Legal English Quiz: Consumer Products

Hi everyone ! What is the missing word?

If a product becomes dirty, marked, scratched or damaged during its natural life, then there may be provisions in the contract that deal with fair wear and _____.

a) damage
b) tear
c) use
d) defects

All answers, comments and shares welcome. Don't forget - our Christmas discount for our Civil Litigation Vocabulary book. Only £0.99 from our website at http://www.legalenglishbooks.co.uk

Summer courses now getting booked up, so if you fancy a weekend in London then visit our new websites for courses at http://www.legalenglish.co

All the best :)

Christmas Discount - Legal English E-book for £0.99 !!!!

Hi all, well done Nitesh ! 


The answer is "legislature".


Here is our explanation of the separation of powers in UK law:
Separation of Powers (noun): This is a model of government where the most important law and policy making authorities are kept independent of each other. The reason for this is to make sure that the laws are fair and equal. In the English legal system the three authorities are the legislature (parliament), the executive (the cabinet and government departments) and the judiciary (the courts). In practice the model is far more complicated than this but generally these three authorities should be kept independent of each other under the principle of the separation of powers. Associated Words: Cabinet (noun), Court (noun), Executive (noun), Government (noun), Judiciary (noun), Legislature (noun), Parliament (noun).


By the way, we are running a Christmas discount on http://www.legalenglishbooks.co.uk.  Pick up a copy of our e-book on Civil Litigation and Dispute Resolution for only £0.99 !  Try it and let us know what you think :)


Have a wonderful week :)

Legal English Quiz: The Separation of Powers

Hi everyone, legal English quiz time. Complete this sentence:

The three main parts of the English legal system are the judiciary, executive and the ___________.

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Have a wonderful weekend everyone !

Answer to quiz on commercial contracts

Hi everyone, sorry for the delay but Christmas time is super busy ! Here is the answer to the quiz: 

All reasonable endeavours (collocation): Parties to a commercial contract should enter into the contract in good faith. This phrase states that a party (or parties) will do their best where reasonably possible. The phrase is used to make sure that a party fulfils a duty or obligation, or at least to use a reasonable amount of effort to fulfil them. This phrase is sometimes subject to negotiation as ‘reasonable’ is not a strong word in this situation. For instance, if you are asking another party to do something under the contract, then you would argue for the phrase ‘all endeavours’ or ‘all best endeavours’. This is much stronger. However, if you are the party who must do something under the contract then you would argue that you should use ‘all reasonable endeavours’ as this obligation is easier to fulfil. Associated Words: All Endeavours (collocation), All Best Endeavours (collocation), Duties and Obligations (collocation), Enter into a Contract (collocation), To Fulfil (verb), Good Faith (noun), Negotiation (noun), Party (noun)

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Legal English quiz ! Commercial Contracts

Hello all ! Legal English quiz time, what is the missing phrase?
“The seller must use ___   ______________   ___________ to deliver the goods within 14 days of the date of the order”. This means that the seller must do everything that is suitably possible to fulfil this obligation under the contract.

a) all reasonable endeavours
b) all known endeavours
c) all best endeavours
d) all absolute endeavours

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Legal English summer courses in London

How about spending a summer weekend in London and learn some legal English with us?  We have summer weekend legal English courses available in August (8th-9th and 22nd-23rd), held at the majestic Imperial College. Please visit our courses website at:

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Answer to last week's quiz

Hi all,  the answer to last week's quiz is a) set !  More quizzes and questions coming up. In the meantime, why not visit us at http://www.legalenglishbooks.co.uk for our INTERACTIVE pdfs for your pc, tablet or phone.

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Legal English Quiz: Duties and Obligations

Hello everyone :)  It's legal English quiz time:  What is the missing word:

“The parties agree to fulfil all their duties and obligations as ___ out in this agreement”.

a) set
b) laid
c) written
d) drafted

All answers are welcome :)  If you have a moment, take a look at our INTERACTIVE pdfs available at

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Enjoy your day! :)

Answer to quiz on pre-contract documents

Hi all, the answer to last week's quiz is heads of terms. Here is our definition from our book "Drafting Commercial Contracts: Vocabulary Series" available from http://www.legalenglishbooks.co.uk

Heads of Terms (noun): This is a document that sets out the basic terms of a contract. It is commonly used for pre-contractual negotiations and to detail the terms that the parties think are the most important. Heads of Terms commonly include the main duties and obligations, for instance, applicable law, price, description, warranties, indemnities, exclusivity, dispute resolution and confidentiality. Heads of Terms are commonly used as a starting point for a first draft of a commercial contract. Associated Words: Applicable Law (noun), Confidentiality (noun), Description (noun), Duties and Obligations (noun), Exclusivity (noun), Indemnity (noun), To Negotiate (verb), Party (noun), Pre-Contractual (noun), Price (noun), To Set Out (phrasal verb), Warranty (noun).

