a fortiori
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 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 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.
An a priori assumption is an assumption that is presumed to be true without any assessment of the facts or without further proof.
A.K.A. is the abbreviation of “also known as.” It is often used to specify a party’s aliases or nicknames in a case.
[Last reviewed in November of 2024 by the Wex Definitions Team]
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.
To abate means to eliminate or to nullify.
This verb usually arises in the context of abatement.
[Last reviewed in October of 2024 by the Wex Definitions Team]
Abatement is the act of reducing or nullifying something. Multiple subjects throughout law are subject to abatement and the term appears in many locations.
Abscond means leaving a jurisdiction secretly or suddenly, e.g.
Absolute disparity is a calculation used to analyze a claim that a jury pool did not represent a fair cross-section of the community; for instance, a jury pool that is composed of only white jurors in a community that is predominantly Black. It is calculated by subtracting the percentage of a group in the jury pool from the percentage of that group in the general population.
Absolute privilege, in defamation cases, refers to the fact that in certain circumstances, an individual is immune from liability for defamatory statements.