Abatement
A reduction in some amount that is owed, usually granted by the person to whom the debt is owed. Read the full definition of Abatement on Duhaime.org
Abbacinare
A barbaric form of corporal punishment meted out in the mipive ages where persons would be permanently blinded by the pressing of hot irons to the open eyes. Read the full definition of Abbacinare on Duhaime.org
Abduction
To take someone away from a place without that person's consent or by fraud. Read the full definition of Abduction on Duhaime.org
Abet
The act of encouraging or inciting another to do a certain thing, such as a crime. Read the full definition of Abet on Duhaime.org
Ab Initio
Latin: from the start; from the beginning. Read the full definition of Ab Initio on Duhaime.org
Aboriginal
Pertaining to things or land or person or members of a race, which are indigenous to, or first occupied a specified territory. Read the full definition of Aboriginal on Duhaime.org
Absolute
Final, perfected, complete and unconditional. Read the full definition of Absolute on Duhaime.org
Absolute Discharge
A sentence of a person guilty of a crime in which the accused is deemed to have not been convicted; no criminal record issues as regards the offense for which an absolute discharge is granted. Read the full definition of Absolute Discharge on Duhaime.org
Absolute Privilege
An absolute defence to an otherwise defamatory statement because of the venue or context which the statement was made. Read the full definition of Absolute Privilege on Duhaime.org
Acceleration Clause
A clause in a contract that states that if a payment is missed, or some other default occurs (such as the debtor becoming insolvent), then the contract is fully due immediately. Read the full definition of Acceleration Clause on Duhaime.org
Acceptance
The final and unequivocal expression of assent to another's offer to contract. Read the full definition of Acceptance on Duhaime.org
Access
A non-custodian parent's bundive of rights or times and days during which he/she has exclusive time with the child of the separated parents. Read the full definition of Access on Duhaime.org
Accord and Satisfaction
A term of contract law by which one party, having complied with its obligation under a contract, accepts some type of compensation from the other party (usually money and of a lesser value) in lieu of enforcing the contract and holding the other party to their obligation. Read the full definition of Accord and Satisfaction on Duhaime.org
Accounts
The written, detailed or summary, record of a person's managament or administration of an estate or of a particular matter. Read the full definition of Accounts on Duhaime.org
Accretion
The imperceptible and gradual apition to land by the slow action of water. Read the full definition of Accretion on Duhaime.org
Acquiescence
Action or inaction which binds a person legally even though it was not intended as such. Read the full definition of Acquiescence on Duhaime.org
Acquittal
A decision by a judge that a person accused of a crime is not guilty. Read the full definition of Acquittal on Duhaime.org
Act
A bill which has passed through the various legislative steps required for it and which has become law Read the full definition of Act on Duhaime.org
Act of God
An event which is caused solely by the effect of nature or natural causes and without any interference by humans whatsoever. Read the full definition of Act of God on Duhaime.org
Actual Total Loss
Property that is completely destroyed, or lost and irretrievable; a term of insurance and maritime law. Read the full definition of Actual Total Loss on Duhaime.org
Actus Reus
A prohibited act. Read the full definition of Actus Reus on Duhaime.org
Actus Reus Non Facit Reum Nisi Mens Sit Rea
Conviction of a crime requires proof of a criminal act and intent. Read the full definition of Actus Reus Non Facit Reum Nisi Mens Sit Rea on Duhaime.org
Ad Colligendum Bona
When a person dies and there is no apparent executor or administrator, a person can be appointed by Court order and for the limited and sole purpose of collecting, inventorizing and preserving the assets of the deceased until an appropriate full-fledged administrator can be found or appointed. Read the full definition of Ad Colligendum Bona on Duhaime.org
Ad Damnum
Latin: refers to the parts or sections of a petition that speaks to the damages that were suffered and claimed by the plaintiff. Read the full definition of Ad Damnum on Duhaime.org
Apendum
An attachment to a written document. Read the full definition of Apendum on Duhaime.org
Ademption
When property identified in a will cannot be given to the beneficiary because it no longer belonged to the deceased at the time of death. Read the full definition of Ademption on Duhaime.org
Adhesion Contract