Have a lovely weekend. More quizzes soon :)

Legal English Quiz: Pre-contract documentation

Legal English quiz time: What is the missing preposition in this legal English phrase:

The document that sets out the basic terms of a contract, especially for pre-contractual negotiations is called the heads ___ terms.

All answers, comments and shares welcome :)  Learn more legal and business English with our interactive study packs that you can download to your phone, tablet or pc at http://www.legalenglishbooks.co.uk

Have a fun Sunday !

Legal English Books

Answer to legal and business English quiz on Interest

Hi all, the answer to last week's quiz is c) accrue. Here is our definition taken from our new book "Drafting Commercial Contracts: Vocabulary Series" available from http://www.legalenglishbooks.co.uk/

To Accrue (verb): This means to incre...ase. It is usually used in relation to interest on debts or money in arrears. For example, BigCo Ltd borrows £40,000 from Small Bank Ltd at an interest rate of 3%. The contract states that BigCo Ltd must pay instalments of £3,000 a month. BigCo Ltd is having financial problems and cannot pay £3,000 every month and so are now in arrears. The contract states that interest will accrue on the amount of money in arrears at a rate of 5%. The amount of money that is in arrears is accruing interest at a higher rate because BigCo Ltd are late with their instalment payments to Small Bank Ltd. Associated Words: To Borrow (verb), Debt (noun), In Arrears (collocation), Interest (noun), Instalments (noun).

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  More legal and business English quizzes coming up :)

Legal and Business English Quiz: Interest

Hello all, legal and business English question time :)  What is the missing word?

My contract with the bank states that “Interest will _________ on the amount of money in arrears at a rate of 6%”.  This means that if I am late with my loan payments to the bank, they will charge extra interest on the amount of money that is late.

a) increase
b) charge
c) accrue
d) add

All answers, shares and comments welcome.  All our study packs are INTERACTIVE and can be used on smartphones, tablet and computers without having to print them out :)  You can save them and come back to them later. Learn more about our interactive study packs at http://www.legalenglishbooks.co.uk

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Answer to last weeks quiz on third party charges

Hi all, the answer to last week's quiz is b) encumbrance.

Encumbrance (noun): This means a burden or restriction. It is commonly used in relation to property. For instance, if Company A wishes to buy a property to use as their offices, then then need to check that the land is free from all encumbrances. Encumbrances can include, third party rights or charges that another party may have over the property.

An easement is a non-possessory right of use of property of another. This is more common with pathways, etc.

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Legal English Quiz: Third Party Rights

Hello everyone, legal English quiz time !

What is the missing word?

An e___________ is a third party right or charge that another party
may have over property or land.

a) easement
b) encumbrance
c) entitlement
d) exclusivity right

All answers, comments and shares welcome as ever :)

Have a lovely Sunday !

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Answer to quiz on commercial contracts

Hi all, the answer to last week's quiz is b) restraint of trade.  Here is our definition from our book "Drafting Commercial Contracts: Vocabulary Series":

Restraint of Trade (noun): This clause deals with the situation when one party tries to limit the business, trade or activity of another. Commercial contracts must be careful if a party wishes to include a restraint of trade clause as it must not conflict with anti-competition law. However, this type of clause is commonly found in employment contracts. Associated Word: Clause (noun).

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Legal English Quiz: Commercial Contract Clause

Legal English quiz time: what is the missing word in this sentence?

If a party tries to limit the business, trade or activity of another, then this clause is called a ________ of trade clause.

a) limitation
b) restraint
c) restriction
d) competition

All answers, shares and comments welcome. Visit us at http://www.legalenglishbooks.co.uk to learn more with our interactive pdfs. You can do the exercises on your computer, tablet or phone !

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Have a lovely weekend all ! :)

Answer to legal English quiz on entering into contracts

Hi all, the answer to last week's quiz is c) capacity to contract. Here is our definition from our book "Drafting Commercial Contracts: Vocabulary Series":


Capacity to Contract (collocation): This phrase means that a party who signs a contract, intended to sign it and understands the terms and conditions that are stated in it. However, if a party does not have capacity to contract then it is not legally binding on that party. Common examples of parties who do not have capacity to contract are minors (children) and people who are mentally impaired or disabled. It is interesting to note that a contract that is in a different language to the party who signs it (and doesn’t understand it) may still be legally bound by the contract. Associated Words: To Bind (verb), Party (noun).


