Arson is a crime at common law, originally defined as “the malicious burning of the dwelling of another.” However, the definition changes slightly depending upon the jurisdiction. For some jurisdictions, arson is the intentional setting of a...
criminal law and procedure
assault
Assault is generally defined as an intentional act that puts another person in reasonable apprehension of imminent harmful or offensive contact. No physical injury is required, but the actor must have intended to cause a harmful or offensive...
assault and battery
Assault and battery is a modern legal term which combines assault with the separate charge of battery. Assault refers to the wrong act of causing someone to reasonably fear imminent harm. This means that the fear must be something a...
attempt
Even if a defendant fails to fully complete a crime, they can still be charged with the attempt of that crime, i.e. in the case of an uncompleted or inchoate offense. The requirements for proving attempts vary by jurisdiction, though a party...
attest
Attest means to testify or confirm that something is true, genuine, or authentic. Some common usages of the term “attest” in a legal sense include:
In the context of evidence law, cases such as this one from Ohio, explain...
attorney
Someone authorized to practice law; a lawyer. Also called attorney-at-law.
Less commonly, an agent authorized to act on behalf of another person, but not necessarily authorized to practice law, e.g. a person authorized to...
attorney at law (or attorney-at-law)
See: lawyer.
See, e.g. Supreme Court of Virginia v. Consumers Union of U.S., Inc., 446 U.S. 719 (1980)
See also:
Attorney-in-fact Attorney of record Attorney's duty of confidentiality Attorney-client privilege[Last...
attorney fees
Attorney Fees refer to the payment to attorneys for their legal services. Fees can take several forms including: 1) hourly charge, 2) a flat fee, 3) a contingent fee (must be reasonable), 4) statutory fees, 5) court approved fees, 6) a...
attorney general
The attorney general is the chief law enforcement officer of the federal or a state government. The plural form is attorneys general. The U.S. Attorney General oversees the Department of Justice, represents the United States in litigation,...
attorney of record
The attorney of record is the lawyer who appears in court or receives pleadings and other formal documents on a party's behalf. Also known as counsel of record.
In People v. Macrander, 828 P.2d 234, the Supreme Court of...