Is deliberate deception to secure an unfair or unlawful gain. It is both a civil wrong (a fraud victim may sue the fraud perpetrator to remedy the fraud and/or recover compensation) and a criminal offence (a fraud perpetrator may be prosecuted and imprisoned by the government authorities).

Any matter of fact that a party to a claim or action offers to provide to prove or disprove an issue in the case. The strongest type of evidence is that which provides direct proof of the truth of an assertion. At the other extreme is evidence that is merely consistent with an assertion but does not rule out other, contradictory assertions, and may be viewed as circumstantial evidence.

The process whereby a party is made aware of the commencement of legal proceedings affecting their rights, obligations or duties. Although the format may vary, there are strict requirements regarding service of a legal notice which must be adhered to if the legal notice to be effective.

A period immediately after the deadline for the performance of an obligation during which a late fee or penalty, or other action would have been taken as a result of failing to meet the deadline, is waived provided that the obligation is satisfied during the grace period. Grace periods can range from a couple of minutes to a number of days or longer, depending on the context, and can apply in various situations, such as complying with a legal obligation by a specified deadline.

The term that describes a duty that is enforced by a court and where non-fulfilment may incur a penalty.

A legal document, usually in writing, giving details of a formal legally binding agreement, between two or more different people or groups. To be legally binding it must contain certain elements: it must contain an offer made by one party and accepted in its entirety by the other, it must include some form of consideration whether it be money, goods or services, and it must be properly signed by all parties to it, and dated.

A written authorisation to represent or act on another’s behalf (the principal) in private affairs, business or some other legal matter, sometimes against the wishes of the principal. It is generally terminated when the principal dies or becomes incompetent, but the principal can revoke it at any time. See also: Online POA and Other Notary Public Services in the UAE

The power and authority constitutionally conferred upon (or constitutionally recognised as existing in) a court or judge to pronounce the sentence of law, or award the remedies provided by the law, upon a state of facts, proved or admitted, referred to the court or tribunal for decision, and authorised by the law to be the subject of investigation or action by that court or tribunal, and in favour of or against persons who present themselves, or who are brought, before the court or tribunal in some manner sanctioned by law as proper and sufficient.

An attempt to settle a dispute with the help of a neutral third party where all parties are actively involved in the decision-making process. The individual who intervenes in order to help the other parties settle their dispute is called a mediator.

Is a recognisable sign, design or expression which identifies products or services of a particular source from those of others, although trademarks used to identify services are usually called service marks. The trademark owner can be an individual, business organisation or any legal entity. A trademark can be located on a package, a label, a voucher, or the product itself. Words that merely name the maker (but without particular lettering) or a generic name for the product are not trademarks. While a trademark may exist from its first use, it is wise to register it in order to prove its use and ownership and afford protection against use by others.

Sometimes known as a repudiatory breach, is a breach of an essential part of a contract that it permits the distressed party to terminate performance of the contract, in addition to entitling that party to sue for damages.

A breach of contract that is so fundamental that it permits the injured party to terminate the performance of the contract, in addition to entitling that party to sue for damages.

Significant enough substantial failure in the performance of a contract, as to give the affected party the right to sue for damages as well as release the aggrieved party from its obligations.