Affirming - Stating that what you say or write is the truth. It is used instead of 'taking the oath' if your religion does not allow you to take an oath or you do not have a religion.
Affidavit - A signed, written statement by a person involved in the case, stating what they know. It is sworn under oath or affirmed.
Claimant - You, the person bringing the claim.
Consumer - A person who buys or hires goods or services and does not use them for business purposes.
Contract - An agreement between two people, which the law recognises as legally binding.
Dispute resolution - A procedure designed to resolve disputes between people. It usually involves people working out their difference in a non-court setting with an independent referee helping them to come to an agreement.
Hearing - Where evidence is heard from all parties involved in the matter and a judgment is made.
Implied warranty - A warranty that is automatically part of a contract even though there is no specific mention of it in the contract.
Justice of the peace - A person recognised by law who helps with the legal process by witnessing documents, issuing search warrants and in minor cases sitting with another justice of the peace to form a court. This is the person you must ask to witness you signing your affidavit.
Magistrates court - This court deals with civil claims (involving property up to $50,000. This limit is increased from time to time).
Oath - 'Taking the oath' means swearing on the Bible that you will tell or have told the truth. If you do not believe in the Bible, you can affirm that the content of the affidavit is true.
Order - An order is made by a court. It requires a person to do something.
Respondent - The trader entity you are having a dispute with.
Small Claims Tribunal - A tribunal that deals with disputes below a fixed amount between consumers and traders, or traders and traders, motor vehicle property damage claims, tenancy disputes and disputes under the Mobile Homes Act.
Trader - A person, or business entity, who carries on a business of supplying goods or services and is not regarded as a professional (for example, doctors, dentists and solicitors are professionals).