Legal

Everyday Australian words, slang and life-admin terms for migrants, students and workers — explained in plain English and 8 other languages.

Reviewed entries

160 entries

Legal words are explained in plain English for general understanding and are not legal advice. For help with your situation, contact a lawyer or a free community legal centre.

nuisance
noun
Something that interferes with people's use and enjoyment of their property, such as constant noise.
The council treated the barking dog as a nuisance.
offence
noun
An act that breaks the law (US: offense).
Driving without a licence is an offence.
Ombudsman
noun
An independent official who investigates complaints about government agencies or industries.
She complained to the Commonwealth Ombudsman.
out-of-court settlement
noun
An agreement to end a legal dispute without a court decision.
The parties reached an out-of-court settlement.
parenting order
noun
A court order about arrangements for children after parents separate.
The court made a parenting order about where the children live.
parliament
noun
The group of elected representatives that makes laws.
Parliament passed the new law.
parole
noun
Early release from prison under supervision and conditions.
He was released on parole after three years.
perjury
noun
The crime of lying under oath in court.
Lying in court can lead to a perjury charge.

plaintiff
noun
The person who starts a civil case against another person.
The plaintiff claimed damages for the injury.
plea
noun
A defendant's formal answer of guilty or not guilty.
He entered a plea of not guilty.
police statement
noun
A written account given to police about what a person saw or experienced.
The witness gave a police statement.
power of attorney
noun
A legal document that lets someone make financial or legal decisions for you.
She gave her son power of attorney.
precedent
noun
A past court decision that guides decisions in similar later cases.
The judgement set an important precedent.
presumption of innocence
noun
The principle that a person is treated as innocent until proven guilty.
Everyone has the presumption of innocence.
Privacy Act
noun
The federal law that controls how organisations collect, use and protect personal information.
The company must follow the Privacy Act.
pro bono
adjective
Done without charge for the public good, especially legal work.
The law firm took the case pro bono.
probate
noun
The legal process of proving a will is valid so the estate can be distributed.
The executor applied for probate.
product liability
noun
A manufacturer's legal responsibility for harm caused by a faulty product.
The company faced a product liability claim.
prosecution
noun
The side that brings a criminal case against someone in court, or the act of doing this.
The prosecution called three witnesses.
prosecutor
noun
A lawyer who presents the case against a person accused of a crime.
The prosecutor asked for a longer sentence.
public liability
noun
Legal responsibility for injury or damage to members of the public, often covered by insurance.
Market stallholders need public liability insurance.
record of interview
noun
An official recorded police interview with a suspect.
The record of interview was played in court.
referendum
noun
A national vote; in Australia, required to change the Constitution.
Australians voted in a referendum in 2023.
remand
noun / verb
Keeping an accused person in custody until their trial.
She was remanded in custody until next month.
Residential Tenancies Act
noun
The state law setting the rights and responsibilities of tenants and landlords.
The Residential Tenancies Act limits how often rent can increase.