Key Terms

Question 1

Civil Law

Answer 1

The body of law concerned with civil or private rights and remedies.

Question 2

Tort

Answer 2

A private or civil wrong or injury, other than branch of contract, for which the court will provide a remedy in the form of an action for damages.

Question 3

Breach of Contract

Answer 3

Failure without legal excise, to perform any promise which forms the whole or part of a contract.

Question 4

Rule of Precedent

Answer 4

Current court decisions must follow those made in cases having similar circumstances.

Question 5

Statute Law

Answer 5

The written law.

Question 6

Damages

Answer 6

Compensation in money for the loss or damage suffered.

Question 7

Compensatory Damages

Answer 7

Intended to compensate the injured party for the bodily injury or property damage sustained.

Question 8

General Damages

Answer 8

Damages which cannot be exactly determined in monetary terms, but reflect an amount that the court believes necessary to compensate the aggrieved party fairly.

Question 9

Special Damages

Answer 9

Damages which can be measured as to amount and are often referred to as out of pocket expenses.

Question 10

Exemplary or Punitive Damages

Answer 10

To punish defendants for their behaviour or to make an example of them.

Question 11

Nominal Damages

Answer 11

When there is no substantial loss or injury to be compensated, the courts have awarded damages of a nominal sum.