Glossary of Legal Terms

Accidental

Happening by chance or unexpectedly.

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Accidental Death

One caused by unexpected or unintended means.

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Accidental Death Benefit

Provision in insurance policy encompassing death caused by sudden, unexpected external force.

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Accidental Disability Pension

A regular benefit paid to a public employee who is unable to perform customary work because of a disability sustained as a result of a traumatic event in the course of employment.

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Acquit

To set free, release or discharge as from an obligation, burden or accusation. To absolve one from an obligation of a liability; or to legally certify the innocence of one charge with crime. See also Acquittal.

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Acquittal

Contracts: A release, absolution, or discharge from an obligation, liability, or engagement.

Criminal Law: The legal and formal certification of the innocence of a person who has been charged with crime.

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Adjournment

A putting off or postponing of a court date, Deposition or Motion until another time or place.

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Administrative Law

Body of law created by administrative agencies in the form of rules, regulations, orders, and decisions.

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Administrative Law Judge (ALJ)

One who presides at an administrative hearing, with power to administer oaths, take testimony, rule on questions of evidence and make agency determinations of fact.

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Administrative Review

Generally refers to judicial review of administrative proceedings; may also embrace appellate review within the administrative agency itself.

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Adoption

A legal process pursuant to state statute in which a child’s legal rights and duties toward his natural parents are terminated and similar tights and duties toward his adoptive parents are substituted.

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Advanced Medical Directive

Also known as a Living Will.

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Affidavit

A written or printed declaration or statement of facts, made voluntarily, and confirmed by the oath or affirmation of the party making it, taken before a person having authority to administer such oath or affirmation.

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Appeal

Resort to a superior (i.e. appellate) court to review the decision of an inferior (i.e. trial) court or administrative agency.

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Arbitration

The reference of a dispute to an impartial (third) person chosen by the parties to the dispute who agree in advance to abide by the arbitrator’s award issued after a hearing at which both parties have an opportunity to be heard.

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Arm’s Length

The bargaining position of two parties who are unrelated to one another and whose dealings together are influenced only by the independent interest of each. The term is used to describe those dealings which are expected to occur between two unconnected parties in good faith in the ordinary course of business.

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Assets

Property of all kinds, real and personal, tangible and intangible; the entire property of a person, association, corporation, or estate that is applicable or subject to the payment of his or her or its debts.

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Assign

To transfer, make over, or set over to another.

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Attorney

One who is appointed and authorized to act in the place or stead of another.

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Authorized Physician

A medical doctor appointed by or directed by an employer or insurance company to provide medical treatment for personal injuries.

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