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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Valuation Date
In family law cases, the date at which a married spouse's property is valued, for the purpose of calculating net family property.
Variation
A change to a court order or other legal document, made on the authority of a court.
Vary
To change.
Verdict
A judge or jury's decision in a trial.
Vexatious Litigant
Someone who persistently, and without reasonable grounds, brings proceedings in any court, or conducts a proceeding in a troubling manner. Once declared a vexatious litigant by a court, that person cannot start or continue any civil legal proceeding without the court's agreement.
Vicarious Liability
(see Liability)
Victim Impact Statement
A written statement prepared by victim(s) describing the impact of the offence on their life.
Victim Surcharge
(see Surcharge)
Victim/Witness Assistance Program (VWAP)
Program that provides information, assistance and support to victims and witnesses of crime in order to increase their understanding of, and participation in, the criminal court process.
Viva Voce Evidence
(see Evidence)
Voir Dire
A trial within a trial. A procedure to determine the admissibility of certain evidence in advance of the evidence being admitted.