GHG LEGAL

Legal Words. Real Meanings.

The language used by police and lawyers can often be complex and confusing. Our goal is to clarify these terms and explain their relevance to your case, helping you navigate the legal process with greater confidence and understanding.

  1. Legal Jargon — What It Really Means Because the law shouldn’t sound like another language. 

  2.  AA – Appropriate Adult
    A parent, guardian, or trained person who must be present when a child or vulnerable adult is interviewed by police. 

  3.  ABE – Achieving Best Evidence
    A recorded video interview, usually with children or vulnerable witnesses, carried out in a structured way so it can be used as evidence in court. 

  4.  Accountability
     Being responsible and answerable for your actions. It also applies to the police and public bodies — they must be held accountable when their actions cause harm or breach rights. 

  5.  Aggravating Circumstances
     Details that make an offence more serious — like using a weapon, targeting someone vulnerable, or committing the offence while on bail. These usually lead to a tougher sentence. 

  6.  CICA – Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority
     A government scheme that pays compensation to victims of violent crime — even if no one is convicted. 

  7.  CPS – Crown Prosecution Service
     The public body that decides whether there’s enough evidence to charge someone and take a case to court. 

  8.  DBS – Disclosure and Barring Service
     Checks your criminal record for jobs that involve working with children or vulnerable adults. 

  9. DVPN / DVPO – Domestic Violence Protection Notice / Order
     Temporary measures used by police or courts to protect someone from alleged domestic abuse while an investigation is ongoing.
     
  10.  DWP – Department for Work and Pensions
     Handles benefits and investigates fraud allegations. They can invite you to an interview under caution, just like the police. 

  11.  HMCTS – His Majesty’s Courts & Tribunals Service
     Runs all courts and tribunals in England and Wales. 

  12.  IDPC – Initial Details of the Prosecution Case
     The first bundle of evidence the prosecution must provide to the defence before the first court hearing. It includes the charge sheet, witness statements, and a summary of facts. 

  13.  IOPC – Independent Office for Police Conduct
     The watchdog that investigates complaints, misconduct, or deaths involving the police. 

  14.  MG5 – Case Summary Form
     A short document written by the police for the CPS summarising the allegation, key evidence, and what they recommend should happen next. 

  15.  MG11 – Witness Statement Form
     A written statement from a witness, signed and used as part of the prosecution or defence evidence. 

  16.  Mitigating Circumstances
     Factors that make an offence less serious, such as mental health issues, provocation, remorse, or lack of intent. Mitigation can reduce a sentence or avoid custody. 

  17.  NFA – No Further Action
     The police or CPS have decided not to continue with the case — you won’t be charged, though the record of arrest might still exist. 

  18. PACE – Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984
     The key law that sets out how the police must behave when they arrest, detain, or question someone — including your rights in custody. 

  19. PLO – Police Liaison Officer
     An officer who supports victims or families during serious or sensitive investigations. 

  20.  PPACE – PACE Codes of Practice
     The official rules that sit alongside PACE, explaining exactly how interviews, searches, and custody procedures must be carried out. 

  21.  ROA – Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974
     The law that explains when convictions become “spent” — meaning you don’t have to declare them for most jobs. 

  22.  RUI – Released Under Investigation
     You’ve been released while the police continue their enquiries. You’re not charged, but still a suspect — and may be called back or charged later. 

  23. SAR – Subject Access Request
     A formal request you can make to see what personal information an organisation (like the police) holds about you. 

  24. SRA – Solicitors Regulation Authority
     The body that regulates solicitors and law firms, ensuring they meet professional and ethical standards.

    Still unsure what something means?
    Ask me. I’ll explain it in plain English — no jargon, just clarity.