Glossary

A Fortiori

This is a Latin term which means "with even stronger reason". It is applicable in the situation where, if something is true, it is even more so for something else. For example: if a child of thirteen is too young to legally obtain a driver’s license, then it is even more true for a nine year old child.

Ab Initio

A Latin term meaning “from the start”. For example, it was legal ab initio.

Abeyance

This is a term to indicate that an action or step has been temporarily suspended. For example, someone might indicate that "legal proceedings are being kept in abyeance".

Abrogate

To repeal or abolish a law or to pass legislation that repeals a prior law.

Abut

The term for two parcels of real property that touch each other.

Acknowledgement

Denotes the act of admitting something, often used in connection with letters and documentation received. For example, a legal practitioner may "acknowledge receipt" of a document to the sender thereof, once the document has been delivered to him and he received it.

Acquittal

The judgment delivered in a criminal case when the accused is found not guilty of the chrages brought against him.

Action

Action refers to a civil proceeding brought in a court of law in which one party sues another for a wrong done, or to protect a right or to prevent a wrong. It is sometimes also called a case or lawsuit.

Allegation

An assertion, declaration or statement of a fact without offering proof thereof.

Amicus Curiae brief

'Amicus curiae' is a Latin term meaning 'friend of the court.' An amicus curiae brief is filed by someone who, although not a party to a particular matter, has has an interest in its outcome. A person who wants to file an amicus curiae brief usually has to obtain the court’s permission beforehand.