A Digest of Case Law on the Human Rights of Women - Asia Pacific ...

countries. Sharia is a religious code for living, and has been formally instituted as
law by certain states and enforced by the courts.
special damages
In an action for tort, compensation awarded for loss actually suffered and expenses
actually incurred, such as medical expenses and loss <strong>of</strong> income.
statute
A law made by parliament.
succession
The transmission or redistribution <strong>of</strong> the property on the death <strong>of</strong> its owner to the
persons or entities entitled to that property, either by will or by operation <strong>of</strong> law.
taka
Monetary unit <strong>of</strong> Bangladesh.
testator
A person who makes a will.
tort
A wrongful act from which injury occurs to another. It is also a civil wrong based
on the breach <strong>of</strong> a duty, imposed by law. The law <strong>of</strong> tort tries through the payment
<strong>of</strong> compensation to restore the injured person to the position they were in before the
tort was committed.
trial in camera (in camera proceedings)
A court case which is closed to members <strong>of</strong> the public. Although generally the courts
conduct proceedings in open court, there should be provisions which permit or
require the court to hear proceedings in a closed court where the case is <strong>of</strong> a particular
nature or where a particular type <strong>of</strong> witness is giving evidence, for example, a child,
or where the proceedings relate to a particular class <strong>of</strong> <strong>of</strong>fence.
ultra vires
An act which is done in excess <strong>of</strong> the power or authority <strong>of</strong> a person, institution, or
legislation. An ultra vires act is invalid.
usufructary rights
The legal right <strong>of</strong> using and enjoying the fruits or pr<strong>of</strong>its <strong>of</strong> something belonging to
another; the right to use or enjoy something.
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Glossary