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.

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.

The removal a tenant from possession of a premises in which he or she resides or has a property interest carried by a landlord either by re-entry on the premises or by court action.

A public officer constituted by law to serve the public in non-contentious matters. A notary’s main function is to attest and certify, by his/her hand and official seal, certain classes of documents, in order to give them authenticity in government authorities, foreign jurisdictions, etc.

A violation of a statute, regulation or ordinance, which may be criminal or merely not in conformity; that which lacks authority of or support from the law.

A demonstration of the willingness of a party to enter into a bargain, made in such a way that another individual is justified in understanding that his or her assent to the bargain is invited and that such assent will conclude the bargain. The general rule is that it must be reasonable in the circumstances for the recipient to believe that the communication is an offer. The more definite the communication, the more likely it will constitute an offer.

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.