or she is responsible for making important decisions and overseeing the company’s day-to-day operations. Example Of course, here’s a concrete example to illustrate the role of a director: Let’s say you own a furniture manufacturing company. You’ve appointed […]

Definition A legal assistant is a professional who assists lawyers and notaries in the management of their legal practice. They may be responsible for drafting legal documents, managing files, communicating with clients and the courts, and conducting legal research. Example A concrete example of a task a legal assistant could perform would be drafting a […]

Definition A deed is a written document that establishes a legal right or obligation. Example A concrete example of a deed would be an apartment rental contract. This written document establishes the rights and obligations of the tenant and the landlord, such as the amount of rent, the duration of the lease and each party’s […]

Definition A criminal act is a serious breach of criminal law that can result in sanctions such as imprisonment, fines or other penalties. Example A concrete example of a criminal act could be armed robbery. If a person is convicted of this crime, he or she could be sentenced to several years’ imprisonment, as well […]