Glossary of terms by letter
A
Abandonware
Software which is no longer being maintained, released or supported by the manufacturer
Abet
To counsel, procure or command someone to commit a crime
Absolute Discharge
This is when a court takes no further action against an offender, although their offence and discharge will appear on their criminal record
Absolute Interest
The entitlement to the item of property which is not limited by any other person's interest
Abstract of Title
This is a summary of all legal documents which relate to a property
Abuse of Process
This is "something so unfair and wrong that the court should not allow a prosecutor to proceed with what is in all other respect a regular proceeding" (Hui Chi-Ming v R)
ACAS
Advisory Conciliation and Arbitration Service
Acceptance
The unconditional agreement to an offer
Accused
The person who has allegedly committed a criminal offence
Acknowledgement of service
This must be filed by a defendant if they are unable to file their defence within a specified period or if they wish to dispute the jurisdiction of a court
Acoustic Shock
This is where a sudden burst of sound can temporarily or even permanently damage the eardrum and cause excruciating pain
Acquisition
This is the purchase of one company by another without a merger occuring
Acquittal
The discharge of a defendant following a verdict or direction of "not guilty"
Act
Act of Parliament - primary legislation enacted by Parliament
Action
Proceedings issued in the County or High Court. (Now known as Claim)
Actus Reus
The act of committing a crime
Address for Service
This is where one party will accept the delivery or service of legal documents
Adjournment
The temporary suspension of the hearing of a case
Administration order
This is a court order which requires a debtor to pay money to the court, which then distributes it amongst any creditors
Administrative Court
Part of the High Court which deals with Judicial Review
Administrator
A person appointed by the Court to manage the estate of a deceased person
Admissible
(Evidence) which is allowed to be used in a Court
Adoption Order
The court order when a child is adopted
Adversarial
The system of justice used in British courts for trying to get at the truth, based upon argument between two sides