Advice Centers
Advice centers are points of contact for individuals seeking support with legal, social, or financial problems. They often offer free or low-cost advice and are aimed at individuals who cannot afford professional legal representation. Advice centers deal with issues such as tenancy law, consumer questions, or cases of discrimination. They are important actors in the fight against social inequality.
Court
A court is a state institution that resolves legal disputes and makes decisions based on laws. Courts are organized into various jurisdictions, such as civil, criminal, or administrative courts. They ensure that disputes are resolved legally and contribute to the enforcement of rights and obligations.
Court Clerks
Court clerks are officials who assist in courts and public prosecutors’ offices. They handle tasks such as processing applications or managing inheritance and enforcement procedures. Court clerks relieve judges and ensure the smooth conduct of procedures.
Dispute Resolution Procedures
A dispute resolution procedure is an alternative to court proceedings where conflicts are resolved out of court. These include mediation, conciliation, or settlement negotiations. Such procedures are often quicker and less expensive and promote amicable solutions between the parties.
Individual Seeking Legal Assistance
Individuals seeking legal assistance are those who require support or information related to legal matters. They may turn to lawyers, advice services, or legal aid offices to resolve their issues. Often, these individuals face legal or bureaucratic challenges that they cannot navigate without help.
Law Centre
A law centre is a non-profit organization that provides free or low-cost legal support. These centres primarily target socially disadvantaged groups and promote access to justice through advice, representation, and education. Law centres are particularly common in the UK.
Law Clinics
Law clinics are university programs where law students provide legal advice under the guidance of instructors or lawyers. They offer free support to individuals who cannot afford legal consultation. At the same time, they provide students with practical experience in dealing with legal cases.
Lawyers
Lawyers represent and advise people on legal issues and proceedings. They help clarify complex legal matters, initiate legal steps, and enforce claims. In addition to representation in court, they also offer out-of-court options, such as mediation or contract negotiations. Lawyers play a significant role in facilitating access to justice, especially for individuals without prior legal knowledge.
Legal Action
Taking legal action refers to the process of presenting legal claims or disputes in a court of law. This mechanism ensures that conflicts are evaluated and resolved by impartial courts. The right to initiate legal action is a fundamental aspect of legal protection, safeguarding individuals’ rights and enabling justice to be served.
Legal Aid
Legal aid supports individuals with low income in financing legal proceedings. It covers court costs as well as fees for lawyers when there is a sufficient prospect of success. The goal is to enable all individuals to access justice, regardless of their financial situation.
Legal Application Offices
Legal application offices are points of contact at courts that help citizens formulate and submit applications and claims. They serve as a connection point between citizens and the judiciary and offer support with bureaucratic and legal questions. These offices are often the first point of contact for individuals seeking legal assistance.
Legal Counseling
Legal counseling includes support with legal questions and problems, often provided by lawyers or specialized advice services. It helps individuals understand their rights, plan possible steps, and resolve disputes. Competent advice can be crucial for successfully asserting claims.
Legal Counseling Assistance
Legal counseling assistance allows people with low income to receive legal advice without incurring high costs. It covers out-of-court consultations and support, such as from lawyers or specialized agencies. The application for legal counseling assistance is submitted through the district court and, if approved, is confirmed by a legal counseling certificate. This service promotes equal access to justice.
Legal Counseling Permit
A legal counseling permit is an official document that enables individuals with low income to obtain affordable legal advice and assistance. It is issued by the district court and entitles the holder to utilize legal services or advice offices. With this permit, the recipients typically bear only a small co-payment.
Legal Dispute
A legal dispute arises when two parties have differing claims or opinions regarding a legal issue. It can be settled out of court or decided in court. Legal disputes often involve issues such as contracts, tenancy agreements, or claims for damages.
Legal Expenses Insurance
Legal expenses insurance helps cover the costs of a legal dispute, such as for lawyers, courts, or expert opinions. It provides financial security and allows policyholders to assert their rights without significant financial risk. The scope of benefits varies depending on the insurance policy.
Legal Mobilization
Legal mobilization describes the process in which individuals recognize, demand, and enforce their rights. It includes the use of legal means to advance personal or societal concerns. The goal is to promote access to justice and strengthen legal enforcement.
Legal Proceedings
A legal proceeding is a legal process in which a court decides on a dispute or matter. It includes the filing of complaints, presentation of evidence, and the final judgment. Proceedings can be complex and often require the involvement of lawyers. The aim is to achieve a legally binding solution.
Legal System
The legal system encompasses all institutions, laws, and processes that govern coexistence in a society. It forms the basis for legal enforcement and protects the rights of citizens. A functioning legal system is essential for peace, order, and social justice.
Legal Tech
Legal tech refers to digital solutions that simplify access to justice and make legal services more efficient. Examples include platforms for automated assessment of legal claims, such as for flight delays or terminations. Legal tech primarily assists with standardized cases and makes legal support accessible to a broader population.
Legislator
The legislator is the parliament that enacts laws and defines the legal framework of a society. In Germany, the legislator consists of the Bundestag (Federal Diet) and the Bundesrat (Federal Council). The legislator is responsible for adapting laws to societal developments and protecting the rights of citizens.
Mandatory Legal Representation
Mandatory legal representation means that in certain proceedings, representation by a lawyer is required by law. This applies, for example, in higher courts to ensure that the parties involved are properly represented. Mandatory representation protects against formal errors that could affect the outcome of a case. However, representation by a lawyer is usually not required in district courts, except in family matters.
Protection Orders
A protection order is intended to protect individuals from domestic violence or stalking. Affected individuals can apply through the courts for measures such as contact bans or assignment of housing. These applications are often associated with high emotional burdens and require a precise presentation of the situation.
Rule of Law
The rule of law guarantees that all citizens are equal before the law and that state actions are based on legal principles. It protects individual rights and ensures that the judiciary remains independent and impartial. The rule of law is a central principle of democratic societies.