Glossary extracted starting with automatic seeds, with BOW for the domain pol and language EN

federal court	a court formed by the federal Parliament in 1977 to make judgments on certain federal matters and on appeals from state and territory courts on certain other matters.
capacity	The ability to understand and give legal consent to an action or arrangement.
lay over	to postpone action on a measure until a future time.
out of order	not in accordance with recognised parliamentary rules
estimates	the sums of money which the government proposes it will need to provide works and services during a financial year
determination	Decision.
money bill	a bill setting a tax or proposing the spending of money for a particular purpose
invalid	Not valid (q.v.); without legal effect.
measure	bill, joint resolution, concurrent resolution or simple resolution.
fourth reading	amendments from the opposite house or a conference committee report on a measure are read before a vote is taken
officer	a permanent career official or employee of one of the parliamentary departments which provide support services for the federal Parliament
grand council	The traditional form of government for the Mikmaq Nation, uniting the seven districts of Mikmaki
judicial branch	The part of the US government that settles disputes and administers justice
standing orders	a collection of rules agreed to by a house which govern the way it conducts its business
preamble	Words appearing near the beginning of an Act after the long title, stating the reasons for passing the Act
parliament	A political assembly of elected representatives who debate/vote proposed laws.
notice of motion	an announcement of intention to put forward a motion for consideration, nearly always for a later day
pocket veto	failure of the Governor to sign a measure within 15 days following sine die adjournment, which results in veto without gubernatorial action
constitution	The set of basic rules by which a country or state is governed
initiate	to originate a bill in either house of parliament
despatch boxes	two ornamental boxes which lie upon opposite sides of the Table of the House of Representatives and which once were a storage place for papers; ministers and shadow ministers usually speak from a position next to the despatch box on their side of the Table
sinecure	An office that produces income but requires minimal activity on behalf of the officeholder
inuit	A term defining the indigenous people living in the Arctic in Canada the US and Siberia
treaty of versailles	Also known as the Treaty of Paris
moral relativism	Loosely described as a philosophical concept whereby an act universally identified as immoral in the home country is however excused when observed in another because of the culture or history of that country.
statute	Another term for an a law.
extent	See ‘geographical extent'.
letters of administration	The document by which a person is empowered to manage the estate of a deceased who left no valid will.
depositions	The record of evidence given in committal proceedings (q.v.).
double jeopardy	A situation in which a person may be convicted twice for the same offence.
name	to formally identify a member for disorderly behaviour during a sitting of a house, by which action a presiding officer sets in train disciplinary proceedings which may result in the suspension of the member from the house
notice paper	the document issued each sitting day that lists all outstanding business before a House of Parliament.
federal government	The central or federal government is responsible for administration of functions enumerated in the Constitution on an Australia wide basis.
reading	a formal stage in the passage of a bill through a house of Parliament; the first reading occurs when a bill is introduced, the second when it has been agreed to in principle and the third when it has been fully considered and any amendments agreed to; it is usual practice for the second reading of a bill to be moved immediately after the bill has been read a first time
legislation committee	a standing committee of the Senate which inquires into bills, estimates, annual reports and performances of government agencies
parenting orders	Court orders made under the Family Law Act 1975 (Cth) pt VII and covering things such as who has parental responsibility for children, with whom children will live and spend time and with whom and how they will communicate.
fort frederick	A British fort established at the mouth of the river St
office of parliamentary counsel	an office of legal officers who draft or prepare proposals for new laws
tort	A civil (q.v.) wrong, an act which causes harm, intentionally or otherwise, for which the remedy is an action for unliquidated (q.v.) damages.
ad hoc committee	A temporary parliamentary Committee established to deal with a specific issue - for example, interviewing and recommending commissioners for the South African Human Rights Commission.
writ	In electoral terms a writ is a document commanding an electoral officer to hold an election and contains dates for the close of rolls, the close of nominations, the polling day and the return of the writ
oral traditions	The passing along of knowledge, from one generation to the next, by word of mouth
system	The system of government which exists in the United Kingdom and which has been followed, to a greater or lesser extent, by many Commonwealth countries
grievance	a matter of concern
security interest	An interest in or power over goods to secure payment of a debt or obligation.
oath of office	An oath taken by employees of the House of Commons to carry out faithfully the duties entrusted to them.
child maintenance order	A parenting order (q.v.) setting out arrangements for the financial support of a child after marriage breakdown.
written off	Of a debt: cancelled, releasing the debtor from obligation to pay.
the australian policy handbook	C Althaus P Bridgman & G Davis, The Australian Policy Handbook, 4th edn, Allen & Unwin, Australia, 2007.
writ	A document in the monarch's name and under the seal of the Crown which commands the person to whom it is addressed to do or refrain from doing some act.
victim impact statement	A statement to the court by the victim of a crime setting out details of injury, loss or damage caused by the crime.
legislative council	responsible for ensuring that correct procedure is followed and administration and records are properly maintained. Coalition: A combination of two or more political parties in Parliament. Committee: A group of Members of Parliament appointed by one or both Houses to consider matters referred to it
international arbitration	The hearing and determining of a dispute between countries, by a person or persons chosen or agreed to by the countries involved.
bill	The name for proposed legislation entered into the house / houses of parliament to be debated upon for approval
parliament	The Parliament of New South Wales consists of the Queen (i.e
debate	a formal discussion in a house on a bill or other topic in which different views are put to arrive at a decision
regulation	An official rule, law, or order stating what may or may not be done or how something must be done.
point of order	a question as to whether proceedings in a meeting are in accord with the rules or in the correct form.
governor-general	The representative of the King or Queen in Australia
public service	the departments and people who work for them, responsible for putting into effect government policy and decis ions and legislation passed by Parliament.
retrospective	Applying to circumstances existing before the date on which a law came into effect.
house of representatives practice	the main reference book on the law, practice and procedure of the House of Representatives
legislation	The process of making new laws.
expired	Provision(s) contained within legislation (particularly amending) where provision(s) or whole statute is provided with a date to expire, lapse or cease to have any further effect.
enacting words	The words ‘The Parliament of New Zealand enacts as follows'
national youth commission	This Commission was established to assist the government in developing a comprehensive youth development policy
person responsible	The person highest on a designated list who is available and able to make decisions on medical treatment for a patient who is unable to give informed consent (q.v.).
government gazette	The official government paper that publishes laws (Acts) and other official documents such as Bills and White Papers.
constitutional	1
redistribution	a new division of an area into electorates with the result that boundaries of some existing electorates are moved.
financial year	A year as it is set for public finance, being the period from 1 July of one calendar year to 30 June of the next.
freedom of speech	the right to speak as one wishes.
registry	The administrative section of a court, which handles enquiries and submission of documents to the court
legislature	A law making body (e.g
act	a law made by Parliament; a bill which has passed all three readings in each house and has received the royal assent
interjection	a remark made to interrupt, or respond to, a point during a speech.
bring down the budget	to place a plan before Parliament each year showing what money the government expects to receive (revenue) and how the government wants to spend it (expenditure)
division of powers	the constitutional allocation of powers and functions between a national Parliament and government and state parliaments and governments, which forms the basis of a federal system of government
public act	An Act that applies to the public at large.
debtor	A person who owes a debt.
indictable offence	A serious crime which is generally triable before a judge and jury.
party-political	having to do with the affairs or interests of a political party, sometimes to the benefit of a party ahead of the benefit of the public
royal proclamation of 1763	A declaration made by the King George III of England, establishing the boundaries and land rights of British North America.
urgency motion	A motion proposing that the House accord urgency to certain business
secondary legislation	Delegated legislation, such as a Statutory Instrument, made by a person or body under authority contained in primary legislation
party committee	a group of members of Parliament from the same political party who look at a particular area of government or opposition policy, and assist their party to make decisions on laws and other matters connected with that area of policy
incorporated association	A not-for-profit community organisation with a separate legal identity and a structure regulated by legislation.
page	Étudiant d’université engagé par le Sénat ou la Chambre des communes pour transmettre des messages ou livrer des documents et d’autres choses aux sénateurs et aux députés au cours des séances du Sénat ou de la Chambre des communes.
grandfather clause	section of a measure making its provisions inapplicable to activities or personnel involved prior to a specific date.
covenant	An agreement creating an obligation contained in a deed (q.v.) or land title
governor and governors-general	The Queen's representatives.
delegated legislation	law made by the executive government under an Act of Parliament, which does not require parliamentary enactment; examples are regulations, orders, determinations and rules
pre-hearing conference	An informal conference between the parties in a court action to try to reach a settlement or clarify any matters in dispute before the full hearing.
referendum	A vote conducted to seek the people's decision on a particular issue
legislature	Executive and Judiciary have separate and distinct powers in order to limit abuses of power by government
suspension	exclusion of a student from school for a specified period as a disciplinary measure; less severe punishment than expulsion (q.v.).
effective date	the date upon which a measure actually becomes law
resolution	A motion adopted by the House in order to make a declaration of opinion or purpose
arrears	Payment that is overdue or made after the date when it fell due.
appointment	An appointment to a non-judicial post made by the Governor in Council
whistleblower	Person who makes a complaint about illegal or inappropriate actions of their employer.
freedom of association	The right to belong, or not belong, to an industrial association (trade union).
petition	a document presented to a house of Parliament by a person or group of people asking for action on a matter
return to order	a document produced as a result of an order for the production of documents
church instrument	A type of secondary legislation made by the Archbishops of Canterbury and York under authority contained in Church Measures.
regional adaptation	The way in which people of a certain region have learned to know, appreciate and use that regions natural resources (fish, game, plants, minerals etc.) for their benefit so that they may live and prosper.
counsel	Skilled legal officers who draft Bills for debate in Parliament. Parliamentary Privilege: The rights, powers and immunities of Parliament and its Members necessary to uphold and protect the dignity and authority of Parliament - for example freedom of speech
native title	A form of communal title whereby land is not owned but is used by those who have rights over it
bill	a proposed new law or a proposed change to current law presented to the Legislature for consideration
junta	A clique, faction or cabal, often military, taking power after an overthrow of the government
portfolio	Usually refers to departmental responsibility (or responsibilities if for more than one Department is involved) of a Cabinet Minister.
backbench/er	1
surety	A person who binds him or herself to be answerable for another
session laws	a bound volume containing all laws enacted during one year of the Legislature.
parental responsibility	Under s 61B of the Family Law Act 1975 (Cth), this includes all the duties, powers, responsibilities and authority which, by law, parents have in relation to their children.
unicameral legislature	a Legislature consisting of one house
business purpose declaration	A statement signed by a debtor before entering a credit contract that the credit is for business, not domestic, purposes.
lobbying	An accepted practice in the democratic process whereby individuals or groups seek to make their views known to politicians in the hope of influencing decision-making
carryover legislation	legislation held over from the first regular session of a Legislature to the second regular session (from odd-numbered years to even-numbered years).
deemed	To be treated as.
queen	The federal parliament is also known as the Parliament of Australia, the Australian Parliament, the Parliament and the Commonwealth Parliament of Australia
guarantee	To undertake (q.v.) that a contract or a legal act will be correctly carried out, e.g
insertion	Describes a specific type of amendment where new text is inserted into existing text
presiding officers	An officer elected by a legislature to oversee the proceedings of the House and to provide guidance, direction and control
insolvent	Unable to pay debts in full.
beyond reasonable doubt	The standard of proof (q.v.) required in criminal cases.
deed	A written document that is signed, sealed and delivered
public gallery	an area in a House of Parliament set aside for the public: When our school visited Parliament we watched question time from the public gallery.
implied warranty	A term, not stated in a contract but which must be fulfilled, that services and related goods will be fit for the purpose for which they are supplied.
