All A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P R S T U V W

For glossary terms in American Sign Language, you can view these Midwest Center on Law and the Deaf videos.

Acquit

To be found not guilty of a crime by a judge or jury

Actionable

Enough evidence to file a lawsuit

Actual damages

Money awarded to replace damages the plaintiff suffered

Administrative hearing

Similar to trial but less formal. It's held in front of a judge who works for a government agency.

Administrative order

A decision made by a government agency

Adoption

When an adult becomes a child's legal parent

Adult

Any person 18 years old or over

Adultery

Sexual relations between a married person and someone who is not their spouse

Affidavit

A notarized written statement signed by a person under oath

Affidavit of service

A written statement signed under oath. It describes where, when, and how a person received court documents.

Affirmative defense

When a defendant asserts new facts in a case that are different from the facts given by the plaintiff. If proven to be true, these are reasons why the plaintiff should not win.

Agreed order

An agreement between two sides in a lawsuit that says what both sides will do

Alias

A name, such as a nickname, that is used by someone but is not their legal name

Allegation

A claim that has not yet been proven by a court

Allocation of parental responsibilities

When a court splits up parenting time, decision-making responsibility, and child support between parents (formerly called "custody")

Allot

To divide property between everyone who is entitled to it

Amended complaint

Changes made by the plaintiff to the original complaint. They can correct facts, add new claims, or make other changes.

Annulment

A legal action that says a marriage was never legally valid

Appeal

A request to change a court's decision

Appearance

A form that lets the plaintiff and the court know the defendant is participating in the case. It can also be when a person shows up to their court hearing.

Appellant

Someone who wants to change a previous court decision

Appraisal

An expert's opinion of what something is worth

Arbitration

When parties present their case to a third person instead of going to court. The arbitrator’s decision is binding. This means it becomes part of the final judgment even if the parties don’t agree with it.

Arresting authority

The law enforcement agency that arrested someone, like the police or FBI

Assets

Anything a person owns that has financial value

Audit

When records are looked over to make sure they are correct

Attorney's fees

Money paid to a lawyer for their work

At-will employment

A type of employment where an employee can quit or be fired at any time. Exceptions include legally protected reasons.

Adjudicated delinquent

A finding for an act committed by a juvenile for which an adult could be prosecuted in a criminal court. Delinquent acts can include drug offenses and crimes against persons, property, and public order.

Adjudication

A formal court decision

Aggravated assault

The infliction of serious physical injury with or without a deadly weapon, or intentional attempt to seriously injure with a weapon.

Assault

An unlawful attack by one person upon another person, including aggravated assault, simple assault, and intimidation.

Animal cruelty

Actions that mistreat or kill animals without just cause.

Assisting or promoting prostitution

To assist or promote prostitution in any way (including the solicitation of customers, transportation of people for prostitution purposes, and owning or operating an establishment where prostitution is performed).

Arrearage

Amount of back support owed at the time an order is entered.

Answer

A written statement used to respond to the complaint or petition in a lawsuit

Area median income

The midpoint of income for an area. Half of the people in that area make less. Half of the people make more. This number is used to decide who is eligible for some government programs.