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.

A decision of a court regarding the rights and liabilities of the parties to legal proceedings. Judgments generally provide the court’s explanation as to why it has chosen to make a particular decision.

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.

A means of settling a dispute other than by way of litigation. These methods include arbitration and mediation and are usually less costly and more expeditious than litigation.

Otherwise known as a Non-Disclosure Agreement, is a legal contract between two or more parties that outlines confidential information, knowledge or material that the parties wish to share with each other for certain purposes, but which must not be disclosed to third parties.

Is the investigation of a business or person prior to signing a contract. A common example of due diligence in various industries is the process through which a potential buyer evaluates a target company or its assets for an acquisition.