democracy	a form of government in which people hold the power, either by voting for measures directly or by voting for representatives who vote for them.
sittings	meetings of a House of Parliament
welsh statutory instrument	A type of Statutory Instrument relating specifically to Wales made under authority contained in Acts of Parliament, in Measures of the National Assembly for Wales, or in Acts of the National Assembly for Wales.
ruling	An authoritative decision made by a presiding officer about a matter of procedure.
apportionment	a division of the state into districts from which legislators are elected based upon the distribution of the population
quorum call	the result of a member drawing the attention of the Chair to the absence of a quorum: the Chair causes the bells to be rung for a set period to enable an adequate number of members to assemble in the chamber
rights and responsibilities	In a democracy, everyone has rights (things you are free to do) and responsibilities (things you are expected to do), e.g
bell	Electronic bells that ring to call members to the Chamber
policies	These are the ideas and proposals that the different parties have for changing things that they don't like, or improving things they are in favour of.
witness	a person who gives evidence to a parliamentary committee
states rights	the powers or entitlements of states in a federal system
pressure groups	These are organisations that want to change policy
legislative day	a day on which the Legislature actually meets
duty of care	The obligation of a person to exercise reasonable care in the conduct of an activity
rent seeker	Someone who attempts to make an income by manipulating the social or political or economic environment to his advantage, in the form of political lobbying, rather than actually creating goods or services himself
appropriation bill	a bill which, when passed by Parliament, will allow the government to spend money it has gathered from the community through taxes and charges
parliamentary committee	a small group of members of Parliament, usually drawn from all parties in one or both of the Houses, which studies, reports on and makes recommendations about a particular subject: A parliamentary committee was set up to inquire into- road safety.
judiciary	the branch of government concerned with the administration of justice.
minister	The person who is head of a governmental Ministry is given this nice fancy title to add with their name
agenda	a list of legislative measures, by number and short title, arranged according to the order of business, to be considered in a committee meeting.
boondoggle	A wasteful government financed infrastructure developed at a cost much greater than its value, undertaken for local or political gain.
disbursement	Money paid out on behalf of another
spin	To tell a news story in a certain way so as to turn the emphasis in a politically favorable direction.
"made" date	The date on which a Statutory Instrument, or other item of secondary legislation, is formally brought into being
resolution	a formal expression of the will, wish or direction of one or both houses.
ruling	a formal decision made by the Speaker or President, usually on a matter of procedure.
parent act	In relation to a bill, the Parent Act is the previous statutory law which the bill seeks to amend.
repeal	the removal of an entire section of law from the Oklahoma Statutes by the Legislature
model bill	A standard form provided by the Clerk of the House to those wanting to present certain types of private bills.
unparliamentary language	words used in a house which the Chair judges to be offensive or disorderly, and which are usually required to be withdrawn
electorate or division	Australia is divided into voting areas, which are known as divisions or electorates
remission	For prisoners - a reduction in the time to be served on a sentence of imprisonment.
malice	A desire to cause harm to someone, particularly in relation to an action for defamation (q.v.).
non est factum	It is not his deed
politico	One interested or engaged in politics.
press gallery	1
statutory rule	The generic name given for all types of delegated legislation.
early vote	Early vote (in person)
clerk	the senior permanent official of a house of a Parliament who advises on procedure and records the decisions of the house, and is the administrative head of the houses support services
election	The process of electing candidates via a public vote.
single transferable vote	A proportional representation voting system where there is no "above the line" option to vote for a party, but only for individual candidates in preferred order
committee	a group of appointed legislators that review, discuss and possibly amend bills to be voted on the floor of either house, usually in specific areas, e.g
prudential	Of careful business management.
crown	The Queen (or King) of New Zealand when exercising powers through Ministers; in effect, the executive or Government.
constitutional democracy	A constitutional democracy is where government is by the people through a system of representation based on free elections
reference	a matter that has been referred to a parliamentary committee for consideration and report; a subject being considered by a committee
autonomy	A limited form of independence where, for example, a state or colony can control its own domestic affairs but has no say over its foreign affairs.
de facto	In reality, e.g
government house	The Governor-General's official residence.
glasnost	A policy that commits government to greater accountability and visibility, such as freedom of information laws
federation	the forming of a nation by the union of a number of States which give up some of their powers and responsibilities to a national Government.
positivist / naturalist law	Two opposing branches of legal philosophy, either of which judges use to aid decision making
encumbrances	A charge (q.v.) or liability, e.g
parliament	but in New South Wales this refers to Members of the Legislative Assembly. Motion: A proposal put to the House, which is debated and voted upon.
parliament	The political assembly in which elected representatives talk about and vote upon proposed laws.
itinerant elector	A person who is in Australia and because the person does not reside in any subdivision, is not entitled to be enrolled for any subdivision.
governor	The Queen's representative in Queensland
laissez-faire	Fr
undertake	To promise, in the course of legal proceedings, to do or refrain from doing an act
civil law	Law which is not criminal or church law (usually the former), it may mean law based on the Roman system
landlord	The owner of a seigniory, or large grant of land.
federalism	A system of government in which power is divided, usually on a geographical basis, between the central government and regional, provincial or state governments, with different levels of government having separate responsibilities in a given jurisdiction
judicial service commission	This Commission advises government on any matter relating to the administration of justice and the judiciary, such as complaints about judges and the appointment of judges.
sitting days	Days on which one or both Houses of parliament meet.
parole	To free a prisoner on his or her own recognisances (q.v.) after serving a minimum term.
section	a separate numbered item in an Act of Parliament: There were 65 sections in the Act.
fiscal	The term used when describing money the government receives from taxes; dealing with tax revenue.
order of business	1
specific performance	Doing exactly what is stated in the terms of a contract.
extension	When the operation of an item of delegated legislation is extended beyond its due expiry date.
instalment order	A court order allowing or requiring a debtor to pay a judgment debt (q.v.) by regular specified payments.
journal	the official record of legislative proceedings
federation	The unification of a number of States to form a nation
recess	The periods when the legislature is not in session.
explanatory note	Text created by the government department responsible for the subject matter of the Act (or Measure) to explain what the Act sets out to achieve and to make the Act accessible to readers who are not legally qualified
census	an official count of the number of people in a region
law	a principle governing action, rule, or procedure that is enforced by a specific authority
put the question	ask for a decision on a motion or stage of a bill
ombudsman	an official whose job is to look into people's complaints against the Government or Public Servants.
identification parade	A police "line up" held so a witness to an offence can try to identify a suspect among other people of similar appearance.
wonk	Someone engrossed in the technicalities of some aspect of public policy.
secured creditor	A creditor (q.v.) who holds a mortgage, charge (q.v.) or lien (q.v.) on the property of the debtor.
advise and consent	confirmation by the Senate of certain appointees of the Governor or other appointing authority.
bicameral	having two chambers or houses, especially of a law-making body
voter turnout	The number of people who actually vote on the day of the election
co-operative government	Co-operative government is the principle that obliges the three spheres of government (national, provincial and local) to work together in a supportive, consultative, trusting and friendly manner.
state law advisor	This legal specialist checks that draft Bills are constitutional and refines and approves draft Bills.
injunction	A court order which directs someone either to do, or to refrain from doing, a particular thing
exercise of power	This expression may be used in annotations in a provision that confers power to make secondary (or subordinate) legislation to record the making of instruments under that power.
balance of probabilities	The standard of proof required in civil law cases, i.e
amendments	Changes (or proposed changes) to a Bill or draft resolution before the legislature passes the law or resolution.
christian democratic party	A political party represented in the Legislative Council, formerly 'Call to Australia'. Clerk of the Legislative Assembly: The senior permanent officer in the Legislative Assembly responsible for ensuring that correct procedure is followed and administration and records are properly maintained. Clerk of the Parliaments: The senior permanent officer in the Legislative Council, responsible for ensuring that correct procedure is followed and administration and records are properly maintained. Coalition: A combination of two or more political parties in Parliament. Committee: A group of Members of Parliament appointed by one or both Houses to consider matters referred to it
self-government	The right of a people to create and operate their own form of government.
chattel	Any property that is not freehold land
conciliation	Process of resolving disputes which involves negotiations between parties, assisted by a conciliator
formal business	1
juror	A member of a jury (q.v.).
special or select committee	a temporary committee set up to deal with a specific issue.
clerk of the house	The most senior parliamentary officer in each chamber.
petition	a document presented to a House of Parliament by a person or a gr oup of people asking for action on a matter; a formal request, especially to a person or group in power: We signed a petition asking for more bicycle paths.
confidentiality	Protection against disclosure to an outside person of information revealed in a professional relationship, e.g
lease	A document of agreement between a landlord and a tenant, for rental of premises.
campaign	a series of political actions (like advertisements, public appearances, and debates) that are used to help a candidate get elected to office.
embargo	A restriction on the distribution or publication of a document or the information it contains.
determination	authoritative decision, rule or arrangement
judiciary	The Judges and the Court System.
conservative	people who generally like to uphold current conditions and oppose changes
the notwithstanding clause	This clause is contained within section 33 of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms
in-camera	in private or in secret: The woman appearing before the parliamentary committee asked if she could give her evidence in-camera.
the overton window	Modern concept advanced by political theorist Joseph Overton whereby there is a small window of political acceptable approaches on any given subject at any time and approaches / ideas not within the window would resultantly be considered extreme and politically unsafe for a politician to uphold
maximum penalty	A maximum penalty is just that; the maximum
bicameral legislature	a Legislature consisting of two houses
responsibility	a duty of care: The Minister had a responsibility for all education matters.
monetarism	The theory that the economy is controlled by raising or lowering the money supply.
mortgage	A transfer of real property (land) or personal property (goods) as security for the repayment of money borrowed
moral rights	the rights of the creator (not the owner) of an artistic, dramatic or literary work or film to have their authorship acknowledged and to protect the integrity of the work or film.
point of order	A question about whether the proceedings of the House or a committee are within the Standing Orders.
vote	The formal expression of opinion for the purpose of reaching a decision
common law	law based on custom or court decisions, as distinct from statute law
adjournment	The procedure by which the sitting of a legislature is brought to a close.
notice	The formal process by which the House is notified of the intentions of members to introduce Bills, ask questions, or move motions
house	Short for the House of Representatives.
sections	Distinct, numbered blocks of text that together form an Act of Parliament
reading	The final stage in a Bill's passage through a House of Parliament before it is passed.
ris	See regulatory impact statement.
serious injury	In relation to transport injuries, a serious long-term impairment, disfigurement or loss of a body function, or severe long-term mental or behavioural disturbance, or loss of a foetus.
order	1
bankruptcy	When the financial affairs of an individual are taken over by a trustee and their property distributed amongst their creditors, following the individual becoming unable to pay his or her debts.
breach of contract	Failure by one of the parties to a contract (q.v.) to satisfactorily perform the service or action agreed to in the contract.
bond	(1) A deed (q.v.) in which a person undertakes to do or refrain from doing certain things, e.g
election	a process in which people vote to choose a leader or to decide an issue.
immunity	special legal protection for members of Parliament to enable them to carry out their duties, including protection from legal action for anything they say in Parliament.
posse	A group of people given authority by a Countys peace officer to assist in preserving the peace.
restraining order	In family law, an order preventing a specified person from harassing or molesting the person applying for the order.
guardian	A person who has the right and duty to protect another person, his or her property and rights
jury	A panel of people selected from the general public to decide the guilt or innocence of people tried in criminal cases, or questions of damages (q.v.) in civil cases.
blanket amendment	An effect that is framed in such a way as to affect legislation generally rather than any specific enactment.
