business law
Annuity
Definition from Nolo’s Plain-English Law DictionaryA purchased policy that pays a fixed amount of benefits every year -- although most annuities actually pay monthly -- for the life of the person who is entitled to those benefits. In a simple life annuity...
Antenuptial Agreement
A contract entered into by two people who intend to marry. It includes provisions, such as spousal support and property distribution, in the event of a later divorce.
Anti-Greenmail Provision
Definition
Provision in a corporate charter that prevents the board of directors from making greenmail payments. Usually allows the buyback to occur with the approval of a majority of the non-controlling shareholders.
See alsoGreenmailArticle of...Anticipatory Breach
In contract law, anticipatory breach occurs when a party repudiates prior to the date that the performance is due. Anticipatory breach is an excuse for non-performance by the non-breaching party. A party can retract its anticipatory breach provided...
Antitrust
Overview
Antitrust refers to laws which regulate the concentration of economic power, particularly with regard to trusts and monopolies.
HistoryBecause of fears during the late 1800s that monopolies were dominating America's free market...
Antitrust Laws
Definition from Nolo’s Plain-English Law DictionaryFederal and state laws created to regulate trade and commerce by preventing unlawful restraints, price-fixing, and monopolies. The laws are intended to promote healthy market competition and encourage the...
Antitrust Violations
Violations of laws designed to protect trade and commerce from abusive practices such as price-fixing, restraints, price discrimination, and monopolization. The principal federal antitrust laws are the Sherman Act (15 U.S.C. §§ 1-7) and the Clayton Act...
Apparent Authority
Overview
Apparent authority is the power of an agent to act on behalf of a principal, even though not expressly or impliedly granted. This power arises only if a third party reasonably infers, from the principal's conduct, that the principal granted...
APR
See: Annual Percentage Rate
Arm's Length
Definition
Of or relating to transactions between two parties who are independent and do not have a close relationship with each other. Presumably, these parties have equal bargaining power and are not subject to undue pressure or influence from...