Law Lexicon
Abatement of action
A suit which has been quashed and ended.
Abstract of record
A short, abbreviated form of the case as found in the record.
Abstract of title
A chronological summary of all official records and recorded documents affecting the title to a parcel of real property.
Acceptance
The taking and receiving of anything in good faith with the intention of retaining it.
Accessory
A person who assists in the commission of a crime, either before or after the fact.
Accomplice
1. A partner in a crime. 2. A person who knowingly and voluntarily participates with another in a criminal activity.
Accord
A satisfaction agreed upon between the parties in a lawsuit which bars subsequent actions on the claim.
Accord and satisfaction
A method of discharging a claim upon agreement by the parties to give and accept something in settlement of the claim.
Accused
The name for the defendant in a criminal case.
Acquittal
The legal certification of the innocence of a person who has been charged with a crime, setting the person free from a charge of guilty by a finding of not guilty.
Action in personam
An action against the person, founded on a personal liability. In contrast to action in rem, an action for the recovery of a specific object, usually an item of personal property such as an automobile.
Action in rem
Proceeding "against the thing" as compared to personal actions (in personam). Usually a proceeding where property is involved.
Accretion
The increase or accumulation of land by natural causes, as out of a lake or river.
Acknowledgment
A formal declaration before an authorized official by the person who executed an instrument that it is his free act and deed; the certificate of the official on such instrument attesting that it was so acknowledged.
Acquittal
A release, absolution, or discharge of an obligation or liability. In criminal law the finding of not guilty.
Source: Jurist International.