A fine-print consumer form contract which is generally given to consumers at point-of-sale, with no opportunity for negotiation as to it's terms, and which, typically, sets out the terms and conditions of the sale to advantage the seller. Read the full definition of Adhesion Contract on Duhaime.org
Ad Hoc
Latin: for this purpose; for a specific purpose. Read the full definition of Ad Hoc on Duhaime.org
Ad Infinitum
Latin: forever; without limit; indefinitely. Read the full definition of Ad Infinitum on Duhaime.org
Adjective Law
Procedural law. Read the full definition of Adjective Law on Duhaime.org
Adjourn
The postponement, suspension and interruption of an ongoing hearing or meeting to resume at some future date; to break off for later resumption. Read the full definition of Adjourn on Duhaime.org
Ad Litem
Latin: for the suit. Read the full definition of Ad Litem on Duhaime.org
Administrative Law
That body of law which applies for hearings before quasi-judicial or quasi-judicial organizations such as administrative tribunals, or the underlying regulatory agency. Read the full definition of Administrative Law on Duhaime.org
Administrative Tribunal
Hybrid adjudicating authorities which render judicial decisions. Read the full definition of Administrative Tribunal on Duhaime.org
Administrator
A person who manages (administers) the assets of another, such as an estate administrator or the administrator of an insurance plan. Read the full definition of Administrator on Duhaime.org
Admiralty
Law or judicial body having to do with, or jurisdiction over, shipping and use of the sea. Read the full definition of Admiralty on Duhaime.org
Adoption
To take as one's own. Read the full definition of Adoption on Duhaime.org
ADR
Abbreviation for alternative dispute resolution. Read the full definition of ADR on Duhaime.org
Adultery
Voluntary sexual intercourse between a married person and another person who is not their married spouse. Read the full definition of Adultery on Duhaime.org
Adverse Possession
The possession of land, without legal title, for a period of time sufficient to become recognized as legal owner. Read the full definition of Adverse Possession on Duhaime.org
Adverse Witness
The right of a party calling a witness to show that the witness made a prior inconsistent statement. Read the full definition of Adverse Witness on Duhaime.org
Affiant
A person that is sworn to an affidavit; who gives evidence by way of an affidavit. Read the full definition of Affiant on Duhaime.org
Affidavit
A statement which before being signed, the person signing takes an oath that the contents are, to the best of their knowledge, true. Read the full definition of Affidavit on Duhaime.org
Affirmative Action
A reverse discrimination law, program or activity that has as its object the amelioration of conditions of individuals who are socially or economically disadvantaged. Read the full definition of Affirmative Action on Duhaime.org
Affray
A fight between two or more persons in a public place so as to cause terror to the public. Read the full definition of Affray on Duhaime.org
Affreightment
A transportation contract whereby a transportation company, shipowner or operator agrees to carry goods in return for a sum of money, the sum being paid called freight. Read the full definition of Affreightment on Duhaime.org
Agency Law
The law of agents and their principals as between themselves and third-parties. Read the full definition of Agency Law on Duhaime.org
Agenda
A term of parliamentary law and procedure referring to a program, written notice and order of business at an upcoming meeting. Read the full definition of Agenda on Duhaime.org
Agent
A person who has received the power to act on behalf of another, binding that other person as if he or she were themselves making the decisions. Read the full definition of Agent on Duhaime.org
Age of Majority
An age generally specified by statute, at which time, upon an individual is given the full gamut of legal rights and responsibilities generally available to an adult of sound mind. Read the full definition of Age of Majority on Duhaime.org
Aggravated Damages
Damages awarded by a court to reflect the exceptional harm done to a plaintiff of a tort action. Read the full definition of Aggravated Damages on Duhaime.org
Alimony
An amount given to one spouse to another while they are separated. Read the full definition of Alimony on Duhaime.org
Alliance
A military treaty between two or more states, providing for a mutually-planned offensive, or for assistance in the case of attack on any member. Read the full definition of Alliance on Duhaime.org
Alien
An individual citizen of a state but so characterized by and while in transit, working, residing or otherwise in the territory of another state. Read the full definition of Alien on Duhaime.org
Alienate
To sell or give completely and without reserve; to transfer title to somebody else. Read the full definition of Alienate on Duhaime.org
