ACADEMIC TOPICS

A fortiori refers to an argument based on an even stronger previous argument. In Latin, the term literally means ‘from [the] stronger.’ 

The argument implies that if the first is true, the second is even more likely to be true.

A posteriori is used to describe knowledge gained from experience or actual observation. It is a Latin phrase that means "from what is later.” This is generally used to mean after the facts.

For example, someone would have a posteriori knowledge that it is snowing after physically going outside to check the weather.

A priori refers to an assertion based on prior knowledge or intuition. In Latin, the term literally means “from what is earlier.” An a priori determination is formed before investigation. For example, assuming that the road will be wet when it stops raining a minute before would be a priori reasoning.   

A priori is the opposite of a posteriori, or after-the-fact knowledge.

• Latin terms

Ab initio is a Latin term that means "from the beginning” or “from inception.” Ab initio is used to indicate that some fact existed from the start of a relevant time period. It is often used as part of the phrase “void ab initio,” meaning something – such as a marriage – was void from the beginning.

ABA is an abbreviation for American Bar Association (ABA).

[Last reviewed in June of 2022 by the Wex Definitions Team]

Abuse is an action that intentionally causes harm or injures another person. This can refer to physical abuse, psychological abuse, mental abuse, or child abuse (see below). 

Abuse is also to misuse something—e.g., abuse of process. 

Abuse excuse is defined as a self-defense claim which is usually used in criminal cases, stating that a defendant is incapable of distinguishing between right and wrong or controlling their impulses because of being subjected to prolonged abu

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

Depreciation is the reduced value of something over time. Accelerated depreciation is any loss of value where the business depreciates (i.e., accounts for the value loss of a fixed asset in tax filings) at a greater proportion of an asset’s expected lifetime value loss earlier in its life. 

Accelerated filer is a class of reporting company which has shorter deadlines to file their periodic reports.