Case law: Published court decisions which establish legal precedents, binding lower courts.

Caveat: (Latin: let him beware.) A formal warning. Caveat emptor (let the buyer beware) is a warning to buyers to check for themselves things which they intend to buy, so they cannot later hold the vendor responsible for the faulty condition of the item. The Sale of Goods and Supply of Services Act 1980 extends the rights of consumers in this area.

Central Criminal Court: The High Court sitting to deal with serious criminal offences, such as rape and murder.

Certiorari: Form of judicial review whereby a court is asked to set aside the decision of an administrative tribunal, judicial officer or public organisation. Certiorari may be used where the decision of the lower tribunal was made in breach of the rules of natural justice. An application for certiorari must normally be made within six months of the decision.

Chambers: Judge”s personal rooms, where he may hear matters in private.

Charge: Form of security for payment of a debt.

Chattels: Moveable items of property which are neither land nor permanently attached to land or a building. (Land or buildings are described as “real property”.) Chattels are also known as personal property (or personalty). A freehold property is not a chattel, but a leasehold is.

Cheque: Form of bill of exchange where the order to pay is given to a bank holding the payor”s funds.

Child: Person under 18.

Circuit Court: Court above the District Court and below the High Court, with power to award damages up to £30,000.