Your Free Online Legal Dictionary • Featuring Black’s Law Dictionary, 2nd Ed.

Category: A

At Fault

Regarding auto insurance, a driver whose conduct is held legally responsible for causing an accident.

Anti-Theft Device

A range of technologies intended to deter auto theft, such as a car alarm. Equipping vehicles with anti-theft devices often lead to a discount on insurance premiums.

Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)

The onboard system controlled by a vehicle’s computer that assists the manual braking system, helping a driver safely stop or slow a vehicle without skidding or losing control.

Agreed Value

Concerning auto insurance, the amount the policyholder and the insurance company decide will be paid in the event of an accident that results in a total loss of the insured vehicle.

Agreed Cost

Regarding auto insurance, the price agreed to by the claimant’s chosen auto repair shop and the insurance adjuster to complete the work necessary to fix the damage to a vehicle.

Additional Interest Insured

Concerning auto insurance, a party, such as a lienholder, who does not necessarily use the vehicle, but may nonetheless be named as an Additional Interest Insured and held liable for an accident involving

Accident Forgiveness

A form of optional auto insurance coverage wherein the insurer waves its right to increase the rate of the policyholder at fault of an accident.

ALTERNATING CUSTODY

the division of custody of a child or children that is between the 2 separated or divorced parents. See divided custody.

ACCUMULATION TRUST

The trust that holds onto income so the capital will increase rather than paying out the income to a beneficiary.

ABILITY TO SUPPORT

Having the capacity to make enough money that will enable to support a dependent or to have sufficient property that funds for support can be provided.

ASSIGNMENT OF COUNSEL

This applies to the court appointed attorney for the purpose of being counsel to a defendant who does not have his own attorney or lacks the funds to engage his own attorney.

AFFAIR

A lawsuit, or a matter. Also known as a love relationship that is usually not marital.

APPROPRIATION BILL

a law proposed that will authorise the spending of money and details the amount and the purpose for the expenditure.

ANCILLARY SUIT

a law suit that grows form another law suit such as the action calling for enforcement of a judgement that has been decided in another court.

AFFIDAVIT OF GOOD FAITH

an affidavit made by a person appealing a case and states that the appeal is based on a true belief that the judgement needs to be overturned.

ABORTIVE TRIAL

A trial that is incomplete and for some reason or other is terminated before a verdict is reached.

ABILITY TO STAND TRIAL

Being able to physically and mentally able to defend yourself in court. The ability depends on medical findings done by consultants appointed by the court.

ADMISSION BY DEMURRER

Any material that is assumed to be true in a pleading that is solely for the purpose of demurring or objecting. See demurrer to evidence.

ACQUIRED RIGHTS

The rights that weren’t possessed originally but were acquired through the activity of the person.

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