Legal jargon

This post will clarify some legal terms which you may encounter when suing in the Tribunal. These terms may have been explained in earlier posts.

Jurisidiction - the power of the Tribunal to decide claims. The Tribunal can only hear some types of cases depending on the dollar amount and the type of claim.

Enforcement - also known as execution. This refers to the procedures to seize assets of the debtor if he does not pay even after you have won the case against him.

Evidence - facts in support of your case. This may include personal accounts of what was witnessed, documents and photographs.

Hearsay - oral or written reports by persons who are not telling their story in court. Normally, such reports are considered hearsay and not allowed since these persons are not in court to tell their story. This area of law is complicated.

Mediation - a procedure where a 3rd party tries to persuade both parties not to figt their case fully, but to settle it. The settlement may include one party paying some money or correcting certain defects. Note that agreement to settlement is voluntary - either party may decide that they wish to carry on with the claim.