delegated legislation	See regulations.
government	A reference to the government is a reference:
polling officials	These are the staffing resources appointed by the Returning Officer to conduct polling in a polling booth/polling place
incumbent	A person currently in office.
expiration date	See "Lapse Date".
estimates	A detailed statement of how the Government proposes its departments and other agencies will spend public money and incur liabilities in a financial year
reading of a bill	A stage in the process of a Bill being made.
involuntary patient	A patient admitted to a mental hospital on a doctor's recommendation and without the patient's consent.
perpetual succession	Ownership of property remains with a group or organisation as a whole, not individual members of the group.
revenue	incoming money; the money a government collects from taxes and other sources
standing rules	see "Rules".
fort cumberland	Originally a French fort, known as Fort Beauséjour, it was captured by the British in 1755 and renamed Fort Cumberland.
disallowance	If delegated legislation is tabled in parliament and either house disallow it, it has the same effect as being repealed.
consumer price index	A measurement of inflation by comparing, at regular intervals, the price (taking weighting into account) of a set of basic consumer goods and services purchased by households.
litigation	Court proceedings in civil matters (q.v.)
nobles	People holding a distinction of superior rank in society, usually inherited from past generations.
governor-general	the representative of the Queen in Australia at the federal level.
committal proceedings	Where a Magistrates' Court hears evidence on an indictable charge (q.v.) and decides whether the accused should be sent for trial (also called a preliminary examination).
agenda	Notice paper that contains all items where notice has been given by the House of Commons
seigniorial system	An agricultural system whereby workers live on a portion of land, and provide services to a landlord, in return for his protecting them.
void	Of no legal effect.
lobbyist	A person or group who actively tries to influence legislators about a specific area of interest.
adjournment	termination of a daily session; occurring at the close of each legislative day upon the completion of business, with the hour and day of the next meeting being set prior to adjournment
poll	A research survey as well as another word for an election.
disallowance	the vetoing of delegated legislation by either house of the Parliament, which has the effect of repealing it
rule of law	the principle that all people are equal before the law, and that all government actions will be undertaken in accordance with the law.
order paper	This programme outlines the legislature's agenda for the day and contains other information about work in progress.
governor-general	the representative of the Queen in Australia at the federal level
breach of statutory duty	(Evidence of negligence (q.v.) through) breaking a law.
easement	The right or freedom to do something or the right to prevent someone else from doing something over the real property (q.v.) of another.
embargo	A restriction on the distribution or publication of a document or the information it contains, until the time stipulated for its release
affecting provision	A provision that gives rise to one or more changes or effects.
out of order	Contrary to the rules of parliamentary procedure
industrial election	Official Position Elections conducted for Registered Organisations (Unions and Employer Groups) and under the auspices of the Workplace Relations Act (in the case of federally registered organisations)
teller	a person, usually the Whip, chosen to count or tell the members voting in a division.
disclosure	Giving particular information to another party as required by a contract or legal process.
annual session	a regularly scheduled legislative session that convenes each year
bail	Bail enables an accused person to be released from custody in between the date of being charged and the eventual hearing of the court case
order in council	An instrument made by the Governor in Council, ordinarily under an authority stated in an Act, that identifies itself as being an order in council
disinformation	Information that is false or misleading deliberately disseminated for strategic gain
acceptable quality	See also merchantable quality.
representative government	This operated in New South Wales between 1843 and 1856, when two-thirds of the NSW Legislative Council were elected
law	A rule, usually made by a government, that is used to order the way in which a society behaves, or the whole system of such rules.
lapse date	a date listed in some legislation after which all or some of the provi-sions of that legislation are no longer in effect
appellant	A person who appeals a decision of a court or tribunal.
testamentary disposition	A gift that takes effect on the death of the giver, a bequest made in a will.
pleadings	Written or printed statements delivered by parties to one another so questions of fact and law to be decided in a court action can be ascertained.
proportional representation	Proportional Representation is a system of voting essentially designed to elect representatives in proportion to the amount of support each has in the constituency/electorate
beehive	The Executive Wing to Parliament House, which houses Ministers' offices
engrossment	the preparation of an exact, accurate and official copy of a measure passed by the house of origin containing the proper endorsement of that house and including all adopted committee and floor amendments; the measure is then forwarded to the opposite house for its consideration
initiative petition	the method by which the people may submit proposals for legislation or constitutional amendments.
minister	A representative of the government department responsible for the environment presented information to a Senate committee.
testatrix	A person (female) who has written a will
sue	To take legal action.
schedule	An appendix to a bill, often setting out matters that are too detailed to include in the main body of the bill.
supply side economics	The economic theory espousing the concept that when the supply side of the economy (the producers) is taxed less and subject to less regulation it creates more profit and the tax on that increased profit, even at a lower rate, is equivalent to or even surpasses the original tax
accountable	able to be called on to explain ones actions
secretary	The head or overall "manager" of the legislature's support staff and in many cases, the most senior expert on procedure in the legislature
budget	estimate of the receipts and expenditures needed to carry out programs for a fiscal period.
interrogation	The asking of questions
general assembly	The original name for the New Zealand Parliament.
assent	The final stage in the process by which a Bill becomes an Act
motion	A statement or argument that has to be debated and voted upon in the Chamber.
judicial power	the power to interpret or apply the law in particular cases; one of the three powers under the Constitution, the others being the legislative power and the executive power
paper	1
committee section	The support department in the legislature that facilitates all the organisational requirements of the Committees, such as organising committee meetings, hearings and field trips.
interest group	a group of people organised to further some cause or interest which they have in common: Members of Parliament often get letters from interest groups asking for support.
deportation	Expulsion from a country of a resident non-citizen who has committed a serious crime or is considered a threat to national security.
unicameral	consisting of one chamber or house, especially of a law-making body
limited government	A right wing concept that espouses the practice that any public service that could reasonably be solely supplied by the market, or harmful action that could be self regulated or otherwise controlled by public censure, should be.
executive	The branch of government concerned with the formulation and execution of policy and laws
repeal	To abrogate (q.v.) or cancel legislation (q.v.) or a regulation (q.v.).
contract note	A simplified form of preliminary contract (q.v.) used in the sale of real estate.
seven years war	(1756 1763) The final war between France and Great Britain, which ended with the signing of the Treaty of Paris in 1763 giving all of North America to Great Britain, except New Orleans and the small islands of St
order of council	Such Orders differ from Orders in Council in that they are made by the Privy Council without the need for any approval by the Queen
gallery	The section in the House for the public and press where they may view a legislative sitting.
question	1
primary legislation	General term used to describe the main laws passed by the legislative bodies of the UK (e.g
poll	a survey of people (usually voters) that is taken to find out which candidate or issue they might vote for.
tribunal	A body set up to hear and decide disputes, usually with less formality and less strict rules of evidence than in a court proceeding.
guillotine	a procedure which sets time limits on the passage of a bill or motion
statute book	All legislation taken as a body of law.
scottish statutory instrument	A type of secondary legislation made under authority contained in Acts of the Scottish Parliament.
sergeant-at-arms	an officer of the Legislative Assembly (House of Representatives) who carries out the orders of the House, such as accompanying a member who is directed to leave the House.
royal prerogative	The rights, powers and privileges enjoyed and/or exercised by the Crown.
points system	Under the Points System, a voter awards a particular number of points to their first chosen candidate, but a lesser number of points is awarded the second preferred candidate and so on, to the required number
recess	the period between sessions of Parliament, but in ordinary usage the word is often used to describe the periods between the main sitting periods each year, as in the winter recess
at-large	At-large refers to offices that are elected by the voters of an entire county or district even though the office may only represent one part of the county or district.
reinstated/revived	Some jurisdictions allow a previously lapsed Bill to be reintroduced to parliament.
material form	any form of storage from which a copyright (q.v.) work can be reproduced.
judicial	having to do with judges or law courts.
inter-colonial railway	A railway connecting the Dominion of Canada, first established between Truro, Nova Scotia and Rivière du Loup, Québec in 1876, and passing through Moncton and central New Brunswick
reading	A formal stage in the process of considering a bill, where the House orders that the title of the bill be read out
grass roots	The ordinary and common people, often agrarian
supplementary estimates	A statement of further amounts to be spent by Government departments, offices of Parliament, Crown entities, State enterprises, and public organisations in the current financial year in addition to the details of spending contained in the Estimates
utilitarianism	Consequentialist philosophy originally espoused by 18th century writer Jeremy Bentham whereby the best policy is that which gives the greatest happiness to the greatest number.
international monetary fund	The IMF was created at the famous Bretton Woods following the Second World War in 1945
false imprisonment	Confinement of a person without legal permission.
appeal	To take a case to a higher court in order to challenge a decision
chief justice	The title of the presiding judge at the supreme court of Canada
terms of reference	The preset terms under which an inquiry is conducted or a decision is made.
oath of allegiance	A declaration, using God's name, made by members of Parliament that they will be loyal to the Queen.
consent	A unanimous consent of all Members of the House when the House decides to set aside its rules or usual practice without notice.
principal act	Another name given to a public Act
proclamation	an official public announcement.
press gallery	Collective term for accredited media reporters who report on Parliament's proceedings.
misrepresentation	Making a false statement, either deliberately or unintentionally, to induce someone to do something they would otherwise not have done, e.g
uniform legislation	Legislation made in conjunction with other jurisdictions with the intention of making the law uniform between the jurisdictions
subordinate legislation	See Delegated Legislation
copyright	The rights belonging to the owner or licensee of literary, artistic and dramatic works, films and sound recordings, to reproduce, perform or otherwise deal with these works.
motion	a proposal on procedure or action presented to a legislative body.
substitution	Describes a specific type of amendment where existing text is replaced by new text.
lobby	A group organized to influence the opinions and decisions of legislators.
assent	See Royal Assent
section	a separately-numbered provision in an Act of Parliament corresponding to a clause in a bill
prima facie	On the face of it; enough evidence to indicate legal action is likely to be successful.
orders of the day	The items of business set down on the Order Paper.
fair dealing	legitimate use or reproduction of part or all of copyright (q.v.) material by someone other than the copyright owner, for defined purposes.
portfolio committee	A parliamentary Committee in the National Assembly that focuses on a particular government department and its field of work.
tagging	A process of classifying or "tagging" a Bill as belonging to one of four groups: Section 75 Bill (does not affect the provinces), Section 76 Bill (does affect the provinces), a constitutional amendment (Section 74) or a Money Bill (Section 77)
bail authority	A person who has authority to grant or refuse bail such as police, Magistrates, District and Supreme Court Judges, as authorised by the Bail Act 1985.
parliamentary democracy	A system of government whereby the people (electors) determine and exercise their political will by selecting representatives (through formal election) to represent them in the parliament, and to make laws.
by-laws	Former name of local laws (q.v.).
overseas elector	An elector who is going overseas for three years or less can apply to be an overseas elector within 3 months before leaving Australia or within 1 year after the day on which the they ceased to reside in Australia.
advocate/advocacy	a person or group working for change in order to improve the quality of life on behalf of one's self or others
hansard	The name of the printed transcripts of parliamentary debates.
rules	provisions for the procedure, organization, officers and committees of the Legislature.
joint resolution	See "Resolution".
poll	A sampling or collection of opinions on a subject
summons	A document which is issued by the court requiring the attendance of the person named in the summons at court on a specified date.
report	a statement, usually in writing, of the results of an inquiry.
examination	Formal interrogation in court of a person bound by oath or affirmation to answer truthfully.
sequestration order	An order that property be seized to satisfy a debt.
contact order	An order stating the kind and frequency of contact between a child and another person - usually the parent with whom the child is not living
representation commission	An independent statutory body that reviews and redraws electoral district boundaries.