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Or buy in paperback or Kindle at :


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Have a wonderful day ! :)

Legal English Quiz: Entering into a contract

Hi all, legal English quiz time: What is the correct legal English term meaning a party to a contract is of legal age and mentally able to enter into a contract:

a) authority to contract
b) consent to contract
c) capacity to contract
d) privity of contract

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Have a wonderful week all :)

Answer to legal quiz on Property agreements

Hi all, the answer to last week's legal English quiz is d) Lease. Here is our definition from our new book "Drafting Commercial Contracts - Vocabulary Series:

Lease (noun): This is a very popular type of agreement that permits a party to use property, land, vehicles or a piece of equipment for a period of time. Under a lease agreement ownership and legal title remains with the owner. Associated Words: Title (noun).

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Have a wonderful week and weekend :)

Legal English Quiz: Renting property or building

Hello everyone :) Legal English Quiz Time !

What is the name of the commercial contract that parties enter into to rent property or a building?

a) Franchise
b) Licence Agreement
c) Hire Agreement
d) Lease

This question is on commercial contracts using vocabulary from our new book "Drafting Commercial Contracts: Vocabulary Series"

You can buy the ebook from our new website at:

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Or buy it in paperback or on Kindle from:

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Have a lovely weekend all !

Answer to legal English murder quiz

Hi all, here is the answer to last week's quiz. The main difference between murder and culpable homicide (manslaughter) is intent. To be guilty of murder there must be intent to kill (or in some jurisdictions, intent to cause grievous bodily harm). Culpable homicide lacks the intent to kill, instead it is the unlawful negligent killing of a human being.

Oscar Pistorius was found not guilty of murder, but guilty of culpable homicide.

He is to be sentenced next month. A fascinating but tragic case.

Legal English quiz: Murder

Hi all, #legalenglish quiz time. Following the Oscar Pistorius trial verdict, the question is this:

What is the main difference between murder and culpable homicide (also known as manslaughter) ?  It is an open question, so all comments welcome.

Enjoy your Sunday!

Answer to last weeks legal English quiz

Hi all, the answer to last week's quiz is C) Burden of Proof.  Here is our definition:

Burden of Proof (noun): This means that one party has the obligation of proving their case in court. The burden of proof in civil litigation “rests” with the claimant. This means that the claimant must prove their case on the balance of probabilities. This means that they must show the court that their version of the facts is more likely than the defendant’s version. The burden of proof in criminal law is defined differently and rests with the prosecution to prove their case so that the jury or judge is sure of the defendant’s guilt. Associated Words: Balance of Probabilities (noun), Claimant (noun), Defendant (noun), Obligation (noun).

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Legal English Quiz

Hi all ! #Legal English quiz time :)

What is the legal term that means the responsibility of the claimant to establish their case in a civil court?

A) standard of proof

B) balance of probabilities

C) burden of proof

D) beyond reasonable doubt

All answers, comments and shares welcome :)

Have a lovely weekend!

Answer to last week's quiz

Hi all ! The answer to last weeks quiz is d) layperson. 

Here is our definition from our book "The English Legal System: Vocabulary Series":

Layperson (person): This word is used to describe a person who is not a qualified lawyer or expert in a legal field. It is an informal word but it is commonly used, especially in the world of legal English as it is important that the layperson understands legal terms as well as the lawyers. A practical example of a layperson would be in a magistrate’s court where one judge and 2 laypeople will sit on the bench, hear the case and decide the verdict. Associated Words: Bench (noun), Verdict (noun).

Have a lovely weekend.

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Legal English Quiz !

It's the weekend, which means legal English quiz time!

What is the missing legal term?
The legal English word for a person who is not a lawyer or is not legally qualified is a ____________.

a) witness
b) client
c) litigant in person
d) layperson

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Answer to last week's quiz

The answer to last week's quiz is false :) 

Here is our definition of limitation:

Limitation (noun): After the date of the defendant’s breach (or the date that the breach was discovered), the claimant has a limited period of time to issue the claim form at the court. This is called the limitation period. If the claimant tries to issue a claim after the limitation period, the court may decide that the claim is “time-barred”.  If a claim is time-barred then the court will not hear the claim. Associated Words: To Breach (verb), Claim (noun), Claimant (noun), Defendant (noun), To Hear (verb).

Enjoy the rest of your week :)

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Legal English Quiz

True or False: A claim can be issued at any time. There is no limitation period that exists for civil claims.

All answers and thoughts welcome :)

Have a lovely Sunday.

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Answer to last week's quiz

Hi all :) 

The answer to last week's quiz is c) discrimination. Well done to everyone who answered correctly ! 
Here is our definition of discrimination taken from our e-book "Civil Litigation and Dispute Resolution - Vocabulary Series":

Discrimination (noun): These are proceedings brought by an individual or organisation that means that they believe that they have been treated in a worse way than other people. Common claims for discrimination include racial, gender, religious, age, sexual orientation and disability. Associated Words: Claim (noun), Proceedings (noun).