Allodial
Land ownership that is unfettered, outright and absolute. Read the full definition of Allodial on Duhaime.org
Allonge
A piece of paper which has been attached to a contract, a check or any promissory note, on which to ap signatures because there is not enough room on the main document. Read the full definition of Allonge on Duhaime.org
Alternative Dispute Resolution
Also known as 'ADR'; methods by which legal conflicts and disputes are resolved privately and other than through litigation in the public courts, usually through one of two forms: mediation or arbitration. Read the full definition of Alternative Dispute Resolution on Duhaime.org
Alternative Measures
Canada; a much lighter disposition of a criminal charge regarding an adult accused who would be prepared to plead guilty and which does not result in a criminal record or incarceration but instead usually results in a mild penalty such as community service, an apology to the victim or counseling. Read the full definition of Alternative Measures on Duhaime.org
Amalgamation
The merging of two things together to form one such as the amalgamation of different companies to form a single company. Read the full definition of Amalgamation on Duhaime.org
Ambassador
A citizen that has been officially asked by their country to live in another country in order to legally represent it. Read the full definition of Ambassador on Duhaime.org
Ambulatory
something which is not cast in stone; which can be changed or revoked, such as a will. Read the full definition of Ambulatory on Duhaime.org
Amend
To change, to revise; to formally change a statement on the record or the wording of a written document, such as a statute. Read the full definition of Amend on Duhaime.org
Amicus curiae
Latin: friend of the court. Read the full definition of Amicus curiae on Duhaime.org
Anarchy
Absence of law. Read the full definition of Anarchy on Duhaime.org
Ancillary Relief
Secondary relief claimed by a litigant which is subordinate or subservient to a principal claim. Read the full definition of Ancillary Relief on Duhaime.org
And/Or
Any combination of two options; one, the other (either), or both. Read the full definition of And/Or on Duhaime.org
Animal
A creature or living thing, other than human, being able to move of its own accord. Read the full definition of Animal on Duhaime.org
Animus Contrahendi
Latin: an intention to contract. Read the full definition of Animus Contrahendi on Duhaime.org
Annulment
To make void forever; to cancel an event or judicial proceeding both retroactively and for the future so that in the eyes of the law, it never occurred. Read the full definition of Annulment on Duhaime.org
Antedate
To date back; retroactively. To date a document to a time before it was written. Read the full definition of Antedate on Duhaime.org
Antenuptial
An event or document which pre-dates a marriage. Read the full definition of Antenuptial on Duhaime.org
Antichresis
Civil law: the pledge of real property as security for a debt. Read the full definition of Antichresis on Duhaime.org
Anti-trust
(USA) 'Anti-trust' legislation is designed to prevent businesses from price-setting or other secret collaboration which circumvents the natural forces of a free market economy and gives those engaging in the anti-trust conduct, a covert competitive edge. Read the full definition of Anti-trust on Duhaime.org
Apostacy
The ancient criminal offence of not being Christian or atheism. Read the full definition of Apostacy on Duhaime.org
Appeal
To ask a more senior court or person to review a decision of a subordinate court or person. Read the full definition of Appeal on Duhaime.org
Appearance
The act of showing up in court as either plaintiff, defendant, accused or any other party to a civil or criminal suit. Read the full definition of Appearance on Duhaime.org
Apportionment
The division and distribution of something into proportionate parts; to each according to their share. Read the full definition of Apportionment on Duhaime.org
Appraisal
The informed and objective inspection and estimation of a thing's worth. Read the full definition of Appraisal on Duhaime.org
Appraisement
The inspection and appraisal or valuation of property, especially vessels, such as by a court-appointed surveyor, before its judicial sale, thus allowing the court to make an informed decision as to whether the judicial sale price is fair to the parties, particularly where there are competing claims for the proceeds of sale. Read the full definition of Appraisement on Duhaime.org
Appurtenance
Something that, although detached, stands as part of another thing. Read the full definition of Appurtenance on Duhaime.org
Arbiter
An alternate term for arbitrator; preferred in some jurisdictions such as Scotland. Read the full definition of Arbiter on Duhaime.org
Arbitration