australian electoral commission	The Commonwealth agency responsible for providing Australians with an independent electoral service and enhancing their understanding of, and participation in, the electoral process.
arrest	To apprehend or take into custody a person suspected of having committed a crime.
royal consent	The consent on behalf of the Crown that is put forth by a Minister for certain bills requiring Sovereign consent, usually when dealing with bills that are of interest to the Sovereign.
slmp bill	See Statute Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill.
ex officio	the holding of a particular office by reason of holding another
conference committee	a joint committee whose function is to arrive at a single version of a bill which has passed the two legislative houses in somewhat different form
public service	Government organisations and staff employed in them.
in loco parentis	In the position of a parent; having the same authority as a parent over a child.
linked credit provider	A credit provider that has an arrangement with a supplier of goods that people wanting to borrow money to buy those goods will be directed to that credit provider.
faction	a group of people within a larger group, usually a political party.
scottish representative peers	A group of sixteen peers elected to represent Scottish interests in the House of Lords
mandamus	A form of writ to commence an action for review of an administrative decision (failure to perform a duty) in the Supreme Court.
corporation	A company; a business with Limited (Ltd) or Proprietary Limited (Pty Ltd) after its name.
deficit / national debt	The shortfall in any one year of a nation's income as compared to its expenditure / the total unpaid accumulated debt of the government over time.
historical versions	Superseded copies of legislation, as made available on the government web sites
biennial session	a regular scheduled legislative session which convenes every other year
division or electorate	Australia is divided into voting areas, which are known as divisions or electorates
subordinate legislation	See secondary legislation.
discretion	Power to choose whether to do or not to do a certain thing, e.g
redistribution commissioners	persons chosen by the Governor-General who periodically redistribute electoral boundaries to ensure each electoral division has roughly the same number of voters
prosecution	The party (q.v.) presenting evidence against the person accused of committing a crime.
x-notes - editorial information	The X-note annotation type is used sparingly to alert users to anything they may need to be aware of in using the text
parliamentary committee	a small group of members of Parliament, usually drawn from all parties in one or both of the houses, which examines, reports on, and makes recommendations about a particular subject
clerks certificate	the statement signed by the Clerk of a house to state that a bill has passed that house, with or without amendments; every bill must have a final Clerks certificate before it is sent to the Governor-General for the royal assent
daily order of business	The recurring sequence of business for each sitting day in the House of Commons
explanatory memorandum	a paper which explains the purpose and details of Bills or regulations, usually in a simple and less technical way.
concurrent resolution	a resolution passed by both houses of the Legislature to ex-press facts, principles, opinions, wishes and purposes of the Legislature
house of representatives	At Federation, the House of Representatives was formed as the People's House and is the House in which the government is formed
plebisite	A decision on an issue made by a group of people
deputy clerk	The senior official appointed by the Governor in Council who is responsible for procedural and administrative tasks.
procure	To encourage or persuade someone to commit an offence.
amendment	A change that is made to a bill, a motion or a committee report with the intention of improving it.
refer	to send a measure to committee for study and consideration.
quo warranto	By what authority; a prerogative writ (q.v.) to remedy improper use of public office.
ministers	who as senior Members of the governing party, are responsible for the development and implementation of policy
out of order	not in accordance with recognised parliamentary rules.
expiration	The ending of a term of Parliament if it exceeds the legal time limit, which is three years from the date set for the declaration of the results after the previous general election
wabanahki confederacy	(wah-bah-NAH-kee) A political alliance established in the early 1700s by Maliseet, Mikmaq, Passamaquoddy, Penobscot, and Abenaki leaders.
assignment	Legal transfer of a right or an interest in property from the owner to another person.
suspended sentence	A sentence of imprisonment which is only served if the convicted person commits further offences
mandatory	Having to be strictly complied with
repatriation	The sending back of someone to his country of origin such as an illegal immigrant or prisoner of war.
memorandum	The brief explanation that is attached to the end of a Bill.
affirmation of allegiance	see oath or affirmation of allegiance
house of review	a name often used to refer to the Senate, meaning a house which provides a second look or a close re-examination of matters considered in the other house
polical party	An organised group with a common political philosophy which seeks to win and retain public office
legislation	Written law made by the Parliament, or by a delegate of the Parliament such as the Governor in Council
pre-sentence report	A report, usually prepared by the Department of Human Services, for the court to consider before sentencing a young person.
sub judice	under consideration or waiting consideration by a court of law.
unliquidated	Undetermined, unascertained, e.g
supplement	an addendum to the Oklahoma Statutes printed every year, with the exception of once every ten years when the Oklahoma Statutes are published in their entirety, with additions to or deletions from Oklahoma laws to bring them up to date and to correct any errors.
statute book	A term we use to denote the totality of the statute law in force at any particular time.
means testing	Limiting government benefits, such as a baby bonus or health care, to those below a certain income or accumulated wealth.
green paper	A draft policy document drafted by a Department and used as a tool to consult the public This initial document, once discussion is finalised, usually becomes a White Paper.
electoral commissioner	The officer who performs the functions of the Chief Executive Officer of the AEC.
caucus	a private meeting of a group of people that belong to the same political party or have the same goal that decide policy, choose candidates or promote certain causes
provision	A general term for an element of a bill, such as a clause, subclause, part or schedule.
legislative power	the power to make and change laws; one of three powers under the Constitution, the others being the judicial power and the executive power
legislative council chamber	The chamber in Parliament House where the Legislative Council met before its abolition in 1951
message	the most common form of official communication between the houses
leadership staff	employed by the President Pro Tempore.
beneficiary	A person who is left something in a will, or a person for whose benefit property is held by trustees or executors.
standing committee	a parliamentary committee appointed by either house or both houses to inquire into and report on certain matters; a standing committee usually continues to exist for the life of a Parliament
pecuniary	Involving money
law	Binding rules by which society is governed
administrator	A person appointed to manage the estate of a person who has died without leaving a will, or the financial affairs of a person who lacks legal capacity
legislature	A law-making body
hearsay evidence	Evidence of a fact not personally seen or heard by a witness, but proved by him or her to have been said by another
statutory instrument	A type of secondary legislation made under authority contained in Acts of Parliament.
matter of public importance	a matter of general nature that can be raised as a matter of urgency which must be supported by a certain number of other members.
ceremony	A formal event that follows rules or traditions.
statute	Another word for an Act of Parliament.
socialism	A method of government in which the means of planning and producing goods and services are controlled by a central government which also seeks to collect the wealth of the nation and distribute it evenly amongst its citizens.
house of commons	one of two houses of Parliament in the United Kingdom and Canada, in which members are elected on the basis of population
perjury	Lying under oath (q.v.) when questioned in a court proceeding or when making a sworn statement
standards	(Within the context of SAI Global Lawlex Premium Research), refers to Australian and New Zealand Standards.
retrospective legislation	a.k.a
taxable form	Refers to a lawyer's bill of costs (q.v.) which shows details of all the lawyer's charges.
rescission	A revocation or stopping action, particularly of a contract
syndicalism	Early twentieth century revolutionary political doctrine whereby the means of production is taken over in a general strike by worker's unions who then will effectively take over government.
greens wa	formed on 1 January 1990, a merger of the WA Green party and the Green Earth Alliance.
notice of motion	an announcement of intention to put forward a motion for consideration, nearly always for a later day.
parliamentary library	The library and analytical information service for members of Parliament and staff.
unconscionable conduct	Action that takes unfair advantage of another party that is under a special disability (q.v.) in a contract or transaction.
civil servants	People who work for the Government
discharge	To fulfil or be released from an obligation
at large	(An animal) not securely confined to the owner's property.
candidate	a person who is running for an office.
changes	The terms ‘changes' and ‘changes to legislation' are sometimes used on this site instead of the term ‘effects'.
statute	a law enacted by the Legislature.
absolute privilege	The protection given to parliamentary and court proceedings that any information produced or revealed in them cannot give rise to an action for defamation.
auditor-general	The Auditor-General's office checks on the accounts, financial statements and financial management of all state departments at all levels of government
part	A division of a bill, which contains a group of clauses under a single heading
abstract motion	An Abstract Motion only expresses an opinion or desire, and it doesn't bind the House or the government to any course of action.
statutory instruments act	Act that confers the responsibility for the publication of the Canada Gazette to the Queen’s Printer.
métis	The Métis in Canada are one of the three recognized Aboriginal peoples in Canada
sessional order	a temporary rule governing the conduct of business in a house of Parliament, which applies only for a defined period within the session in which it is made (and see standing orders)
mandate	The alleged command, and thus authority, a winning political party has to institute its pre-election policies because of the fact it had a convincing win.
lien	The right to hold a person's property as security for the performance of an obligation (e.g
assent	See Royal assent.
respondent	A person against whom a summons has been issued or an appeal brought.
trust deed	A document which sets out the rights and obligations of the trustee and beneficiaries (q.v.) of a trust (q.v.).
adjournment debate	a debate usually at the end of each sitting day of a house when members make speeches about any subject on the motion to end the sitting
affirmation	A pledge that statements made are true which may be made in place of an oath if an oath is contrary to a person's religious belief or if the person has no religious belief
district	a geographic division of the state on the basis of population and in accordance with conditions laid down by the courts, Congress or the Legislature.
motion	A proposal put to the house framed in a way that will result in the opinion of the house being expressed or a decision being made.
visa	Permit that allows either temporary or permanent stay in a country.
forensic procedure	Examination of the body of a person suspected of having committed an offence, or the taking of certain body samples.
probate	The proving of a will, the acceptance by the Probate Registry of the Supreme Court that the deceased's will is valid (q.v.) and the last will in existence.
house	One of the two houses in a bicameral system
ombudsman	an official whose job is to look into peoples complaints against the government or public servants
independent broadcasting authority	This is an independent body that regulates broadcasting in the public interest
act of bankruptcy	An action of a debtor that shows an inability to pay their creditors.
onus of proof	Burden of proof (q.v.).
natural justice	The rules and procedures to be followed by a person or body with the power to settle disputes
committee	A committee existing for the life of the Parliament. Standing Rules and Orders: Permanent rules governing the conduct of business in the House, e.g., the stages through which Bills proceed, the conduct of debates, etc. Statute Law: Parliament-made law as expressed in an Act.
secretary	a public servant who is the administrative head of a government department
delegate	a person who is chosen to represent a local political party at a political convention.
order of precedence	This is the symbolic hierarchy of importance for the positions in the Government of Canada
hearing	a session of a legislative committee at which witnesses present testimony on matters under consideration by the committee.
waive	To give up a legal right or claim.
royal assent	Signification by the Governor in the Queen's name of assent to a Bill becoming an Act
contributory negligence	A defence in an action for damages for injuries arising from the defendant's negligence
professional indemnity insurance	Insurance that provides cover for a person against claims for negligence arising out of the performance of his or her professional duties.
revised legislation	We use the terms ‘revise', ‘revised' and ‘revision' to refer to the editorial process of incorporating amendments and carrying through other effects into legislation.
consolidations	An Act bringing together all existing statute law on a certain subject
reconsider	to consider again a vote on any action previously taken by the Legislature
compulsory third party insurance	Insurance paid with vehicle registration to insure against damage caused to other people, limited to personal injuries suffered by them.
select committee	a group of members from either House or both Houses, appointed to inquire into and report on a particular subject
plenary session	A sitting of the legislature as a whole.
immunity	the protection of members of Parliament and others from civil or criminal action in relation to their participation in parliamentary proceedings, and the protection of parliamentary proceedings from impeachment or question in the courts (see also privilege, parliamentary)
independent complaints directorate	This independent body is responsible for ensuring that cases in which misconduct on the part of police officers is alleged, are investigated impartially.
