LAW

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Legal Terms-Highway

A public right of way allowing people to pass and repass as of right, including roads, footpaths, bridleways, and navigable rivers. Highways are created by statutory powers or public dedication and use, and once established, they remain highways even if unused. Obstruction of a highway constitutes a public nuisance


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Legal Terms – Hijacking

The unlawful seizure or control of an aircraft in flight by force or threats. It is outlawed by international conventions, including the Tokyo Convention (1963), Hague Convention (1970), and Montreal Convention (1971). These treaties define the offence, establish compulsory jurisdiction, and provide for extradition of offenders
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Legal Terms-Hire
A contractual agreement where one party temporarily grants possession and use of goods or services to another in exchange for payment. Ownership remains with the lender, and the borrower must return the item after the agreed period or under agreed conditions.


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Legal Terms-Hire Purchase

A form of credit agreement allowing a buyer to take possession of goods while paying in installments. Ownership transfers only after the final payment is made. Governed by the Consumer Credit Act 1974, this arrangement protects both the buyer’s and the seller’s rights in cases of default.


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Legal Terms – Historic Buildings

Structures of special architectural or historic interest, protected under the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990. Any modification or demolition requires listed building consent from local authorities to preserve national heritage.


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Legal Terms-HMOs (Houses in Multiple Occupation)

Residential properties occupied by three or more tenants forming more than one household, who share facilities like bathrooms or kitchens. Regulated by the Housing Act 2004, HMOs must meet safety and management standards and often require local authority licensing.


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Legal Terms-Hereditament

A heritable property right capable of being inherited, encompassing both corporeal hereditaments (physical land and buildings) and incorporeal hereditaments (intangible rights like easements or rents).


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Legal Terms – Hearsay Evidence
Evidence based on statements made outside the courtroom that are presented to prove the truth of the matter asserted.
Traditionally inadmissible, but modern reforms—especially the Civil Evidence Act 1995 (for civil cases) and Criminal Justice Act 2003 (for criminal cases)—allow hearsay in certain circumstances, such as when a witness is unavailable.
The court determines the weight and reliability of such evidence, and its use must comply with fair trial rights under Article 6 of the ECHR .



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Legal Terms – Hedgerow
A boundary formed by closely planted shrubs or trees, often along rural property lines. Hedgerows are protected under environmental law to preserve biodiversity and landscape character. Unauthorized removal may require consent under the Hedgerows Regulations 1997.



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Legal Terms – Hedonic Damages

A form of damages recognizing loss of enjoyment of life—compensation for the reduction in a person’s ability to experience pleasure, satisfaction, or happiness due to injury or wrongdoing. Common in tort law, especially in personal injury and wrongful death claims.


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