Legal Definitions - Q.B.

Q.B. stands for Queen's Bench.

The Queen's Bench refers to a division of a superior court in certain common law jurisdictions, particularly those with historical ties to the British Crown. It typically handles significant civil cases, and in some contexts, serious criminal matters. The specific structure and jurisdiction of the Queen's Bench can vary slightly between different countries or provinces.

• Example 1: Commercial Dispute in England and Wales

  Imagine a scenario where two large international companies are in a dispute over a multi-million dollar contract for the supply of specialized machinery. One company alleges the other failed to deliver the equipment on time, causing significant financial losses. This complex commercial lawsuit, seeking substantial damages, would likely be filed and heard in the Queen's Bench Division of the High Court of Justice in England.

  This example illustrates how the Queen's Bench, as a division of the High Court in England and Wales, is responsible for adjudicating major civil cases, including high-value commercial disputes and contractual breaches.

• Example 2: Serious Criminal Trial in Canada

  Consider a situation in the Canadian province of Alberta where an individual is charged with a serious criminal offense, such as aggravated assault or a complex fraud scheme. The prosecution believes the evidence warrants a trial before a judge and jury due to the severity of the alleged crime and potential lengthy prison sentence.

  This example illustrates that in provinces like Alberta or Manitoba, the Court of Queen's Bench is the superior trial court that presides over the most serious criminal cases, including those heard by a judge and jury, demonstrating its role in the administration of major criminal justice.