Form of security for payment of a debt.

Court above the District Court and below the High Court, with power to award damages up to €38,100.

Judge of the Circuit Court,addressed as "My Lord" whether male or female.

Judge-made law which has developed over centuries,also referred to as "unwritten" law. Common law (as practised in Ireland, England and the USA) is often contrasted with civil law systems (such as in France or Germany) where laws are set down in a written code.

Legal entity which permits a group of shareholders to create an organisation to pursue set objectives. A company may have legal rights which are usually reserved for individuals, such as the power to sue and be sued,own property, hire employees or lend and borrow money. The main advantage of a company structure is that it gives shareholders a right  to participate in profits (through dividends) without any personal liability.

Court order agreed between both sides.

Agreement between two or more persons which obliges each party to do (or refrain from doing) a certain thing. A valid contract requires an offer , acceptance of that offer and consideration.

Contract law is the basis of all commercial dealings. The terms of a contract may be express or implied. Expess provisions may be varied by statute. Unfair contract terms are now excluded by legislation, and, in areas such as employment and the sale of goods, the law imports a wide range of implied terms into new and existing contracts.

Written document transferring property from one person to another. Conveyances are usually drafted by solicitors.

The legal expenses of an action, such as lawyers' fees, witness expenses and other fees paid out in bringing the matter to court. The rule is generally that "costs follows the event", which means that the loser normally pays the legal costs of both sides. The judge has the final decision and may decide not to make an order on costs.

Barrister(s).

Respondent's claim against a plaintiff in the same action.

Person to whom money, goods or services are owed by a debtor.