Court Proceedings Legend

Credit: His Hon. Jeffrey Gazzledorf

Legal Term	Meaning
Plaintiff	The person or party who starts the lawsuit. They believe they've been wronged.
Defendant	The person or party being sued. They must respond to the plaintiff’s claim.
Statement of Claim	A written explanation of what the plaintiff wants and why they're suing.
Notice of Appearance	A document the defendant files to say they will take part in the court case.
Defence	The defendant’s official written response to the plaintiff’s claims.
Reply	The plaintiff’s answer to the defence, if needed.
Pleadings	The official written documents exchanged before trial (claim, defence, reply).
Discovery	The process where both sides show each other the evidence they plan to use.
Interrogatories	A set of written questions one party sends to the other to be answered in writing.
Directions Hearing	A short court session where the judge checks how the case is progressing.
Mediation	A meeting where a neutral person helps both sides try to settle without going to trial.
Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)	Any method of resolving disputes outside of court, like mediation or arbitration.
Associate or Registrar	The court staff member who helps run the courtroom and supports the judge.
Examination-in-chief	When a party asks their own witness questions to tell their side of the story.
Cross-examination	When the other party questions that witness to test their truthfulness or accuracy.
Re-examination	A chance to ask the witness more questions after cross-examination to clarify things.
Exhibit	A document, photo, object or other piece of evidence shown to the court.
Closing Submissions	Final speeches from each side where they argue why they should win.
Judgment Reserved	When the judge decides to take more time before giving a decision.
Damages	Money awarded to a person who has suffered loss or injury.
Injunction	A court order that tells someone to start or stop doing something.
Costs	The legal fees and other expenses that the losing side might have to pay.
Writ of Seizure and Sale	A court order allowing someone’s property to be sold to pay off a debt.
Garnishee Order	A court order taking money directly from someone’s wages or bank account to pay a debt.
Examination Hearing	A court session where a person must explain their financial situation under oath.
Appeal	A request for a higher court to change or reverse the decision of a lower court.