More legal English quizzes soon :) Have a look at our books on Amazon if you want to learn more.

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Legal English quiz :)

Hi all, #legalenglish quiz time! 

What's the correct answer?

Race, religion, age, sex, disability and sexual orientation are example of _________________ claims.

a) harassment
b) unfair dismissal
c) discrimination
d) wrongful dismissal

All comments, answers and shares welcome :)  Enjoy the Saturday!

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Answer to last week's quiz

Hello all, the answer to last week's quiz is to replace "negligence" with "misrepresentation"


Here is our definition:


Misrepresentation (noun): This is a claim that means that one party persuaded another party to enter into a contract by making false statements about the contract. For instance, Mr Craig wants to buy Mrs Robinson’s car. Mrs Robinson tells Mr Craig that her car is 5 years old and has travelled 50,000 kilometers. Mr Craig buys the car but it stops working after one month. Later Mr Craig discovers that the car is actually 10 years old and has travelled 100,000 kilometers. Due to these false statements, Mr Craig can bring a claim against Mrs Robinson for misrepresentation. Associated Words: To Bring a Claim (collocation).


Enjoy the rest of the week :)


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Legal English quiz

Hello :) #legalenglish quiz time.

Find the mistake in this sentence:

My friend James sold me a car last week. He said it was in good condition and didn’t have any accidents. Later I discovered this was not true and so I am suing James for negligence.

All ideas and comments welcome :)  Have a wonderful weekend

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Legal English quiz answer

Hi all, the answer to last week's quiz is that the word "Dispute" should replace the word "Disagreement".


Here is our definition of Alternative Dispute Resolution for you:


Alternative Dispute Resolution “ADR” (noun): This is a common alternative to litigation. ADR has become more popular in recent years as it is seen as a faster, cheaper and more effective way to settle disputes without using the courts. Mediation is the most common form of ADR. It is also common for the court to order that the parties attempt to settle the case via ADR if possible before a trial is scheduled. Associated Words: Case (noun), Dispute (noun), To Order (verb), To Settle (verb), Trial (noun).


Enjoy the rest of the week ! :)


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Legal English quiz

Happy weekend all :)


Legal English quiz time. Find the mistake in the sentence:


"Both parties can attempt to resolve their dispute away from the court by organising Alternative Disagreement Resolution."


All answers, comments and suggestions welcome as always. Have a lovely weekend and please do visit our Amazon site if you want to improve your legal and business English.


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Answer to Legal English Quiz

Hi everyone, the answer to Sunday's question is a) to issue.


Here is our definition taken from "Civil Litigation and Dispute Resolution: Vocabulary Series":


To Issue (verb): The collocations “to issue a claim” and “to issue proceedings” are the formal legal English phrases that mean to start a claim or case in court. A claim is issued on the date the claim form is received by the court. The court will stamp the claim form to indicate that it has received all the correct documentation and the correct fee has been paid. After the court fee has been paid and the court has stamped the claim form, the claim has officially been issued. Associated Words: Issued (past simple), Issued (3rd form), Issued (adjective), Claim Form (noun), To Issue a Claim (collocation), Fee (noun), To Issue Proceedings (collocation).


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More #legalenglish quizzes coming up ! :)

Legal English Quiz !

Hi all,

What is the missing word?

If a potential defendant does not respond to a letter before action, the claimant may have no choice but to ______ a claim at their local county court.

a) issue

b) serve

c) make

d) sue

All answers, comments and shares welcome. #legalenglish

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Answer to last weeks quiz

Hello everyone, the correct answer to last week's quiz is b) rescind.


A difficult question ! Here is our definition of the term taken from "Civil Litigation and Dispute Resolution: Vocabulary Series" -


To Rescind (verb): This verb is used as a remedy to cancel a contract between parties. The principle of the remedy is to put all the parties back in the position they were in before they entered into the contract. In England and Wales, the court has the power to rescind a contract in certain situations. Associated Words: Party (noun), Remedy (noun).


Enjoy your week :)

Legal English Quiz

Hi all, legal English quiz time ! :) 


What is the missing word?


One remedy for a claimant is to ask the court to ________ a contract. This means that the court will put the parties back in the position they were in, if the contract had never existed.


a) revoke
b) rescind
c) invalidate
d) ignore


All answers, comments and shares welcome :)


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Answer to last weeks quiz

The answer to last weeks quiz is "to act in good faith".


This phrase is used in the area of conduct and ethics.


