| 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. |
