Law Lords :
The phrase Law Lords is the more common term used for the Lords of Appeal in Ordinary, who are the judicial members of the House of Lords. (See the Lords of Appeal in Ordinary.)
Lawyer :
The name lawyer is a generic term for someone who practices law, or is studying it at college or university. (See barrister or solicitor.)
Lay justice or magistrate :
The lay justice or lay magistrate are commonly used terms for a justice of the peace or magistrate. (See Justice of the Peace or Magistrate.)
Libel :
Libel is a derogatory or defamatory statement that is permanent because it's in writing, on film, or in a picture. This includes all print products, radio and TV programmes and even stage plays. To prove libel, you must prove that the publication of this defamatory statement has caused actual financial or material loss to the person involved. (See Defamation.)
Liquidation :
Liquidation is a legal process similar to bankruptcy that refers to a company or business (see Bankruptcy)
Litigation :
Litigation is the act of taking legal action against someone or something. The person who begins this legal action is called the litigant. Litigation is also the term used for the legal expertise necessary to carry out this practice.
Lord Advocate :
The Lord Advocate is Scotland's legal adviser to the government. Similar to the role of Attorney General in England and Wales, the Lord Advocate represents the Crown in Scottish Courts and advises on all legal matters.
Find out more about the Scottish legal system in the Crime Fighters section.
Lord Chancellor :
The Lord Chancellor is a government minister that acts as the head of the judiciary and as Speaker of the House of Lords. This judicial and legislative role means that the Lord Chancellor presides over the House of Lords when it acts as the final court of appeal for England, Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland. The Lord Chancellor also advises on the appointment of magistrates, judges and deals with a variety of matters concerning legal reform.
Lord Chief Justice :
The Lord Chief Justice is the head judge in the Queen's Bench Division of the High Court. After the Lord Chancellor, the Lord Chief Justice is the highest legal job in the UK, and their role includes being a member of the Court of Appeal.
Lords of Appeal in Ordinary :
The Lords of Appeal in Ordinary is the full title given to the Law Lords, who carry out the judicial functions of the House of Lords. The Law Lords are usually very high up in the legal structure with over a decade of legal practice as a barrister. There can be up to eleven Law Lords at any one time, and they are appointed as life peers to the House of Lords in order to carry out these functions.
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A comprehensive guide to most legal terms, to help you understand what we are all about......