Here is our definition of Ethics:


Ethics (noun): These are the rules by which a solicitor or barrister must act and behave in their professional life and outside it. Ethics deals with issues such as acting in good faith, with confidentiality and with no conflicts of interest. Associated Words: Barrister (person), Good Faith (noun), Solicitor (person).


Enjoy the weekend :)

Legal English Quiz time

Hi all, legal English quiz time:

What is the missing preposition from this sentence?

People who are in positions of responsibility, for example, solicitors and directors of companies have a duty to act ___ good faith when providing their services.

All comments, answers and shares welcome !

Have a lovely weekend.

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Answer to Saturday's quiz

Hi all, the answer to Saturday's question is true :) 


Well done to everyone who got it right.  Here is our definition from our book "The English Legal System: Vocabulary Series":


Legal Entity (noun): This phrase is very common in legal English. A company is a separate legal entity (legal person) and has a separate legal personality from its employees, directors and shareholders.


Have a wonderful week !

Legal English Quiz :)

Hi everyone, legal English quiz time :) 

Under English law, a company is a separate legal entity from its shareholders and directors.

True or False?

All answers, shares and thoughts welcome. Enjoy the weekend !

Legal English quiz answer

Hi all, the correct answer to Saturday's quiz is 'find in favour of'. Here is our definition from our book "Civil Litigation and Dispute Resolution":

To Find in Favour (collocation): This collocation means that the judge(s) have reached a decision and that one of the parties has won the case. Judges(s) can find in favour of either party (the claimant or the defendant) and in both of these situations the collocation to find in favour can be used. Associated Words: Found in Favour (past simple), Found in Favour (3rd form), Case (noun), Claimant (noun), Defendant (noun), Judge (person), Party (noun).

Have a lovely week :) 

Legal English quiz time !

Hi all, legal English quiz time !

What is the missing preposition? (a preposition is a small connecting word, for example, on, by, for, at, as, in, etc)

The judge reserved judgment in the case. When he returned to court he found ___ favour of the claimant and awarded damages of £34,000.

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Answer to Sunday's Quiz

Hello everyone. 


The answer to Sunday's quiz is False. 


Here is our definition of an Appellate Court:
Appellate Court (adjective): This is the general name given to the courts who hear appeals. For instance, an appeal from a High Court judgment will be heard by the Court of Appeal. In this situation the Court of Appeal is the appellate court. If the judgment from the Court of Appeal is appealed, the Supreme Court will hear the appeal. The Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court are both appellate courts for both civil and criminal cases. Associated words: To Appeal (verb), Civil Law (noun), Court of Appeal (noun), Criminal Law (noun), High Court (noun), Judgment (noun), Supreme Court (noun).


Enjoy the weekend :)

Quiz Time :)

Hi all,

Legal English quiz time:

In civil litigation, a judgment from the Court of Appeal can be appealed to the High Court of Justice.

True or False? :)

Have a lovely Sunday !

Last week's quiz - answer

Hi all The answer to last week's quiz is c) The Supreme Court. Here is our definition from our book "The English Legal System: Vocabulary Series":

http://www.amazon.com/English-Legal-System-Vocabulary-E-Guides/dp/1490302492/ref=la_B00GMS03VA_1_1/179-9580114-2643351?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1401531105&sr=1-1

Supreme Court (noun) The Supreme Court is the highest court in England and Wales. It is the ...ultimate appellate court and can hear appeals from all of the courts in England and Wales. Before 2009 the highest court was in the House of Lords, but this was moved and re-named the Supreme Court. The Court has jurisdiction over all areas of law in England and Wales. Associated Words: Appellate Court (noun), House of Lords (noun), Jurisdiction (noun).

Have a wonderful weekend everyone !

Legal English quiz time !

Hello everyone, legal English quiz time: What is the name of the highest court in the English legal system?:

a) The Court of Appeal
b) The House of Lords
c) The Supreme Court
d) The Privy Council

All answers, comments and discussion welcome :)  Enjoy your Sunday !

Answer to last weeks quiz

The answer to last week's quiz was a) deny.  Here is our definition from "Civil Litigation and Dispute Resolution: Vocabulary Series":

To Deny (verb): To deny something means to state that you did not do something or that you are not liable for something. It is opposite to the verb to admit. The collocation “to deny allegations” is very common in civil litigation and dispute resolution. Associated Words: Denied (past simple), Denied (3^rd form), Denial (noun), Denied (adjective), Denial (noun), To Admit (verb), Allegations (noun), Liable (adjective).

