Ontario Legal Glossary: Plain Language for Everyday Law

The legal system uses a language of its own. At KnowTheLaw.ca, we believe that understanding the vocabulary is the first step toward knowing your rights. Here are the most common terms you will encounter when dealing with Ontario courts and tribunals.

A — C

Affidavit: A written statement of facts that you swear or affirm to be true before a commissioner of oaths (like a lawyer or paralegal). It is used as evidence in court.
Administrative Law: The body of law that governs government branches and agencies, like the Landlord and Tenant Board or the WSIB.
Balance of Probabilities: The "standard of proof" in civil cases. It means the judge or adjudicator believes your version of events is "more likely than not" (51% or more) to be true.
CVOR (Commercial Vehicle Operator's Registration): An Ontario system that monitors the safety record of commercial vehicle operators.

D — L

Defendant: The person or business being sued in a lawsuit.
Discovery: The process where both sides share information and evidence before a trial starts so there are no surprises.
Jurisdiction: The legal power or authority of a court or tribunal to hear a specific type of case or make a decision in a specific geographic area.
Limitations Act: The law that sets out the deadlines for how long you have to start a lawsuit (generally 2 years in Ontario).
LTB (Landlord and Tenant Board): The tribunal that resolves disputes between residential landlords and tenants.

P — S

Plaintiff: The person who starts a lawsuit by filing a claim.
Precedent: A previous court decision that judges use as a guide for deciding similar cases in the future.
Rules of Civil Procedure: The "instruction manual" for how a lawsuit must proceed through the Superior Court of Justice.
Statute: A formal written law passed by the government (e.g., the Highway Traffic Act).

T — Z

Tribunal: A specialized government body (not a court) that makes decisions on specific legal areas, like human rights or labor relations.
Wrongful Dismissal: When an employee is terminated without being given the proper amount of notice or pay in lieu of notice required by law.

Important Legal Disclaimer

KnowTheLaw.ca is a research and information repository only. This glossary is for educational and research purposes. These definitions are simplified for general understanding and may not capture every legal nuance. We do not provide legal advice. If you are unsure how a specific term applies to your case, please consult with a licensed professional.