ENGLISH
LEGAL GLOSSARY
ABANDONMENT - A parent's or custodian's act of leaving a child without adequate care, supervision, support, or parental
contact for an excessive period of time. Also, the desertion of one spouse by the other with the intent to terminate the
marriage relationship.
ABATEMENT OF ACTION - A suit which has been quashed and ended.
ABSTRACT - A summary of a larger work, wherein the principal ideas of the larger work are contained.
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.
ACCESSORY - A person who aids or contributes in the commission of a crime.
ACCOMPLICE - One who knowingly, voluntarily, and intentionally unites with the principal offender in the commission of
a crime. A partner in a crime.
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.
ACCUSATION - A formal charge against a person, to the effect that he has engaged in a punishable offense.
ACCUSED - The generic name for the defendant in a criminal case.
ACKNOWLEDGMENT - 1. A statement of acceptance of responsibility. 2. The short declaration at the end of a legal paper
showing that the paper was duly executed and acknowledged.
ACQUIT - To legally certify the innocence of one charged with a crime. To set free, release or discharge from an
obligation, burden or accusation. To find a defendant not guilty in a criminal trial.
ACQUITTAL - In criminal law, a finding of not guilty. In contract law, a release, absolution, or discharge from an
obligation, liability, or engagement.
ACTION - Case, cause, suit, or controversy disputed or contested before a court of justice.
ADJUDICATE - To determine finally.
ADJUDICATION - Giving or pronouncing a judgment