Have a wonderful weekend :)

Legal English Quiz

Hi All, legal English quiz time: The adjective "admissible" means that a piece of evidence or an exhibit is allowed to be used or shown in court. What is the correct prefix used to mean "not admissible":

a) un (admissible)
b) dis (admissible)
c) ir (admissible)
d) in (admissible)

All answers, comments and shares welcome. Have a lovely week all.

Answer to Sunday's quiz :)

The answer to Sunday's question is c) Pre-Action Protocol.  Well done to everyone who got it right.  Here is our definition:

Pre-Action Protocol (noun): Some types of claims, for example personal injury and defamation claims, must follow a specific pre-action protocol. This means that they have to follow special rules in the Civil Procedure Rules before issuing a claim. The pre-action protocols are designed to encourage openness and an early exchange of information to assist a negotiated settlement before the need for litigation. Under the pre-action protocols both parties must exchange information in relation to the dispute, open discussions for settlement and try to avoid bringing proceedings. Associated Words: Civil Procedure Rules (noun), Defamation (noun), Dispute (noun), Litigation (noun), To Negotiate (verb), Personal Injury (noun), To Settle (verb).

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Quiz time Sunday 27th April 2014 :)

Hi All, legal English quiz time ! What is the name of the procedure that claimants must follow before issuing a civil claim in England and Wales:

a) Letter before action
b) Overriding Objective
c) Pre-Action Protocol
d) Due Process

All answers, shares and comments welcome. The answer will be posted on Wednesday. Have a lovely Sunday everyone !

Answer to Sunday's quiz :)

The answer to Sunday's question is b) default judgment. Well done to everyone who got it right :)  Just in case you weren't sure, here's a reminder from us:

Default Judgment (noun): This is a ruling by the court that means that one party wins the case because of a failure to act or a lack of response from the other party. It is common for a claimant to be granted default judgment (also known as judgment in default) when a defendant does not respond to a claim. Associated Words: Claim (noun), Claimant (noun), Defendant (noun), To Be Granted Judgment in Default (collocation).

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Legal English quiz :)

Hi All, legal English quiz time: What is the legal English phrase for an order made by the court because one party has failed to follow procedure (for example, a defendant failing to file a defence):

a) summary judgment
b) default judgment
c) strike-out application
d) injunction

All answers, comments and shares welcome 

Enjoy the weekend!

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Answer to Sunday's quiz (13 April 2014)

Hi All, the answer to Sunday's quiz was c) to dissent. Well done everyone who got it right. Here is our definition:

To Dissent (verb): This verb is used with judgments of the court. A dissenting judgment is a judgment from a judge that does not agree with the majority decision of the other judges in that case. For instance, in the Court of Appeal it is usual for three judges to hear the case. Two of the judges may find in favour of the appellant, and so by a majority the appellant wins the case. However, one judge may not agree with the other two judges and decides against the appellant. This judge is called a dissenting judge and his judgment is called a dissenting judgment. His judgment does not have any effect because he is in the minority, but it is made public that he disagrees with the majority of the court. The appellant would still win the case, even if there is a dissenting judgment. Dissenting judgments can arise because the judges disagree on a point of law or the interpretation of a precedent. Associated Words: Dissented (past simple), Dissented (3rd form), Dissenting (adjective), Court of Appeal (noun), Judge (person), Judgment (noun).

Have a wonderful week ! :)

Legal English Quiz: 13 April 2014

Hi everyone. Legal English quiz time: What verb is used when a judge does not agree with the verdict of the other majority judges?

a) to disagree
b) to distinguish
c) to dissent
d) to reverse

All answers, comments and shares welcome. Enjoy your weekend :)

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Answer to quiz Saturday 5th April 2014

The answer to Saturday's question is a) stay of proceedings. Here is our definition taken from "Civil Litigation and Dispute Resolution: Vocabulary Series":

Stay of Proceedings (noun): This is an order from the court that the proceedings are stopped for a period of time. It is common for claims to be stayed for a certain length of time, but it is also possible for proceedings to be stayed indefinitely. Indefinitely means that there is no specific time limit. Stays are also sometimes known as ‘Tomlin Orders’, named after the judge who introduced the concept to the courts. Associated Words: Claim (noun), Order (noun), Proceedings (noun).

Please share if you have friends or colleagues who may be interested :)  Thanks and have a lovely week.

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Legal English quiz time! 5th April 2014

Hi everyone, legal English quiz time! What is the legal English phrase used to describe the situation when the process of a claim is stopped for a temporary period of time:

a) stay of proceedings
b) standstill agreement
c) adjournment
d) delay of proceedings

All answers, comments and shares welcome :)  Have a lovely weekend.

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Answer to quiz 29th March 2014

The answer to Saturday's quiz is d) on the balance of probabilities. The standard of proof for criminal litigation is beyond reasonable doubt.  Here is our definition of balance of probabilities taken from "Civil Litigation and Dispute Resolution: Vocabulary Series" available on Amazon.