green paper	a preliminary discussion document, usually issued in advance of the formation of government policy.
fraud	Intentionally dishonest act (or lack of action) done to deceive someone.
legislature	a body or group that has the power to make laws
tabling	The process whereby Bills are introduced in Parliament or a provincial legislature for the first time.
bill	A proposal for a law to be considered by Parliament.
libertarianism	A political philosophy of self reliance, reason and maximum non-interference by the state in matters of both economic and personal affairs
coalition	An arrangement between more than one political party/group
enactment	The point at which a law, as expressed in an Act of parliament, comes into force.
ministerial accountability	the requirement that a minister can be called upon to explain in Parliament his or her actions and those of the department and agencies under his or her control
treaty of utrecht	An agreement between Great Britain and France, signed in 1713, which ended the War of the Spanish Succession
saqamaw	(SA-ga-maw)A Mikmaq word, meaning chief
standing committee	see "Committee".
opening speech	a speech by the Queen, or her representative, the Governor; in which the reasons for the calling together of Parliament are given and the Government's plans for new laws are outlined.
consultation	The consultation process involves the pre-publication of proposed regulations in the Canada Gazette, Part Ⅰ
schedule	a list at the end of a Bill or Act which contains matters of detail: The schedule to the Act contained the list of exempt departments.
abduction	Unlawful removal of a person (often a child) from their home environment.
fixed term	a term of office with a defined beginning and end
convene	to come together in a body or group for meeting or gathering
high court	the court set up under the Constitution to decide matters arising out of the Constitution, and to hear appeals from the supreme courts of the States and other Federal Courts.
next friend	A person you can choose to assist you in presenting your case in court, but who cannot speak for you.
roll call vote	a recorded vote on a measure by which members respond either "aye" or "nay" when their names are called or by indicating the same on an electronic roll call machine
vexatious	(Legal action) that is unnecessary or undertaken only to cause trouble or inconvenience for the other party.
administrative act	A decision, or refusal to make a decision, by an officer of a government department and which is subject to review either internally or externally by the courts.
regulation	a law made under the authority of an Act of Parliament.
first reading	the first stage in the progress of a Bill through a House
wampum belt	(WAUH-pum) In the Wabanahki tradition, shell beads were strung together and woven into belts, as a written document to record an important law, agreement, or event.
public officer	Person appointed to act on behalf of an incorporated association in any public dealings.
codicil	A document signed by a willmaker that alters or adds to an existing will.
lord lieutenant	The monarch's personal representative in an English or Welsh county
third reading	the final stage in the passage of a Bill through a House of Parliament.
jersey islands	Channel Islands belonging to Great Britain, located in the English Channel between France and England.
witness	A person who can provide direct information based on their own knowledge about a relevant fact in issue, and appears in court to do this.
term	the length of time a political official may serve once elected
wolastoqew	(wool-as-took-WAY) This word is used as an adjective, referring to objects, traditions, or ideas belonging to Wolastoqiyik.
royal assent	the signing of a Bill by the Queen's representative (The Governor in the case of State Parliaments, the Govern-General in the case of federal Parliament), which is the last step of making a Bill into an Act of Parliament.
ideology	An ideology is a set of ideas about how the country should be run
name	to formally identify a member for disorderly behaviour during a sitting of a House by which action a presiding officer sets in train disciplinary proceedings which may result in the suspension of a member.
aye	An old English word for yes
amendment	An effect that changes the text of legislation
routine proceedings	The daily time period set aside in the House to deal with routine business.
national prosecuting authority	The National Prosecuting Authority, headed by the National Director of Public Prosecutions, is charged with the responsibility of co-ordinating the effecting prosecution of suspect charged with criminal offences in the country.
parliament	A representative assembly that is constitutionally empowered to make laws within a given jurisdiction – a legislature
democracy	This term gets thrown around a lot, but not a lot of people know what it means or how it is expressed
indemnity	Compensation for a wrong done, or an expense or loss suffered as a result of the act or default of another
statutes	See Act
money bills	Money Bills allocate public money for a particular purpose or impose taxes, levies or duties
explanatory memorandum	a paper which explains the purpose and details of bills or regulations, usually in a simple and non-technical way
legislative process	the series of actions which result in a law being made
means test	Assessment of a person's income and assets to see if they qualify for financial assistance.
freedom of information	The right of any person to have access to documents held by government agencies, except those exempted by legislation.
plain english	The writing of legislation in plain English involves the use of language, presentation, structure and style that makes the legislation easily read and understood
conference committee	See "Committee".
reading	The stage in the passage of a Bill through Parliament at which the major debate takes place on its principle or purpose
portfolio	the area of responsibility or duties of a minister in a government
sheriff	An officer of the court responsible primarily for enforcement of court orders.
duty lawyer	A lawyer at the court who provides free legal assistance to people appearing in court on criminal charges who have not yet had legal advice.
press gallery	The area above the Chamber where accredited media reporters sit.
minutes	accurate chronological record of the proceedings of a meeting.
minutes of proceedings	A formal record, prepared by the clerk of the committee, of all decisions taken by the committee (similar to the Journals in the House).
standing committee	a permanent committee set up to handle legislation in a certain field.
ordinance	Previous name for Acts in the Territories, including the Northern Territory and the Australian Capital Territory.
readings	presentation of a bill or joint resolution
paramount	Most important.
repeal	Describes a specific type of amendment where existing text ceases to have effect and may also be removed from the legislation
state governments	Federalism operates throughout Australia since the responsibility to govern is shared between the Commonwealth and the states.
motion to reconsider	a motion to consider again an action of the house in which the measure is being considered
accessory	A person who assists in the commission of a crime, as distinguished from the principal offender.
freedom of information	the principle that citizens should have a right to see most government papers and reports, particularly those which relate to their personal affairs
concurrent resolution	See "Resolution".
encumbrance	Charges or liabilities e.g
veto	disapproval by the Governor of a measure
annul	To declare void in law
judgment	The official decision of the Court upon the claims of parties to an action or suit lodged with the Court for determination
assent	See royal assent.
inadmissible	Not allowed, i.e
think tank	A non government, non-profit, research institute of scholars / physical scientists generally dedicated to the advocacy of some broad political, economic or social belief.
constitutional convention	1
mace	A symbol of the Speaker's authority
leader of the opposition	The leader of the largest political party in the House of Representatives that is not part of the Government.
resolution	a motion which has been agreed to by a house and expresses the will or opinion of that house
odgers australian senate practice	the main reference book on the law, practice and procedure of the Senate
real property	Land or other real estate.
committee	a group of members of a legislative body to which is assigned a special task.
lobbyist	people who are associated with groups (like labor unions, corporations, etc.) and who try to persuade members of the government (like members of Congress) to enact legislation that would benefit their group.
statutory defence	A ground for defence included in a particular law which would prevent a person from being found guilty of an offence under the law.
bill analysis	a synopsis consisting of background information, statement of purpose, section-by-section analysis and a summary of all previous legislative action on the measure.
revocation	Cancelling the effect of a previous act, e.g
presiding officers	The members of parliament elected to preside over meeting of their respective Houses (the President and the Speaker); they also take responsibility for the administration of the parliamentary departments.
parliament grounds	The landscaped gardens and open area surrounding Parliament House, the Beehive, and the Parliamentary Library.
budget bills	proposals for new laws to allow the government to spend money; there are usually two main bills - Appropriation Bill (No
simple resolution	a resolution which expresses the opinion or will of one house only and does not have the force and effect of law
recede	to withdraw from an amendment in which the opposite house refused to concur.
domestic partnership	A relationship where two people (of the same or opposite sex) are not married but are living or have lived together as a couple.
constitutional court	This court is the highest court of the Judiciary and deals only with matters that relate to the Constitution
clear title	Outright ownership, without any debts or charges on the property.
wabanahkik	(wah-bah-NAH-keek) A traditional First Nation word, meaning The Land of the Dawn
officer	a permanent career official or employee of one of the parliamentary departments which provide support services for the Parliament.
particulars	Details of a claim or defence.
machiavellian	Adjective to describe manipulative and cynical political activity where morals and principles have little account
ohio valley	The region of the Ohio River, located in central United States.
cto	Treatment of an involuntary patient (q.v.) by a medical practitioner in the community, not in a mental hospital.
personal explanation	a short statement made by a member concerning a matter with which he or she is personally connected, or by a member who feels he or she has been misrepresented and who wishes to state the correct facts or situation.
limited war	A war, often not formally declared, fought to obtain specific political / territorial objectives, rather than to obtain the unconditional surrender of the enemy.
candidate	a person who is running for an office
committee	A group of members of parliament that considers matters referred to it and reports its findings to parliament.
recall	to retrieve, by concurrent resolution, a measure which has been presented to the Governor, for the correction of errors.
revenue	incoming money; the money Government collects from taxes and other sources.
vacancy	an unoccupied position or office.
public general acts	Principal Acts which have general application and are regularly reprinted.
property right	The right to use, control, benefit and exclude others from any tangible or intangible object.
interim order	A temporary court order allowing or preventing certain action, until a full hearing can make a decision on the matter.
stop date	The date on which a version is succeeded by a new version or otherwise ceases to have effect.
subpoena	A writ which commands the appearance of a person or the production of specified documents in a court.
enact	to pass a law.
timeline of changes	Facility on legislation.gov.uk providing access to revised legislation as it stood at specific points in time
republic	A form of government where, in word or deed, rule is constrained by institutional frameworks and is not by the selected few
question time	See questions for oral answer.
aggravating factors	Circumstances that make an offence much more serious.
ward	A division of a local government district.
jurisdiction	The authority of a court to decide matters brought before it; the geographical limit within which a court order can be enforced.
serjeant-at-arms	an officer of the Department of the House of Representatives (and carrier of the Mace) who carries out the orders of the House and who assists to keep order in Parliament House
proclaimed	Acts do not necessarily commence operation on assent
bill of rights	A part of the Constitution (Chapter Two) which outlines the basic rights of every person living in South Africa
duress	Undue pressure placed on a person to force him or her to do something.
vote inscrit	Lorsque les noms de ceux qui votent pour ou contre une motion sont inscrits dans le registre officiel de la Chambre, ou dans celui de l' un de ses commités.
counterclaim	A claim made by a defendant against the plaintiff asserting an independent cause of action
mitigation	Circumstances which go towards reducing the damages or punishment which the court may order against a defendant or prisoner.
archives	Files containing all Canada Gazette issues published between 1998 and 2010.
treaty of paris	The agreement between France and Great Britain, signed in 1763, which ended the Seven Years War and gave all of North America to Great Britain, except New Orleans and the small islands of St
treatment order	A court order that a person suffering from mental illness be sent to a psychiatric hospital for treatment instead of to prison after conviction for an offence.
express repeal	When one item of delegated legislation repeals another item of delegated legislation.
psychosurgery	Brain surgery used as a way of treating mental disorders.
interim	the period between sine die adjournment of one regular legislative session to the convening of the next regular legislative session.
polity	an organised society; a political unit and its system of government.
constitutional monarchy	a country which has a monarch, whose powers are limited by a constitution
trust account	A special bank account where a lawyer deposits money held on behalf of other people, subject to strict accounting rules.
gag	a procedure for closing a discussion in a house when some members still wish to speak
stamp tax	An act passed by the British Parliament in 1765 to tax certain transactions and printed items in the American colonies.
