Page 363 - Law and the Media

Law and the Media
Contact order An order of the court allowing a person to have contact with a child who
lives with another person, previously called visitation rights.
Contempt of court Wilful disregard of the authority of the court or interference with its
processes.
Contract A legally enforceable agreement, in other words an exchange of promises
supported by consideration given by each side. A contract may be oral or in writing.
Copyright The exclusive right to produce copies and control an original literary, dramatic,
musical or artistic work, sound recording, film, broadcast or cable programme or the
typographical arrangement of a published edition.
Corroboration Independent facts or testimony that support an existing piece of
evidence.
County court The most junior court in all civil proceedings with the exception of family
cases, which may be heard in the magistrates’ court. The county courts are responsible
for dealing with the bulk of civil litigation in England and Wales. Cases are decided by
a district judge (often a solicitor) or a circuit judge (usually a barrister) both of whom
sit alone, with the exception of civil actions against the police which may be heard
before a circuit judge and a jury.
Court of Appeal Hears appeals from the Crown Court, the County Court and the High
Court. The Master of the Rolls heads the Civil Division and the Lord Chief Justice
heads the Criminal Division. Sits with at least two and usually three judges. Decisions
are made by a majority.
Cross examination The second phase of a witness’s examination in court, in other words
the answers given to questions asked by the other side’s lawyer. Leading questions may
be asked during cross-examination.
Crown court The primary court hearing indictable criminal offences. Cases may be heard
by a High Court judge, a circuit judge or a recorder. May also hear appeals from the
magistrates’ court.
Damages The monetary sum ordered by the court to be paid by the defendant to the
successful claimant in civil proceedings. Damages usually represent compensation for
loss, but may be a form of punishment by the court if exemplary damages are
awarded.
Decree absolute The final and irrevocable order of divorce by the court which leaves the
parties free to remarry. Unless cause is shown why the order should not be made, it will
follow automatically several weeks after a decree nisi.
Decree nisi The first stage of a formal divorce. A provisional decree of divorce which will
later (usually after about six weeks) be made absolute unless cause is shown why it
should not be so made.
Disclosure The process in civil litigation of formally exchanging lists of relevant
documents in the possession of each party and allowing them to be inspected. Known
as ‘discovery’ prior to the Civil Proceedings Rules.
Examination in chief The first phase of a witness’s examination in court, in other
words the answers given to the initial set of questions asked by the lawyer who calls him
into the witness box. Leading questions may not be asked during examination in
chief.
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