Balance of Probabilities (noun): This is the standard of proof that the claimant must satisfy to be successful in their claim. This means that in civil litigation a claimant must prove their claim is more likely to have happened than not. It is a completely different standard of proof from criminal law, where the standard of proof is to be sure of the guilt of the defendant. This was previously known as beyond reasonable doubt. Associated Words: Case (noun), Claim (noun), Claimant (noun), Defendant (noun), Standard of Proof (noun).

http://www.amazon.com/Michael-Howard/e/B00GMS03VA/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1396432108&sr=8-1

Have a wonderful week all ! More questions soon........

From Courtroom to Classroom

Watching all these cool people on tv with wigs, banging their fists on the desk in the name of justice felt great but I discovered (5 years later) that wanting to be a lawyer is a lot more fun than being one. Maybe it was just me, but I didn’t fancy it any longer. Hmmm something else then?

I had a friend who had tried teaching English in the Czech Republic but actually didn't like it that much. Despite the poor critique I decided that for a change (maybe short term, maybe not) I'd do a TEFL course and start teaching English as a foreign language. How hard can it be to just speak in my own language all day? I realised quickly that was very, very difficult.

The lessons were fun. It wasn’t specific to legal English but it was fun and introduced me to the world of language learning. I had a few shocks too, though. I had never realised how complicated our (English) language was and just how much effort it takes for a foreigner to learn it. There is a common feeling that English native speakers do not make the effort to learn foreign languages because we don’t really need to. I agree to a point and because we don’t generally bother learning them, we don’t appreciate how much work it takes to learn a foreign language properly.

“Grade your language when you speak to the students please” the TEFL teacher asked me.

I quickly discovered that only using easy words is not so easy…..

5 minutes later “Ahem, Grade your language”.

“Even more?” I asked.

“if your students don’t understand you, what is the point of you being there?”

An obvious statement, but one that has stuck. The lessons came and went and I slowly began to get the hang of it. It was fun, frustrating, tiring, inspiring. One thing it wasn’t, was easy.

The change from being a lawyer was big. No suits, no claim forms, no timesheets. Just a full classroom of strangers waiting for you to talk to them. Not much less intimidating that a courtroom to be honest.

The road had begun. The students were friendly and demanding.  It was difficult but different and you felt that warm feeling that you were actually helping. You soon learnt what the students want and what they don’t want.  Every student is different, but they all want to learn something new. Don’t we all.

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Legal English Question Time: 29th March 2014

Happy Saturday ! Legal English Question Time: What is the standard of proof of liability for a claim in a civil court:

a) to be sure of liability
b) beyond reasonable doubt
c) majority vote of judges/jury
d) on the balance of probabilities

As always, all answers, comments, questions and shares are welcome :)

Have a lovely weekend all.

Answer to Quiz on 22 March 2014

The answer to Saturday's quiz is b) harassment. Well done to everyone who got it right. Here is our definition taken from our book "Civil Litigation and Dispute Resolution: Vocabulary Series":

Harassment (noun): This means that one person or a group of people are acting in an unpleasant, threatening or disturbing way. To threaten means to force someone to do something that they do not want to do and if they do not do it then they will be punished. In civil litigation and dispute resolution, harassment usually happens in two main areas. The first area is at work and is covered by employment law, the second is sexual harassment which is also a criminal offence. An important thing to note in legal English is that in some countries the term “mobbing” is used to describe harassment. Please be careful if you wish to use this term as it is not common in legal English in this context. Associated Words: Dispute Resolution (noun).

Please feel free to share with friends and colleagues :)

Have a wonderful week everyone !

Legal English Quiz Time: 22 March 2014

Hi Everyone. Quiz Time ! What legal English word do we use for unpleasant and threatening behaviour towards someone else. It's very common in the workplace:

a) discrimination
b) harassment
c) assault
d) offence

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Answer to quiz on 15 March 2014

The answer to yesterday's quiz is a) Bench. Well done to everyone who got it right. For those who weren't quite so sure, here is our definition from our book "The English Legal System: Vocabulary Series".

Bench (noun): This word is used to describe where judges sit in the court room. Historically, judges would sit on actual wooden benches and so the word was adopted for this meaning. It is also used in an abstract sense to describe a group of judges (“members of the bench”). Associated Word: Judge (person).

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Have a wonderful Sunday :)  More questions next week.