move	to make a formal proposal
contempt of court	The failure to obey a court order or an act which shows a disregard for the authority of the court or judge
schedule	An item of legislation may have one or more schedules following the main body
parliamentary privilege	The exercise of certain powers and the claiming of certain immunities for members of Parliament and other people (officers and witnesses) taking part in Parliament's proceedings
parliamentary procedure	rules for and methods of carrying out the business of a house of Parliament
first reading	the first stage in the progress through a house of a bill (also called its initiation), marked by the reading by the Clerk out loud for the first time of the long title of a bill, usually straight after it is presented to the house
hire purchase	Where goods are sold with instalment payments required from the purchaser
deponent	Person who swears an affidavit (q.v.).
incumbent	a person who is currently in office.
gazettal	the placement of official notices in the WA Government Gazette , upon which they are considered to have been notified to the public.
ngo	A non-profit non-government organization.
first chamber	a name for the lower and usually larger house of a legislature; in Australia, the House of Representatives
consumer guarantee	Regime of automatic rights under the Australian Consumer Law cf Consumers: Contracts and Credit
lobbyist	Someone who acts professionally to serve as a go-between for people or business with a complaint about specific legislation and the relevant government minister/secretary
federalism	a system of government in which powers and responsibilities are divided between a national government and provincial or state governments
defendant	A person who has been charged with a criminal offence, or whom a civil action has been brought against.
proclamation	an official public announcement, usually published in the Commonwealth of Australia Gazette
sunset legislation	A statute that states that the statute, or part of it, is to be in force only for a particular period, at the end of which it ceases to have effect.
lessor	A person who leases property or goods to another.
amendment	a change or addition to a bill
master	Legal officer of the Supreme Court empowered to perform auxiliary judicial duties.
ministerial accountability	the requirement that a Minister can be called on to explain in Parliament his or her actions and those of the department and agencies under his or her control.
prorogue	This comes from the French word “proroguer”, which means to delay or postpone
common law	The part of English law traditionally based on common custom and being unwritten
legislation	The laws put forth by Parliament, including orders and regulations.
floor	the interior of either chamber; "floor action" describes the consideration of measures by the entire membership of the respective chambers.
budget policy statement	A paper presented by the Minister of Finance in the months before the Budget, foreshadowing the Budget and its policy goals
motherhood statement	A ‘feel good' platitude supporting an uncontroversial cause that few would dare disagree with.
optional preferential voting	A system of voting in which a voter marks/selects the preferences for candidates of their choice, but the voter need not mark/select preferences for all candidates listed on the ballot
imprest supply bill	A bill that proposes giving the Government temporary authority to spend public money and incur liabilities until detailed spending proposals are approved by way of an Appropriation Bill.
tabulated summary	my.lawlex.com.au's representation of amendments in table format showing the sections affected, amending section of amending title, how the sections have been affected and the commencement details.
rule of law	the principle that all people are equal before the law, and that all government action will be undertaken in accordance with the law
prayer	a request at the end of a petition, usually that a certain course of action be taken or not taken
ex-nuptial	Out of marriage; illegitimate.
auditor general	Officer of Parliament appointed under the Governor Council, to audit the accounts of Canada and investigate financial affairs of the government.
judiciary	The arm of the State dealing with the administration of justice; a system of courts of law responsible for checking the legality of the laws and their compliance with the Constitution as well as deciding what to do if laws are broken.
redistribution	a new arrangement of the electoral divisions in a state or territory with the result that the boundaries of some existing divisions are changed
point of order	motion calling attention to an alleged breach of order or rules.
comprehensive insurance	Insurance that covers claims against the insured by other persons for damage to their property as well as covering the insured for damage to his or her own property.
notice of motion	Notice of a member's intention to move a motion, the text of which is printed on the Order Paper.
petition	A document presented to the House, signed by one person or a number of people, requesting that a certain course of action be taken (or not be taken).
logrolling	A practice in American legislatures where two or more members agree to support each other's bills.
undue influence	Taking unfair or improper advantage of the weakness of another party to make them agree to something.
stamp duty	A state tax on transfers of ownership of assets or property, or on leases.
easements	Rights or freedoms to do something or rights to prevent someone else from doing something over the real property of another
sittings	periods of meetings of a house of Parliament; in the federal Parliament there are usually three periods of sittings (Autumn, Winter and Spring) in the year, during which neither house adjourns for more than 20 days
stamp duty	A tax levied on documents, now typically associated with property sales
platform	The policies or plans that candidates/political parties promise to introduce, if elected to power.
liberalism	A philosophy advocating the rights of the individual as against the state or church as espoused by such eighteenth century English writers as John Locke and J.S
trespass	Wrongful entry onto or interference with a property without the permission of the lawful owner or occupier.
powers	the three types of authority legislative, executive and judicial provided under the Australian Constitution; the legislative powers of the federal Parliament
introductory text	A term we use to denote the text elements at the top of an item of legislation, below the title (or short title) but above the main body
constitutional monarchy	A system in which the powers of the Monarch are limited by the written or unwritten constitution of the country
omnibus bill	In general, an omnibus bill seeks to amend, repeal or enact several Acts, and it is characterized by the fact that it has a number of related but separate parts.
mobile polling team	A team of polling officials who bring the polling to the elector
adr	Process for resolving disputes outside the court system, e.g
digest	a Senate publication prepared by the records staff containing the floor agenda, com-mittee meeting notices and the calendar.
unicameral	A description of a parliament that consists of a single House, or legislative chamber — in New Zealand's case, the House of Representatives
amenity	Features, benefits or advantages of the local environment that people currently enjoy.
quash	To set aside, cancel.
request for insertion forms	Forms that clients are required to complete in order to publish a notice in the Canada Gazette
emergency clause	a provision, requiring two-thirds approval by both houses, that allows a measure to become effective immediately upon the signature of the Governor or at a specified date
compendium	It is basically a large encyclopedia there to provide people with a better understanding of how the House of Commons and its Committees operate.
madras	A city in India, located on the Bay of Bengal.
regulations	Laws which sets out rules that are usually of general application
representative	A person elected to parliament to represent the people of a division (House of Representatives) or State (Senate).
repatriate	A term that is mostly thrown around after a war, it refers to the process of sending people back to their homes (i.e
title	The words appearing at the start of an Act, before the formal words of enactment, that describe briefly the Act's purview
federalism	a system of government in which powers and responsibilities are divided between a national Government and state or provincial Governments.
second reading	the second reading of a passage of a Bill through a House at which time discussion on the principle or purpose of the Bill takes place.
recession	A country's economic status achieved following two consecutive quarters of a drop in real GNP.
testamentary capacity	The ability to draw up a valid will, the mental capacity to understand about property rights and family responsibilities.
term	a limited period of time during which an office is held
standing committee	a group of members appointed by either House or both Houses to inquire into and report on certain matters
necessaries	The basic requirements for a reasonable lifestyle, e.g
notice paper	the document issued each sitting day which lists all outstanding business before a house of Parliament (including orders of the day, notices of motion, notices of intention to present bills as well as questions on notice)
defamation	Publication of false and derogatory statements about another person, without any justification recognised by law
exhibit	A document or thing shown to a witness when giving evidence, produced for inspection to the court or referred to in an affidavit (q.v.).
business of the house	A summary of each item of business considered by the House or that had appeared on Notice Paper.
codification	the process by which newly enacted law is systematically numbered within the Oklahoma Statutes.
contravene	To breach, neglect or refuse to comply with a particular requirement or condition.
days	Days on which Houses of Parliament sit.
electoral system	A set of rules or regulations which lays out how the executive or legislative parts of government get elected
convene	to assemble the Legislature or either house thereof
quorum	the minimum number of people who have to be present to constitute a meeting; the minimum number of members who have to be present for a House or committee to be able to conduct business and make decisions.
vice-regal	concerning or having to do with a person appo inted as a deputy by the King or Queen; having to do with a person acting in place of or representing a King or Queen: As the Governor attended the dinner it was a vice-regal function.
cohabitation	Living together as a couple.
ward	Subdivisions, with approximately equal numbers of electors, of a local government area.
fowling	The hunting of birds.
royal charter	An official document signed by the King.
appropriation bill	A bill that is introduced by the Government to seek authority from Parliament to spend public money and incur liabilities
parliament house	the building where the two houses of Parliament meet, on Capital Hill in the Australian Capital Territory
redistribution	The redrawing of electoral boundaries to ensure that there are approximately the same number of electors in each division in the state or territory.
geographer	A person who studies the earths surface.
financial year	a 12-month period, usually 1 July to 30 June, at the end of which a government or company balances its accounts and reports on them
senate	The Senate was formed as the States' House or house of review
staff	the pool of persons employed to provide services to the members of the Senate.
joint rules	See "Rules".
plebiscite	An issue put before the electorate which does not affect the Constitution
cross examination	The questioning of a witness by the opposing party (q.v.) in a court case.
enacting clause	the phrase: "BE IT ENACTED BY THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF OKLAHOMA:"
clerk of the parliaments	The senior permanent parliamentary officer.
exempt subordinate legislation	Subordinate legislation not required to be drafted by OQPC
party caucus	This is an exclusive meeting of the members of a party in which they strategise over their party's stance on an issue, plan who will speak in a debate etc.
void	In Victoria, under s
pragmatism	A non-ideological approach to political issues where "the merits of the particular case" may take a higher than normal precedence.
two-party-preferred count	These figures indicate results where preferences have been distributed to the two major sides of politics – the Australian Labor Party and the Liberal and National Parties Coalition
cover note	a document provided by an insurer as evidence of temporary insurance cover before a formal policy is issued.
address-in-reply	the formal answer of each house to the speech made by the Queen, or the Governor-General as her representative, at the opening of each session of the Parliament
nomination	Une nomination a un poste officieux faite par le Gouverneur en conseil(représentant de la Reine au Canada)
accused	Person charged with a criminal offence.
fortress louisbourg	The large French fort first established on Île Royale (Cape Breton Island) in 1719 and destroyed by the British in 1758.
open government	a principle of governme nt under which citizens are given maximum opportunity to know about government decisions and the reason for those decisions, and where citizens have the right to see most government papers and reports.
subordinate legislation	See regulations.
suspend	to remove a member from a House and so prevent, for a time, his or her performing any duties, or being present in the House, usually in response to disorderly conduct.
parliamentary departments	the three departments which service the commonwealth Parliament, namely the departments of the Senate and the House of Representatives (chamber departments) and the Department of Parliamentary Services
credit contract	A contract (q.v.) for deferred payment of a debt owed by one person or organisation to another.
adoption	approval or acceptance; usually applied to amendments, resolutions or conference committee reports.
basque	A region along the western end of the border between Spain and France.
law	The system of rules providing a basis for society to function harmoniously and efficiently
plebiscite	A public vote to gauge public opinion on an issue (such as conscription) which does not affect the constitution nor is otherwise legally binding.
partisan	A supporter of a person, group, party, or cause, especially a person who shows a biased, emotional allegiance.
clear and present danger	A concept in American constitutional law to describe a situation where fundamental constitutional principles can be overlooked in exigent circumstances.
king georges war	(1744 1748) The war between France and Great Britain, known in Europe as the War of the Austrian Succession.
in order	in accord with the rules, in a correct form or style, as required by parliamentary procedure
finding	The determination of a factual issue as a result of judicial inquiry.
cripple the title	see "Strike the Title".
mixed economy	An economic system which embraces some aspects of free enterprise together with elements of socialism.
principal author	the member introducing and sponsoring a measure
certificate of title	A document prepared by the Titles Office which shows details of land registered under the Torrens system, particulars of the location, encumbrances (q.v.) and owners.
referendum	A public vote with possibly legally binding consequences.
repeal	To make a statute or part of a statute no longer have any legal effect.
