Ad valorem is a Latin phrase that translates to “according to the value.”
The essential characteristic of ad valorem tax is that it is proportional to the value of the underlying asset, unlike a specific tax, where the tax...
ACADEMIC TOPICS
admission to practice
Admission to the practice of law (admission to the bar of a state) is governed by rules and regulations promulgated solely by a state's courts, legislatures, and/or bar association. The rules must not violate the constitutional requirements...
adopt
To adopt is to accept, to bring, to choose to take up, to follow, or to use a plan or technique. To adopt is to assume a report or position, attitude, or law, as to apply them.
Also related to adoption is to form a legal...
adverse
Adverse means to be against or opposed to one’s own interests. Adverse is used in several legal contexts. For example:
An adverse party is the party with contrary interests to one’s own. In property law, adverse possession refers to...advocate
The term advocate functions as a noun and a verb.
As a noun, an advocate (pronounced "ad-vuh-kit") is an individual who actively supports and promotes the interests of another person or enterprise.
As a...
affiant
An affiant is a person who is the author of an affidavit, who swears to the truth and accuracy of the statements made in the affidavit.
The person making the signed statement (affiant) takes an oath that the contents are...
affidavit
An affidavit is a sworn statement a person makes before a notary or officer of the court outside of the court asserting that certain facts are true to the best of that person’s knowledge. Affidavits by both plaintiff/prosecution and defense...
affirm
There are several, related usages of the word “affirm” in a legal context; but, generally it means “to confirm or ratify.” Common occurrences of this word include:
An appellate court can affirm the ruling that was the subject of the appeal...affirmative defense
An affirmative defense is a defense in which the defendant introduces evidence, which, if found to be credible, will negate criminal liability or civil liability, even if it is proven that the defendant committed the alleged acts. The party...
affray
Affray is a term used to define a common law offense, which involves fighting between people in a public place that disturbs the peace.
In Massachusetts, an affray “is an offense against the public, an aggravated...