A fortiori signals an argument that it is based on an even stronger argument. In Latin, the term literally means ‘from [the] stronger’. A fortiori is generally used to suggest that an argument is based on another argument so strong as to make...
ACADEMIC TOPICS
a posteriori
A posteriori is a Latin phrase that means "by a reason that comes after" (implied by experience). This is generally used to mean "after the facts".
In philosophy, a posteriori reasoning is reasoning starting from the data of...
a priori
A priori signals an assertion that is based on prior knowledge or intuition. In Latin, the term literally means ‘from [the] former’. An a priori determination is formed prior to investigation.
For example:
In...a.k.a.
A.K.A. is the abbreviation of “also known as.” It is often used to specify a party’s aliases or nicknames in a case.
[Last updated in June of 2022 by the Wex Definitions Team]
ab initio
Ab initio is a Latin term that means "from the beginning” or “from inception.” Ab initio is used to indicate that some fact existed from the start of a relevant time period. It is often used as part of the phrase “void ab initio,” meaning...
ABA
ABA is an abbreviation for American Bar Association (ABA).
[Last updated in June of 2022 by the Wex Definitions Team]
abuse
Abuse is an action that intentionally causes harm or injures another person. This can refer to physical abuse, psychological abuse, mental abuse, or child abuse (see below).
Abuse is also to misuse something - e.g., abuse...
abuse excuse
Abuse excuse is defined as a self-defense claim which is usually used in criminal cases, stating that a defendant is incapable of distinguishing between right and wrong or controlling their impulses because of being subjected to prolonged...
abuse of discretion
Abuse of discretion is a standard of review used by appellate courts to review decisions of lower courts. The appellate court will typically find that the decision was an abuse of discretion if the discretionary decision was made in plain...
accelerated depreciation
Accelerated depreciation is any method of depreciation where the business depreciates a greater proportion of an asset’s value earlier in its life. A common accelerated depreciation method is MACRS. Compare with straight-line depreciation...