m.p.	A Member of Parliament, but in New South Wales this refers to Members of the Legislative Assembly. Motion: A proposal put to the House, which is debated and voted upon.
prince	Term to denote the son of an hereditary monarch but also that of a non hereditary ruler in his or her own right
certificate of election	a document prepared by the official or body with the legal authority to do so,conferring upon a candidate the right to assume an elective office as a result of being elected to it.
statutory authority	a government agency set up by an Act of Parliament, more or less independent of day-to-day ministerial control, usually not bound by public service procedures to the same extent as ordinary departments, and which is responsible finally to Parliament.
prohibited name	A name which cannot be registered because it is obscene or offensive, impracticable or against the public interest.
realpolitik	The politics of realism
enact	To pass an Act of Parliament
parliamentary privilege	Members of Parliament and of Provincial Legislatures have freedom of speech in the House and in its Committees, subject to its rules and orders
tyranny of the majority	A concept first coined in the nineteenth century by French writer Alexis de Tocqueville and also embraced by John Stuart Mill, who claimed that even democracies had limitations in that minority rights could be forfeited in the pursuit of popular causes
magistrate	A judicial officer presiding over a Magistrates court.
impeachment	The legislative equivalent of a criminal prosecution, where a high government official is subject, by a house of Parliament or Congress, to an investigation, indictment and subsequent trial.
summary offence	A minor offence heard and decided in a Magistrates' Court and not sent for trial before a judge and jury.
introduction	the filing of a measure for consideration by the Legislature
rescind	to annul an action previously taken.
ultra vires	Beyond the power
ayes lobby	The lobby to the Government side of the Chamber
enduring power	A power of attorney (q.v.) or guardianship which continues to have effect even if the donor ceases to be mentally competent.
geology	The study of the earth and its formation.
communitarianism	The concept of collective, rather than individual, ownership of all the nation's assets, as well as the duty by those able, to create and / or manage those assets.
house of representatives	One of the two houses of the federal Parliament of Australia, whose Members are elected on a population basis
parliamentary procedure	rules for and methods of carrying out the business of a House of Parliament.
conference committee	five senators and five representatives, each appointed by their presiding officers, meet to resolve differences between two house versions of a bill
negatived	See Defeated/Negatived
minister	If a minister introduces a bill to the house, it is listed in the government business section of the Notice Paper.
lessee	A person to whom property or goods are leased.
economical reform	A reformist movement of the 1770s and 1780s designed to reduce the influence of the crown over the executive by reducing the number of posts to which the monarch could appoint his favourites, cutting back on patronage and making it harder for the monarch to grant pensions.
agenda	a list of legislative measures, by number and short title, that the Majority Floor Leader plans to consider on a particular legislative day
proletariat	Term used in Marxist ideology to describe the working class who don't own property and whose only value is their labor.
status quo	The existing situation.
house of representatives	the lower House of the federal Parliament of Australia elected on a population basis.
paymaster of the forces	Responsible for the financing of the army, handling parliamentary grants used to fund forces
infant	The legal term for a person under 18, used particularly in family law and civil actions (q.v.).
commonwealth	1
parliament	so called because it takes place on the motion to adjourn the House each day. Amendment: An alteration to a Bill or Act
passage	favorable action on a measure before the Legislature.
affidavit	Document signed by the commissioners for oaths bearing the official seal of the commissioners for oaths of Ontario that states officially that a notice was published in the Canada Gazette, Part Ⅰ, on a specific date
legislative power	the power to make and change laws; one of the three powers under the Constitution
daily session	each day's meeting.
regulation	An instrument made by the Governor in Council, under an authority stated in an Act, that identifies itself as being a regulation
gag	a procedure for closing a discussion in a House when some members still wish to speak.
probation	A non-custodial sentencing order (q.v.) that involves good behaviour and supervision by a probation officer under defined reporting conditions for a specified period.
demagogue	A leader who gains popularity by appealing to prejudice and basic instincts
elect	To pick one person from a group of several people by voting
calendar day	any day of the year, whether or not the Legislature is in session
totalitarian	A government that wishes to subordinate the individual to the state by controlling not only all political and economic matters, but also by seeking to control the attitudes, values, and beliefs of its population.
liability	Legal responsibility, e.g
hearing	a meeting of a parliamentary committee for the purpose of taking oral evidence
notice of motion	A proposal that informs the House of a motion before it happens in order to allow members of the House of prepare and be aware of the motion
valid	Legally binding (q.v.) or effective.
statutory authority	a government agency set up by an Act of Parliament, more or less independent of day-to-day ministerial control, usually not bound by public service procedures to the same extent as ordinary departments, and which is responsible finally to Parliament
repossession	The taking possession of goods by a creditor from a debtor who has breached a term of a credit contract.
privateers	The officers and men of privately owned ships hired by a warring nation to capture enemy ships.
committee substitute	revised version of legislation proposed for consideration or adopted by a committee.
first reading	see "Readings".
legislature	the law making body of a country or a State.
budget statement	A statement made by the Minister of Finance detailing the Government's economic policies and plans for spending public money in the coming year
conference	a meeting of representatives of both houses of Parliament to discuss an issue on which the houses do not agree
liberal	people who generally like to reform current conditions
fixed term	a term of office which cannot usually be shortened.
creditor	A person or company to whom a debt is owed.
bias	A pre-existing attitude or opinion that favours one side over another in a dispute.
cross-cultural exchange systems	A way of trading or exchanging items or goods between groups of people who have different cultural backgrounds (language and customs) and who most often live in different lands or regions.
exclusion clause	A clause in a contract which attempts to exclude or avoid liability (q.v.).
enrollment	the preparation of an exact, accurate and official copy of a measure in its final form in the house of origin, with amendments adopted in the opposite house or in a conference committee and concurred in by the house of origin incorporated in the measure; the final and official copy includes the signatures of the presiding officers of both houses and is sent to the Governor for signature.
ex officio	"by virtue of one's office"
democracy	A form of rule in which the government is elected by, and accountable to, the people.
executive note	An Executive Note sets out a brief statement of the purpose of a Scottish Statutory Instrument and provides information about its policy objective and policy implications
complainant	A person who begins a prosecution against another in the Magistrates' Court, a plaintiff.
government	A body of people responsible for governing a society, including introducing new laws and enforcing existing ones
own motion	Decision by a body to take action, e.g
statutory instrument	A regulation, order, commission or other instrument authorized by an Act of Parliament.
paymaster-general	Government post created through the merger of the positions of Paymaster of the Forces, Treasurer of the Navy and Treasurer of Ordnance in 1836.
session law services	a series of volumes containing all laws enacted during one year of the Legislature
precedent	The doctrine by which courts are obliged to follow past decisions.
deadline	a legislative day after which certain activities may not occur
statutory body	An organ of state established by an Act of Parliament - for example the South African Human Rights Commission.
judgment debt	The amount awarded to be paid under a court order.
"coming into force" date	The date on which a legislative provision or an effect comes into force
out of order	The term describing any proposal, action, or behaviour that is against the Standing Orders, or rules, of the House of Representatives.
testimony	comments made by individuals during a public hearing such as before a committee or board, and which becomes public record
community visitor	A person with authority to monitor and report on the performance of mental health services and the welfare of their patients.
bowen house	The building on Lambton Quay, Wellington, where some members of Parliament have their offices.
select committee	a parliamentary committee established by either house or both houses to inquire into and report on a particular subject; a select committee ceases to exist when it has made its final report to the house or houses
solvent	Able to pay all debts when they are due.
conflict of interest	An issue which interferes with a Member's ability to perform his or her functions
offender	A person who commits an offence.
instruct	(Of a solicitor) to request a barrister to present a particular case in court and to provide him/her with the information and material necessary to do so.
trafficking	In common law, movement from source to end user in the course of trade
substantiation	Providing evidence to prove that an event took place, e.g
infringement notice	Notice showing that an offence (usually a driving offence) has been committed and the penalty to be paid (an "on-the-spot-fine").
cultural influences	A people may change some aspect of their way of life as a result of having come in contact with another group whose ideas or ways are different
retrospective operation	Legislation has retrospective operation if, once it is made, it can at law be said that it took effect at a point in time before the time it was made.
scrutiny of legislation committee	A former statutory committee established under the Parliament of Queensland Act 2001 with responsibility to examine all Bills and subordinate legislation to consider the application of fundamental legislative principles and to consider the lawfulness of subordinate legislation
custody	Control; e.g
paper	a report or document presented to a House of Parliament.
revoke a resolution	To cancel the effect of a resolution previously adopted by the House.
restitution	Giving back what has been provided (under a contract), stolen, or seized to pay a debt.
traditions	A peoples way of life, practiced over a long period of time.
private act	An Act of local or limited application, such as an Act that applies only to a particular individual, organisation or locality.
constitution	The set of rules that a country like Canada follows to work as a nation
intestate	One who dies without leaving a valid will
monopoly	A situation where there is only one seller of a good or service due to either protection by legislation or the impracticality of other parties to enter the market.
sovereign	The Queen (or King) of New Zealand
vote	Part of an Appropriation Bill containing details of the authority to spend public money or incur expenses.
hearing of evidence	A select committee meeting during which members of the public may present information or opinions about an issue.
royal commission	a body formed by a person or persons chosen by a government to inquire into and report on a matter of public concern
qualified privilege	Limited protection against an action for defamation (q.v.) except where the person revealing the information did so out of malice (q.v.).
words of enactment	Formal words of legislative intent appearing at the beginning of an Act after the Long Title
evidence	Information given in writing or in person to a select committee.
certiorari	A form of writ (q.v.) by which actions for review of administrative decisions are commenced in the Supreme Court.
discovery	A procedure by which documents relevant to a civil (q.v.) action are exchanged between the parties before the case comes on for hearing.
lobbyist	a person who, voluntarily or for a fee, represents himself or herself, any individual, organization, corporation or entity before the Legislature.
implied terms	Terms set out in legislation (q.v.) that are automatically part of a contract, without having to be stated in the contract document.
statutes	a compilation of all enacted laws currently in effect.
bicameralism	This is the practice of having two separate legislative or parliamentary chambers in the making of laws
spent conviction	A conviction for a minor criminal offence, which after a certain time without re-offending, is considered to no longer exist.
archaeology	The detailed study of material evidence left behind in the earth by people who lived in the far past.
malapportionment	A term used to describe an electoral system where different electorates have large differences in the number of voters in them.
eviction	The action of recovering land or property from an occupier or tenant by legal proceedings.
proportional representation	The term that describes a group of electoral systems used to elect candidates in multi-member electorates
provable debt	A debt that must be accepted for proportional payment from available funds by the trustee of a bankrupt (q.v.), and from which the bankrupt is released on discharge from bankruptcy.
conflict of interest	A situation where a person's own interests, or a duty towards someone else, may affect the way they carry out a duty towards others.
administrator of the government	The Chief Justice when performing duties of the Governor-General, if that office is vacant or the Governor-General is for any reason unable to perform those duties (for example, if the Governor-General is overseas).
sovereignty	The power of independent self-government.
executor	The person whose duty it is to carry the provisions of a will into effect
plaintiff	Person who initiates legal proceedings against another in a civil dispute (c.f
caveat	A notice given to an appropriate officer ordering him or her not to take a certain step until the person giving the notice (the caveator) has had an opportunity to object (e.g
debate	A discussion in which the arguments for and against a subject are presented according to specific rules
ballot	a piece of paper listing the candidates running for office
subclause	A numbered component of a clause, usually in a single sentence
exhausted votes	These are ballot papers which show no further valid preference for any candidate and must, therefore, be set aside from the count.
