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Glossary of terms

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

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