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.

t

Testify

To declare or say something that can be taken as evidence under oath in a court of law.

Testimony

Testimony is the evidence given by a witness who is under oath or affirmation.

Tort

A civil wrong, other than breach of contract, for which a remedy may be obtained, usually in the form of damages.

Trademarks

A name or symbol used to show that a product is made by a specific company and legally registered so that no other manufacturer can use it.

Trafficking

Trafficking means the buying and selling of something, particularly if the trade is illicit. Trafficking may include drug trafficking, arms trafficking, and other illicit goods. Trafficking in humans includes, but is not limited to, domestic and international trade and transportation of individuals for the purposes of labour and prostitution.

Transcript

It is the written record of the trial.

Transition Houses

Transition houses are safe, temporary shelter provided by BC Housing. They provide emotional support and crisis intervention, help in accessing housing, child care, schooling, parenting support, and financial, medical and legal assistance. They are staffed round the clock, every day. See also Safe Houses and Second Stage Housing.

Treason

A violation of the allegiance owed by somebody to his or her own country, for example, by helping an enemy.

Trial

A formal examination of the facts and law in a civil or criminal action before a court of law in order to determine an issue.

Trial Conference

A formal meeting of the parties with a judge to prepare for trial.

Trial Court

A court in which a case is first decided, as opposed to a court of appeals.

Trial Statement

A form which includes a statement of facts in the order in which the events occurred, a calculation of the amount claimed, copies of the relevant documents, and a list of witnesses with a brief summary of which each witness will say.

Trier of Fact

The person or people who hear testimony and review the evidence on a factual matter. In a criminal case, the trier of fact refers to the jury who listens to the evidence and decides on the guilt of the accused based on the facts of the case against him or her.