An Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) is an independent hearing examiner who presides at an administrative hearing. The ALJ serves as both the judge and the jury in an administrative hearing. An ALJ has the power to administer oaths, receive...
courts
allegation
An allegation is defined as a claim of fact not yet proven to be true. In a lawsuit, a party puts forth their allegations in a complaint, indictment or affirmative defense, and then uses evidence at trial to attempt to prove their truth....
allege
To allege means to claim or assert something as true; to make an allegation.
[Last updated in June of 2021 by the Wex Definitions Team]
Allen charge
Allen charges (also referred to as dynamite, nitroglycerin, shotgun, or third-degree charges) refer to jury instructions given to a hung jury urging them to agree on a verdict. Allen charges are controversial as some claim they overly...
allocution
Allocution is the direct address between the judge and the convicted defendant prior to sentencing. During the address, the judge speaks directly to the defendant and asks if the defendant has anything to add prior to hearing the sentence....
alternative pleading
Alternative pleading is a form of pleading that allows a party to allege two or more claims which are inconsistent with each other. Alternative pleading is fundamental to the United States court system.
During a lawsuit...
alternative writ of mandate (mandamus)
Also called an alternative mandamus.
An alternative writ of mandate is a court order that 1) states the allegations of a complaint against a governmental agency, corporation, court, official, or other public authority and 2...
American Civil Liberties Union
The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) is an organization founded in 1920, with the mission of defending and preserving the individual rights and liberties guaranteed to all people in the U.S. Constitution. The ACLU currently has more than...
amicus
Amicus typically relates to the phrase amicus curiae (plural: amici curiae) which means “friend of the court.” Amicus is an individual or organization that is not a party to an action but who volunteers or is court-invited to advise on a matter...
amicus curiae
Amicus Curiae literally translated from Latin is "friend of the court." Plural is "amici curiae."
Generally, it is referencing a person or group who is not a party to an action, but has a strong interest in the matter....