An abstract of record is a summary of a trial that offers the key details for the appellate court to consider, such as the facts, all proceedings in the case to date, the trial court's decision, and the legal issues to be determined.
Abuse of discretion is a standard of review used by appellate courts to review decisions of lower courts.
Adequate and independent state grounds is a doctrine that limits the U.S. Supreme Court’s jurisdiction to review state court judgments.
To adjudicate means to make a formal judgment or decision regarding a problem or disputed matter.
See also: Adjudication.
[Last reviewed in June of 2022 by the Wex Definitions Team]
In a legal context, affirm is generally used to mean to confirm or ratify, although there are several related usages of the word.
Typical uses of this word include:
After-discovered evidence, or newly discovered evidence, is evidence which existed at the time of the original trial but was only discovered after the conclusion of the trial. After-discovered evidence is an issue predominantly in criminal proceedings and may be used as the basis for a motion for a new trial.
To amend is to make a change by adding, subtracting, or substituting. For example, one can amend a statute, a contract, the United States Constitution, or a pleading filed in a lawsuit. Generally, procedures dictate the way in which one amends a specific item.
Amicus Curiae literally translated from Latin is "friend of the court." Plural is "amici curiae."
