Legal Terms: A

The voluntary relinquishment of a right, claim, or property with no intention of reclaiming it.

A reduction, decrease, or elimination. In law, it may refer to the reduction of a tax, legacy, or nuisance.

A condensed history of the title to a piece of land, listing all recorded instruments that affect ownership.

A provision in a loan agreement allowing the lender to demand immediate payment of the entire balance if certain conditions are met, such as missed payments.

A person who assists in the commission of a crime but is not the principal actor. An accessory before the fact helps plan the crime; an accessory after the fact aids the offender after the crime.

A person who knowingly and voluntarily participates with another in a criminal act, either as a principal or accessory.

An agreement to accept a different performance than what was originally promised, combined with the actual performance of that new agreement, discharging the original obligation.

A finding of not guilty by a judge or jury, releasing the defendant from criminal charges.

A lawsuit or legal proceeding brought before a court to enforce a right or seek a remedy.

The physical act or unlawful omission that constitutes a criminal offense. Together with mens rea, it forms the basis of criminal liability.

A standardized form contract offered on a take-it-or-leave-it basis by a party with superior bargaining power, with no opportunity for negotiation.

The formal resolution of a dispute by a judge or administrative tribunal. The process of making a judicial decision.

The body of law governing the activities of administrative agencies, including rulemaking, adjudication, and enforcement.

The body of law governing maritime activities, including shipping, navigation, waters, insurance, and piracy. Also called maritime law.

Evidence that meets the rules of evidence and may be considered by a judge or jury in deciding a case.

The legal process by which a person becomes the lawful parent of a child who is not biologically theirs, permanently transferring all parental rights.

The legal system used in the United States where two opposing parties present their cases before a neutral judge or jury.

A written statement of facts made under oath and signed before a notary public or other authorized officer.

A defense strategy in which the defendant introduces evidence that, if found credible, negates criminal or civil liability even if the allegations are true.

A governmental body with delegated authority to implement and enforce specific laws and regulations.

Assisting or encouraging someone in committing a crime, which can result in criminal liability equal to that of the principal offender.

Financial support paid by one spouse to the other after separation or divorce, based on factors like length of marriage and earning capacity.

A claim or assertion made by a party in a pleading that the party expects to prove at trial.

Methods of resolving disputes outside of traditional courtroom litigation, including mediation, arbitration, and negotiation.

To change or modify a legal document, statute, or constitutional provision through a formal process.

A formal change or addition to a law, constitution, or legal document.

Latin for 'friend of the court.' A person or organization that files a brief offering information or arguments relevant to a case in which they are not a party.

A legal declaration that a marriage is void and never legally existed, as opposed to divorce, which ends a valid marriage.

The defendant's formal written response to a complaint, admitting or denying the allegations and raising any defenses.

Laws designed to promote competition and prevent monopolies, including the Sherman Act, Clayton Act, and FTC Act.

The power of an agent to act on behalf of a principal, as reasonably perceived by a third party, even if the agent lacks actual authority.

A request to a higher court to review and change the decision of a lower court based on alleged legal errors.

A court that reviews decisions of lower courts for legal errors. It does not conduct new trials or hear new evidence.

The legislative allocation of government funds for a specific purpose. Also, in tort law, the unauthorized use of another person's name or likeness for commercial benefit.

A form of alternative dispute resolution where a neutral third party (arbitrator) hears evidence and makes a binding decision.

A court proceeding in which the defendant is formally charged with a crime and asked to enter a plea of guilty, not guilty, or no contest.

Money that is owed and should have been paid earlier, such as overdue rent, child support, or loan payments.

The taking of a person into custody by law enforcement, typically based on probable cause that a crime has been committed.

The crime of intentionally or recklessly setting fire to property, including buildings, land, or vehicles.

The intentional act of causing another person to fear imminent harmful or offensive contact. Distinguished from battery, which involves actual contact.

Anything of value owned by a person or entity, including real property, personal property, cash, investments, and intellectual property.

Protection granted by a country to a foreign national who has fled their home country due to a well-founded fear of persecution.

An employment arrangement where either the employer or employee can terminate the relationship at any time, for any lawful reason, with or without notice.

A person licensed to practice law and represent clients in legal matters, also called a lawyer or counsel.

A legal protection that prevents disclosure of confidential communications between an attorney and their client made for the purpose of obtaining legal advice.