Glossary

You will find commonly used legal terms in this glossary. You can click on the letter to jump to the words that begin with that letter or scroll down the page.

m

Maintenance

Money paid as child support or as spousal support

Malicious Prosecution

A prosecution begun in malice without probable cause to believe the charges can be sustained. Malice means the intentional doing of a wrongful act without just cause or excuse, with the intent to inflict harm or pain to another.

Mandatory

When something is required to be done.

Marriage License

A license you need for a legal marriage in Canada.

Master

A master hears cases in Supreme Court. A master has the same powers as a judge to make interim or temporary orders for custody, access, guardianship and support, but cannot make final orders or divorce orders.

Mediation

An attempt to solve a dispute by working with a third party (a Mediator) to help both sides reach an agreement.

Mediator

A neutral person, with no decision-making power, who acts as a facilitator assisting the parties in communicating, especially by negotiation.

Mens Rea

From the Latin, guilty mind, mens rea indicates the intent to commit a criminal act. Mens rea (mental) must coexist with actus reus (physical), the doing of the criminal act.

Mischief

Injury or damage caused by the actions of somebody or something.

Mistrial

A mistrial is a trial that ends without a final judgement, caused by a fundamental error. After a mistrial is declared, the trial must start again with the selection of a new jury if it is a jury case.

Mitigate

Reducing or limiting harm or a loss.

Municipal By-Law

A law passed by a municipal government.