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

The failure to do something which a reasonable person would do in a particular situation, or doing something which a reasonable and prudent person would not do in similar circumstances. If an injured person proves that another person acted negligently and caused their injury, they can recover damages to compensate for their injury.

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.

The reference of a dispute to an impartial person or persons chosen by the parties who agree in advance to abide by the arbitration award issued after the hearing at which both parties are given an opportunity to be heard.