Glossary

In Tribunals and Courts

When a person makes an oath, they give a formal promise that a statement is true. An oath is often sworn to a religious figure. If a person isn’t able to take an oath, they make an affirmation instead.

In Criminal Law

This is a criminal offence. If you try to stop or affect the administration of justice, you can be charged with the criminal offence of “obstructing justice”. An example of obstructing justice is paying a person to act as a surety for you.

In Criminal Law

This is a criminal offence. If you try to stop a police officer from lawfully doing their job, you can be charged with the criminal offence of “obstructing a peace officer”.

In Criminal Law

An offence is something that is against the law. The Criminal Code lists criminal offences. There are other types of offences that are not criminal offences, such as not wearing your seatbelt.

In Family Law

An offer to settle is a written document that is sent by one party to the other party that says what they’re willing to agree to in order to settle all or part of the issues.

In Abuse and Family Violence, Family Law

The Office of the Children’s Lawyer (OCL) is the government-funded office that represents children under the age of 18 in some court cases.

The OCL is not automatically involved in court cases dealing with decision-making responsibility and parenting time, which used to be called custody and access. They have to agree to accept your case.

The OCL has clinicians and lawyers across Ontario. OCL clinicians, who are usually social workers, prepare reports about a child’s needs, views, and wishes. OCL lawyers represent children in court.

In Income Assistance

An Old Age Security (OAS) pension is a monthly amount that the Government of Canada pays to people 65 and older. To qualify, people must:

• be a Canadian citizen or legally resident in Canada, and
• have lived here for a certain number of years. This is never less than 10 years and can be more.

In Ontario Disability Support Program

An Old Age Security (OAS) pension is a monthly amount that the Government of Canada pays to people 65 and older. To qualify, people must:

• be a Canadian citizen or legally resident in Canada, and
• have lived here for a certain number of years. This is never less than 10 years and can be more.

In Abuse and Family Violence, Elder abuse, Health and Disability

The term “older adult” is usually used to describe someone who’s over the age of 65. But there’s no set age for when someone is considered an older adult. Some people prefer to use the term “senior”.

We use older adult to refer to someone who may be affected by elder abuse, even if they’re younger than 65.

In Criminal Law

This is a written record of what is said in court by the Crown, the defence lawyer, the judge, the accused and others (witnesses and court staff) who may be testifying or asked to speak. It will be in the transcript of the proceeding.