Abuse of discretion is a standard of review used by appellate courts to review decisions of lower courts.

• appellate practice
• APPELLATE PROCEDURE
• APPELLATE REVIEW
• ABUSE OF DISCRETION REVIEW

Acceptance of service is defined as an agreement by the defendant (or the defendant's attorney) to accept papers or a complaint without having the papers served by a process server or a sheriff.  Acceptance of service is accomplished by signing a "receipt and

Actual authority is an agent's power to act on behalf of a principal because such power was expressly or impliedly conferred. Express actual authority is when a principal directly tells the agent that they have the authority to take certain action.

Actual notice is a notice that is given directly to a party or is personally received by a party informing them of a case that could affect their interests.

Actus reus refers to the act or omission that comprise the physical elements of a crime as required by statute. Actus reus includes only a voluntary affirmative

• criminal law
• mens rea
• mental state
• criminal act

The Latin translation of ad litem is "for the suit."

Examples:

The term advocate functions as a noun and a verb.

As a noun, an advocate (pronounced "ad-vuh-kit") is an individual who actively supports and promotes the interests of another person or enterprise.

As a verb, to advocate (pronounced "ad-vuh-kate”) is the act of promoting the interest of another person or group. 

An affiant is a person who is the author of an affidavit, who swears to the truth and accuracy of the statements made in the affidavit.

The person making the signed statement (affiant) takes an oath that the contents are true to the best of their knowledge.

An affidavit is a sworn statement a person makes before a notary or officer of the court outside of the court asserting that certain facts are true to the best of that person’s knowledge.

An affirmative defense is a defense in which the defendant introduces evidence, which, if found to be credible, will negate criminal liability or civil liability, even if it is proven tha

• criminal law
• CIVIL LAW
• defense
• AFFIRMATIVE DEFENSE