m-notes - marginal citations	This annotation type is so called because it used to appear in the margin of the Queen's Printer's copy of primary legislation
legislature	A law-making body of elected representatives
session	the period during which the Legislature meets.
arbitration	A procedure for resolving disputes which involves less formality than a court hearing.
oath	A pledge that statements made are true which is made with one's hand on the bible
reading	a formal stage of the passage of a Bill through a House of Parliament.
portfolio	the area of responsibility or duties of a Minister in a Government; the department for which a Minister is responsible.
pursuant to	According to, as directed by (an Act or Regulation).
trolling	A troll is a slang term used to describe a person who deliberately posts inflammatory statements on a website with the intention of invoking an emotional response or being disruptive (their behaviour is called trolling)
mace	A large, heavy, silver- and gold-covered staff that is a symbol of the power and authority of Parliament
alibi	Defence to a criminal charge on the grounds that the accused was somewhere other than the scene of a crime when that crime was committed.
ombudsman	A concept, originally Swedish, where parliament appoints a person to act as an official watchdog over bureaucracy on behalf of the public
recall	Electoral whereby an elected official, including the chief executive, can be recalled from office by the voters if there are sufficient signatures on a petition.
affidavit	A written statement sworn on oath or affirmed before a person with authority to administer it, such as a justice of the Peace
first reading	The first stage in the progress of a Bill through a House of Parliament
representative	a person who acts on behalf of others; a person elected to a law making body.
cooling off period	The time during which a purchaser can withdraw from a contract after signing.
municipalities	A local government area that is headed by a municipal council that deals with local issues.
statutory declaration	A written statement of facts which the person making it signs and solemnly declares to be true before a person authorised to take declarations.
debt agreement	An arrangement for dealing with unpaid debts that is less formal and intrusive than bankruptcy (q.v.).
parliament buildings	Parliament House, the Beehive, the Parliamentary Library, and Bowen House.
portfolio committee	A Parliamentary portfolio committee established under the Parliament of Queensland Act 2001 that is responsible for examining each Bill and item of subordinate legislation in its portfolio area to consider:
standing orders	the permanent rules which govern the conduct of business in a House of Parliament.
judicial power	the power to interpret or apply the law in particular cases
judicial activism	A judicial philosophy advocating that courts are allowed to take an active role, not supported by existing law, to remedy alleged wrongs in society.
useful idiot	Description for people of influence who support a cause they fail to understand the full ramifications of, and end up being exploited by the leaders of that cause
negotiable instrument	A signed document by means of which money may be transferred from one person to another or through several hands, e.g
legally binding	Able to be enforced by law.
unanimous consent	agreement to take certain procedural actions unless one or more members voices an objection.
inquiry	an investigation by a parliamentary committee
volkstaat council	A temporary institution that was established to make recommendations regarding cultural self-determination and to explore the constitutional possibility of the establishment of an Afrikaner Volkstaat
impeachment	a procedure to remove from office certain public officials accused of mis-con-duct
explanatory memorandum	An Explanatory Memorandum (EM) sets out a brief statement of the purpose of a Statutory Instrument or Statutory Rules of Northern Ireland and provides information about its policy objective and policy implications
adapting	Through time people learn the best possible way to make use of what their environment and surroundings have to offer.
amendment	An alteration to a Bill, Act or Regulation.
budget	The process for preparing and documenting the Government's economic policies and spending plans each year, resulting in the introduction of the main Appropriation Bill and the delivery of the Budget statement.
repealed/revoked	Repeal is essentially the revocation, deletion, omission or reduction in scope of a piece of legislation
client state	A country that is economically or militarily dependent upon another, but not actually controlled politically by the patron state as in the case of a ‘puppet state'.
letter of demand	A notice from a creditor that legal action will be taken if a debt is not paid.
sworn evidence	Evidence given under oath (q.v.).
joint resolution	a resolution passed by both houses of the Legislature which, if signed by the Governor, has the force and effect of law
judiciary	The court system that upholds the laws passed by the legislative branch of the government while simultaneously providing a conflict resolution mechanism.
political party	an organized group of people with common values and goals, who try to get their candidates elected to office
challenge of voter registration	A registered voter of a county may challenge the registration of another registered voter in the same county
electoral roll review	A house to house survey conducted by the Australian Electoral Commission in each division to check that electors are correctly enrolled.
introduce	to bring in and formally present a bill to a house for future consideration
participation	taking part.
free vote	A conscience vote.
apothecary	A person who studies the art and science of mixing medicines; also known in modern times as a pharmacist.
merchantable quality	Reasonable quality, being in a good enough condition to be sold.
testator	A person who makes a will
coauthor slip	a paper upon which a member indicates in writing an intention to Coauthor legislation
notice	The formal process by which the House is notified of forthcoming business - proposals by Members to introduce Bills, or move motions
council	including carrying the Black Rod on sitting days and ceremonial occasions.
strict liability	Liability incurred regardless of fault or ignorance of the law.
frontbench/er	1
perpetrator	Person who committed the offence.
parliamentary counsel	an office of legal officers who draft or prepare proposals for new laws.
motion	A subject for discussion in a legislature or a draft resolution awaiting approval as a resolution.
third reading	the final stage in the passage of a bill through a house of Parliament
public service commission	This is a watchdog body which monitors the composition and efficiency of the state bureaucracy
negligence	A tort (q.v.) involving the breach of a duty of care (q.v.) resulting in loss or damage to another person.
recorded vote	When the names of those voting for and against a motion are registered in the official record of the House or of one of its committees.
bloc	a group of legislators working together to achieve a common goal.
jurisdiction	The authority to enforce laws or pronounce legal judgments
citizen's arrest	An arrest by any person who is not a police officer or who does not have a warrant (q.v.) to arrest.
secretary of the senate	an officer of the Senate (not a member) elected by the members to direct the staff and oversee the preparation of daily printing and general publications and the content of forms used by the Senate for various reports and procedures
intervention order	An order made by police or on application to the Court ex parte regulating a defendant's behaviour towards a protected person
fenians	Members of a secret Irish revolutionary society formed to win independence from Great Britain.
question time	a daily period of time in each house of the Parliament in which ministers are asked questions without notice concerning their responsibilities by other members
bill	A Bill introduced for the particular benefit of certain individuals, public corporations, private companies or local authorities
statutory instrument	In general terms, a document made under the authority, directly or indirectly, of an Act
cabinet government	A system of government in which a group of senior ministers collectively takes responsibility for implementing and administering government policy.
redistribution	The redrawing of electoral boundaries to ensure, as near as possible, an equal number of electors in each division.
standing committee	A permanent committee.
clerk	The chief executive of House administration
discharged	Bills are removed from the notice paper by motion to discharge after it is decided that the Bill will not be proceeded with.
statute	An item of primary legislation, such as an Act or Measure.
commonwealth parliamentary association	an association of parliaments of countries that make up the Commonwealth of Nations, such as Australia, the United Kingdom, Canada, Papua New Guinea and India
informed consent	Agreement given for something to be done, after the procedure has been fully explained so that the person understands the procedure and his or her rights to agree or refuse.
public participation	Public participation is the process whereby legislatures are accessible to members of the public so that they have the opportunity to voice their opinion
dictation	Situation where a decision making body improperly allows itself to be directed by another person or body when making a decision.
justice of the peace	Person able to witness legal documents.
subordinate legislation	A statutory instrument that under the operation of the Statutory Instruments Act 1992 is subordinate legislation
alleged	Said to be the case, but not yet proved.
knowingly concerned	Consciously and deliberately involved in committing an offence.
crown	The formal term for the Sovereign (the Queen)
electorate	See electoral district.
instrument	A formal legal document in writing.
sanction	A penalty or punishment imposed on someone found guilty of an offence.
interest groups	Groups of businesses, associations and people with a common interest who ask MPs or Senators to speak for them and promote their interests.
non-parole period	The minimum term a prisoner must serve before being eligible for parole (q.v.).
without prejudice	A statement or offer made on the basis that it will not affect a person's legal rights in later court action.
no confidence	a means by which a House expresses dissatisfaction with the performance of a Government or a minister.
executive council	A formal meeting of the Governor-General with Ministers to make regulations and other administrative decisions.
litigation guardian	An adult through whom a person under 18 or a person with an intellectual disability can act in court, and who is liable for the costs of such action if unsuccessful.
acts interpretation act	an Act of Parliament which gives guidance as to the meaning of expressions used in other acts and which gives details of procedures to be followed under other acts [Acts Interpretation Act 1901]
democracy	a form of government in which the supreme power is given to the people and exercised by them directly or indirectly through a system of representation
show cause	A reversed onus of proof (q.v.) which applies to applications for bail for some drug offences.
code of practice	A set of guidelines for fair practice developed for a specific industry or occupation
briefing	An introductory explanation given to members of the legislature, usually in their committees, by a department official or specialist on the objectives and underlying principles of a bill or policy document.
division	1
daily program	a program or agenda, less formal than the Notice Paper, which shows the items of business with which the House of Representatives is expected to deal on a particular day, often called the Blue
point of order	a question to the Chair as to whether proceedings in a meeting are in accord with the rules or in the correct form
executive	1
care and protection order	A court order resulting from a care and protection application with various options for supervised care of a child.
electoral roll	The list of names of people who are registered electors for an electoral district.
representative democracy	In modern times what is commonly know as a democracy, even though the people do not directly vote on actual issues and laws but surrender that right to their duly elected representatives.
bequeath	To dispose of personal property in a will, to make a bequest.
action	disposition of any question before the Legislature.
clerk at the table	The Clerk or other member of staff of the Office of the Clerk who sits at the Table of the House
first nations	Referring to the indigenous people of North America and their descendants who are not Inuit or Métis, this is a term used to determine ethnicity
defence	1
parliamentary privilege	The privilege while (physically) in Parliament that allows an MP to say anything without fear of prosecution for slander
legislature	The arm of government whose function is to make, amend and repeal laws, as a parliament.
prohibition	An order to stop decision-making proceedings in a lower court or tribunal.
fiscal year	a twelve-month period at the end of which accounts are finalized
regulation	a law made under the authority of an Act of Parliament
start date	The start date of a version is the earliest date for which it had effect to any extent or for any purpose.
budget	The government’s plan for how it will collect and spend money each year.
electoral district	A district or area defined by the Representation Commission to be represented by a member of Parliament.
minutes	the official record of what has been decided by the Legislative Council.
cognate debate	a debate in which two or more related matters are discussed at the same time
extract	Product offered by the Canada Gazette Directorate to its clients
attestation clause	A witnessing clause, for example, in a will
calendar	a list of legislation available to be heard by the Legislature
party	A group of persons with common political opinions and purposes, organized for gaining political influence and governmental control, and for directing government policy.
consumer lease	A contract (q.v.) for hire of goods by a person for a specified period and rental.
put the question	ask for a decision on a motion: The Speaker put the question to the House.
recognisance	A bond (q.v.) the object of which is to secure the performance of an act by the person bound by it, e.g
petition	A written request or complaint made by one or more members of the public.
polity	Form or process of civil government; organized society; the state.
seigniories	Large portions of land belonging to a Seignior or Lord, and occupied by his workers.
wabanuwok	(wah-BAH-new-wok) The people of Wabanahkik.
offence	A wrong prohibited by the criminal law.
electorate	The collective name given to all the people who have the right to vote.
declaratory order	A formal statement by a court to clarify a specific point of law for interested parties.
directions hearing	A hearing held before the full hearing so that the court or tribunal can give directions to the parties about how the action should proceed.
lobbying	Lobbying is when either individuals or a group tries to influence politicians or those with decision-making power to act in their favour
warranty	(1) A minor clause in a contract, the remedy for breach of which is damages for any loss