Glossary of terms by letter
A
Adverse Possession
This is the process which results in the acquisition of legal title of land, without actually paying for it
Advocate
Someone (generally a Barrister or Solicitor) who represents a party in a Court hearing
Affidavit
A written statement which is confirmed on oath or by affirmation
Affirm
Alternative to swearing a document on oath to promise that it is true.
Agency Agreement
This is an agreement which allows one party (the Agent) to sell products (goods or services) on behalf of another (the Principal) in return for commission payments.
Agent
Someone who is appointed to act on behalf of another party, the principal
Allocation questionnaire
This is issued to all parties after a defence has been filed, and is used to decide which track the case will be allocated to
Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)
This is the collective term for the ways in which parties can settle civil disputes without the need for a formal court hearing
Ambulatory Will
A will which can still be changed because the settlor is alive
Annual General Meeting (AGM)
A company must hold a meeting of shareholders once each calendar year
Annul
To declare no longer valid
Anton Piller Order
This requires a defendant to allow a claimant's solicitors to search the defendant's premises and remove all items covered by the order. These are now known as Search Orders.
Appeal
An application to a higher court for a review of the decision of a lower court
Appellant
Person who instigates an Appeal
Applicant
The person who is bringing the proceedings to Court
Arbitration
The process of using an independent third party, agreed by both sides, to settle disputes without going to court
Articles of Association
A document which is required to incorporate a UK company
Assent
A formal document which is required when transferring ownership to a person who is entitled to the property following the death of the owner
Assets
Any property or rights which do not inlclude land or interest in land
Assisted Person
A party to legal proceedings who is receiving legal aid
Attachment of Earnings
An order which directs a Debtor's employer to regularly deduct an amount from their earnings for payment to the Court
Author
The programmer (or their employer) of a software package
Authorised Share Capital
Shares which are available to be issued
Award
The amount of damages assessed by a Court