Legal English: Test your knowledge

Legal English Quiz Time ! What is the name of the place where a judge (or judges) sit in the courtroom?  The same word can also be used to describe the group of judges who sit there:

a) Bench
b) Gallery
c) Board
d) Chair

All comments, shares and questions welcome as usual. If you have a free moment, please have a look at our ebook and print book selection on Amazon:

http://www.amazon.com/Michael-Howard/e/B00GMS03VA/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_2?qid=1394881362&sr=8-2

Have a lovely weekend all !

Answer to legal English quiz - 9th March 2014

The answer to Sunday's quiz is:

c) Particulars of Claim

Here is our definition from our book "Civil Litigation and Dispute Resolution: Vocabulary Series" available on Amazon at

https://authorcentral.amazon.co.uk/gp/books

Particulars of Claim (noun): This document is a longer version of the claim form that the claimant issues at court. The particulars of claim are for claims that are more complicated or need a more detailed explanation. Associated Words: Claim (noun), Claimant (noun), Claim Form (noun), To Issue at Court (collocation).

More quizzes soon ! 

Quiz Time: 9th March 2014 :)

Quiz time ! In the English legal system, what is the name of the long version of the claim form?  This is the document used to state the claimants arguments in full:

a) Affadavit
b) Submission of Claim
c) Particulars of Claim
d) Writ

All answers, shares and comments welcome. Have a lovely Sunday everyone!

Answer to Quiz 15th February 2014

Hi All,

The answer to Saturday's quiz is c) Tort. The other words are Heads of Tort.

Here's our definition of Tort from our book "The English Legal System: Vocabulary Series" -

Tort Law/The Law of Tort (noun): The law of tort relates to “civil wrongs”. It is unique in nature as you do not need to have a contract with someone for the law of tort to operate. In the law of tort there are situations when we owe a duty of care to other people (who we may not even know). In these situations we must be careful not to cause or create any injury or damage in these situations. As you can imagine, it is a very popular area of law and there are thousands of common law cases and precedents that have developed the law of Tort over hundreds of years. Tort law includes negligence (carelessness), nuisance (stopping someone having quiet enjoyment of their home), defamation (slander and libel), false imprisonment and trespass (to land and to the person). It is a common law principle and is designed to compensate the victim. It is not designed to punish the person who caused the tort (also known as a “tortfeasor”). Associated Words: Common Law (noun), Defamation (noun), Libel (noun), Slander (noun), Precedent (noun).

More quizzes soon :)

Quiz Time 15th February 2014

Quiz time :)  Which legal English word is the "Odd One Out" ? (odd one out means a word that does not fit with the others)

A) Negligence
b) Nuisance
c) Tort
d) Trespass

  All answers, shares, comments and questions are welcome :)

New ! Legal English Practice Exam Paper Now on Amazon in e-book format

Test Yourself! today with our new Legal English Practice Exam Paper.  Ready for you to use on your phone, tablet or pc. We have put together a comprehensive one hour long exam paper for lawyers and law students to revise and practice their legal English skills. It is perfect for preparation for all legal English exams. We hope it helps ! Legal English Practice Exam Paper e-book format

Answer to quiz on Saturday 25th January 2014

The answer to yesterday's quiz is C) governing law.

Here is our definition from our book "Civil Litigation and Dispute Resolution: Vocabulary Series":

Governing Law (noun): This is more informally known as the choice of law or applicable law. It is a very common issue in contract law. In legal English governing law means the country, state or jurisdiction where legal proceedings will be heard if the parties have a dispute. It is common for both parties to agree the governing law before executing a contract, however, it is also common for governing law to become a contentious matter if there is no clause in the contract or if the clause is not clear. Associated Words: Applicable Law (noun), Contentious (adjective), Contract Law (noun), Dispute (noun), Jurisdiction (noun), Matter (noun), Party (noun).

Enjoy your Sunday :)

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Quiz: Saturday 25th January 2014

Happy Weekend to you All ! Quiz time:

What is the legal English term for the law that applies to a contract between two parties in the event of a dispute:

A) jurisdiction
B) ruling
C) law of the contract
D) governing law

All answers, comments and shares are welcome.

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Quiz Time: Saturday 18th January 2014

Hello All ! Legal English quiz time !

What is the legal term that means predictable or expected to happen?   Here is a clue - it is used in contract and tort law:

i) Likely
ii) Foreseeable
iii) Obvious
iv) Beyond reasonable doubt

All answers, comments, questions and shares welcome.

And welcome to our new blog ;)

Quiz Time

Hello !  This is our first blog ! :)  We are Legal English books and we are here to talk about legal English !  Ok, so here is a quiz question:

There are 3 words we can use in legal English to describe a law that has been passed by Parliament.

One begins with "A", one begins with "S" and one begins with "L"

Any ideas?   All answers, comments and questions welcome. Please, please share with your friends if you think they will be interested :)