| Abstract of
Title |
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a history of the title to a piece
of property, with all conveyances, transfers, encumberances,
and liens. |
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| Accessory |
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a person who contributes to the commission
of a crime in a minor way. |
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| Accident |
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an unforeseen event, even one due
to the negligence of another. |
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| Accomplice |
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a person who contributes to the commission
or attempted commission of a crime in a major way so as to be
held accountable for the same crime. |
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| Accounting,
Action for |
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a lawsuit brought by one business
partner against another in order to see a formal accounting
statement of the partnership. |
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| Accusation |
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a criminal charge against a person
or corporation. |
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| Accuse |
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to bring a formal criminal charge
against a person or corporation. |
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| Accused |
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the person who is charged with a
criminal offense; the defendant. |
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| Acquit |
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to set free from a criminal charge. |
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| Action (at law) |
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a judicial proceeding brought by
one person against another or a corporation to get compensation
for a wrong or stop the other party from committing a wrong;
to prosecute. |
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| Actionable |
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Wrongful behavior that may provide
reasons for a law suit. |
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| Actus Reus |
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A "wrongful deed," "guilty
act" or "deed of crime." All crimes have two
elements: performing the act (actus reus), and the intent to
commit the act (mens rea). |
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| Affidavit |
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A written statement sworn to be true
before an authorized officer such as a notary public. |
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| Appeal |
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Procedure where a party to a legal
proceeding asks a higher court to reverse or modify a lower
court's decision. |
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| Arbitration |
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Dispute resolution by a third party
who has been chosen by opposing parties who agree to abide by
the decision. |
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| Arraignment |
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The initial appearance of the defendant
before the court where charges are read. |
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| Articles of
Incorporation |
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The basic rules and laws governing
the operation of a company. |
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| Assets |
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Total resources or property of a
person or business, such as cash, notes and accounts receivable,
securities, inventories, goodwill, or real estate. |
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| Attorney-Client
Privilege |
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The right of a person and duty of
his attorney to keep their communications confidential. |
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| Audit |
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The official examination of financial
accounts. |
