Glossary

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This legal glossary is a basic guide to common legal terms. A lawyer is in the best position to advise you about your legal rights and responsibilities.

Different terms may have different meanings based on the specific area of law or the context in which they are being used. For legal terms not referred to in this glossary, or for more comprehensive definitions, you may wish to refer to a legal dictionary or to an internet resource.

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Mandamus

(see Prerogative Writs)

Marriage Contract

(see Domestic Contract)

Master

A provincially appointed judicial officer who is authorized to decide certain non-criminal matters.

Case Management Master: Assists judges to manage civil caseloads by presiding at motions and case and settlement conferences.

Material Witness

(see Witness)

Matrimonial Home

In family law cases, a property that was ordinarily occupied by a family as their home, or one of their homes, at the time of separation.

Mediation

(see Alternative Dispute Resolution)

Mediator

A neutral third party who assists parties to resolve issues in dispute. Mediators do not take sides or make decisions for the parties, nor do they provide legal advice. (see Alternative Dispute Resolution)

Mens Rea

Latin term for "guilty mind." The intent to commit the offence.

Mentally Incapable

When someone cannot understand relevant information or cannot appreciate what may happen as the result of decisions they make or do not make. Different levels of capacity are required for different types of decisions and actions.

Minor

A person who is under the age of 18. (see Child)

Minutes of Settlement

Document signed by the parties that sets out the terms of a settlement arrangement and may be filed with the court in order to obtain a consent order or, when required, an order approving of the settlement.

Misrepresentation

A false or misleading assertion about something.

Mitigate

Action taken (usually by a plaintiff) to make something (usually damages) less severe.

Motion

A process used to make a request to a judge for an order, either before, during, or after a trial or other proceeding.