Русско-англо-русский юридический словарь

When a bankruptcy case is filed with a court, a bankruptcy estate, which includes all of a debtor’s legal and equitable interests, is formed. Typically, the estate is subject to the bankruptcy court’s jurisdiction, and it is reviewed by a court-appointed bankruptcy trustee. The trustee generally represents the creditors’ interests in the suit. During the bankruptcy proceedings, the estate becomes the legal owner of the debtor’s tangible and intangible assets. Assets held in a bankruptcy estate are frequently sold by the trustee in order to pay off the debtor’s outstanding obligations. (WiseGEEK)

A cause of action is a combination of facts giving rise to a claim or right to sue in UK law. It provides the basis for commencing court proceedings in order to obtain an appropriate remedy by law. In other words, a cause of action is the justification for bringing legal proceedings. (FindLaw UK)

court of first instance 1. (Law) a court in which legal proceedings are begun or first heard (Collins English Dictionary)

Substantive law is the statutory, or written law, that defines rights and duties, such as crimes and punishments (in the criminal law), civil rights and responsibilities in civil law. It is codified in legislated statutes or can be enacted through the initiative process.

Substantive law stands in contrast to procedural law, which is the "machinery" for enforcing those rights and duties. Procedural law comprises the rules by which a court hears and determines what happens in civil or criminal proceedings, as well as the method and means by which substantive law is made and administered. (Wikipedia)