23 legal words & expressions

LEARN 23 LEGAL WORDS & EXPRESSIONS! LEARN 23 LEGAL WORDS & EXPRESSIONS!

Knowing about the basics of law is important for any job. But do you know how to talk about legal matters in English? These words and expressions will help you do just that. First, read over the definitions and examples. Then, see if you can do the exercises on the following page.

1 A contract A legal agreement between two (or more) people or companies: “We’ll need a few days to read over the contract.” 2 The terms The “terms” of a contract are the conditions in the contract: how much you have to pay, what you have to do, when you have to do it, etc.: “Under the terms of the contract, you have to complete the work by next Friday.” 3 A party A person (or company) who is mentioned in a contract, or who is part of it: “Both parties agreed to the terms of the contract.” 4 To draw up a contract If you “draw up” a contract, you write it or create it: “We need to draw up a contract that covers all these points.”

5 To sign a contract If you “sign” a contract, you put your name on it to show that you agree with it: “They signed the contract last week.” 6 A clause A special section in a contract (with lines of text) that is often numbered (clause 1, 2, 3…) so you can find it easily: “Please refer to clause 16 for information on that point.” 7 A penalty clause A clause in a contract that refers to a punishment or amount of money that someone has to pay if the terms of the contract are broken: “We need to include a penalty clause in the contract to cover us if the work isn’t finished in time.” 8 A right If you have a “right” to do something, you can do it legally: “We have every right to be here and there’s nothing you can do about it.”

9 To take someone to court If you “take someone to court”, you start a legal process against them in order to receive compensation: “We’ll take you to court if you don’t pay back the money by next week.” Literally, a “court” is a building where legal matters are decided. 10 To abide by If you “abide by” a law, agreement or contract, you do what it says in the contract: “They have to abide by the terms of the contract.” 11 To comply with If you “comply with” the terms of the contract, you do what it says in the contract; if someone fails to “comply”, they don’t do what the contract says: “If you fail to comply with the terms of the contract, we’ll take legal action against you.”

12 Legally binding / legally enforceable Once a contract has been signed by all parties, it becomes “legally binding”, which means that people have to do what it says in the contract by law: “This contract won’t be legally binding until everyone has signed it.”

15 To expire If a contract or agreement “expires”, it ends and it isn’t valid anymore: “My 4-year work contract expired last week.”

18 An agreement A decision by two or more parties. Both terms “agreement” and “contract” are often used interchangeably, but a contract is signed and legally enforceable, whereas an agreement isn’t: “They reached an agreement to produce the satellites together.”

21 A warranty: a written promise that says that a company will repair or replace a product free of charge if it breaks, etc.: “The computer comes with a 12-month warranty.” The words “warranty” and “guarantee” are often used interchangeably. However, a “warranty” is a legally binding document, whereas a “guarantee” is more of a general promise to do something. 13 A verbal agreement If there’s a “verbal agreement” between two parties, they agree to do something orally (by speaking): “The company refused to comply with the terms of our verbal agreement.” Also known as a “gentleman’s agreement” 14 A breach of contract If there’s a “breach of contract”, someone breaks the terms of the contract or fails to do what it says in the contract: “If you don’t deliver the goods by tomorrow, you’ll be in breach of contract.” The verb is “to breach”: They breached the terms of the contract.”

16 Damages “Damages” refers to money that someone receives when they win a court case against someone, or if a claim against another party is successful: “She won the court case and was awarded damages.” 17 Liable If you’re “liable” for something (such as costs), you’re legally responsible for that thing: “The company is liable for all costs as the accident took place in their offices.”

19 A liability (responsibility) If you have a “liability” to do something, you’re responsible for that thing, such as paying back a debt, protecting clients, paying a fine…: “Failure to comply with the regulations could result in legal liability.”

22 To file a claim for If you “file a claim for” compensation, you apply for it officially because you have a right to it according to the law or a contract: “He filed a claim for compensation for the loss of the equipment.” 20 Limited liability If someone has “limited liability”, the amount they have to pay is limited to a fixed sum of money: “There was a limited liability clause in the contract setting her personal liability at just $1,000.”

23 To file a lawsuit If you “file a lawsuit” against someone, you start a legal process against them in order to get compensation: “She filed a lawsuit against her former employer.”