An agreement to submit a dispute for a hearing and binding decision by a third-party, an arbitrator(s), who is neither a judge or a Court Read the full definition of Arbitration on Duhaime.org
Arbitration Agreement
A contract between two or more parties to refer a dispute to arbitration. Read the full definition of Arbitration Agreement on Duhaime.org
Arbitration Act
A statute that sets out default terms for the conduct of arbitration between parties to a dispute. Read the full definition of Arbitration Act on Duhaime.org
Arbitration Clause
A clause in a contract which requires a party to refer a dispute to arbitration. Read the full definition of Arbitration Clause on Duhaime.org
Arbitration Rules
The rules of procedure that govern a particular arbitration. Read the full definition of Arbitration Rules on Duhaime.org
Arbitrator
The adjudicating and presiding officer of a dispute submitted to arbitration. Read the full definition of Arbitrator on Duhaime.org
Arbuckle Rights
The right of an accused to be sentenced by the judge who took his guilty plea. Read the full definition of Arbuckle Rights on Duhaime.org
Armchair Rule
A rule of interpretation that a judge, called upon to interpret an otherise unclear legal document, shall take into account the circumstances in which the document was created. Read the full definition of Armchair Rule on Duhaime.org
Armed Robbery
Robbery committed while the person accused is armed with a dangerous weapon. Read the full definition of Armed Robbery on Duhaime.org
Arraignment
In USA criminal law, the formal appearance of an accused person to hear, and to receive a copy of, the charge against him or her, in the presence of a judge, and to then enter a plea of guilty or not guilty. Read the full definition of Arraignment on Duhaime.org
Arrears
A debt that is not paid on the due date aps up and accumulates as 'arrears'. Read the full definition of Arrears on Duhaime.org
Arrest
The detainment or restraint of a person or thing for the purposes of determining legal rights as regards a thing, or suspicion of criminal activity as regards a person. Read the full definition of Arrest on Duhaime.org
Arson
The intentional setting of a fire to a building. Read the full definition of Arson on Duhaime.org
Assault
The touching of another person with an intent to harm, without that person's consent. Read the full definition of Assault on Duhaime.org
Assign
To sell, give or otherwise transfer some legal right or responsibility to another. Read the full definition of Assign on Duhaime.org
Assisted Suicide
An attempt to take one's own life with the intentional assistance of another person. Read the full definition of Assisted Suicide on Duhaime.org
Association
A form of organizational structure which is institutionally operated on a cost recovery basis, for which incorporation is extended by the government or, in some jurisdictions, as an unincorporated association of individuals, for a set of purposes set out in statute such as religious, scientific, social, literary, educational, recreational or benevolent purposes, and generally operated as nearly as possible at cost. Read the full definition of Association on Duhaime.org
Assumpsit
Medieval era action for breach of contract. Read the full definition of Assumpsit on Duhaime.org
Athens Passenger Convention
Formally, the Athens Convention relating to the Carriage of Passengers and their Luggage by Sea (PAL), 1974, an international treaty which establishes a regime of liability for damage suffered by passengers carried on a seagoing vessel. Read the full definition of Athens Passenger Convention on Duhaime.org
Attorn or Attornment
To consent, implicitly or explicitly, to a transfer of a right. Read the full definition of Attorn or Attornment on Duhaime.org
Attorney
An alternate word for lawyers or barrister and solicitor, used mostly in the USA. Read the full definition of Attorney on Duhaime.org
Audi Alteram Partem
Latin; literally 'hear the other side'. Read the full definition of Audi Alteram Partem on Duhaime.org
Automatism
An act done by a person who is not conscious of what he is doing. Read the full definition of Automatism on Duhaime.org
Autrefois Acquit
Previously acquitted; an accused cannot be tried for a crime because the record shows he has already been subjected to trial for the same conduct and was acquitted. Read the full definition of Autrefois Acquit on Duhaime.org
A vinculo matrimonii
Latin: of marriage. Read the full definition of A vinculo matrimonii on Duhaime.org
Avulsion
Land accretion that occurs by the erosion or apition of one's land by the supen and unexpected change in a river stream such as a flash flood. Read the full definition of Avulsion on Duhaime.org
Avunculus
Latin: a mother's brother. 'Avuncular' refers to an uncle. Read the full definition of Avunculus on Duhaime.org
Award
The decision of an arbitrator. Read the full definition of Award on Duhaime.org