criminal procedure

Also called an alternative mandamus.

In negotiations, “anchoring” refers to the common tendency of giving undue weight to the first value or number put forth, and to then inadequately adjust from or counter the first value or number, or the “anchor.” 

An answer is a reply to a question or a solution to a problem.

The anti-contact rule, also known as rule 4.2 of professional conduct, is a rule prohibiting lawyers from discussing subject matter of any case they’re working on with someone the lawyer knows to be represented by another lawyer in the matter, unless the lawyer has the consent of the other lawyer or is authorized to do so by law or a

• ethics
• professional responsibility

An anticipatory search warrant is a warrant that is based on an affidavit that shows probable cause that evidence of a particular

Antiterrorism and Effective Death Penalty Act of 1996 (AEDPA) was passed by the 107th Congress “to deter terrorism, provide justice for victims, provide for an effective death penalty, and for other purposes.” To accomplish this goal, some of the AEDPA provisions include increasing penalties for crimes involving explosives or terroris

• AEDPA

An appeal is a challenge to a previous legal determination. An appeal is directed towards a legal power higher than the power making the challenged determination.

Appear is a verb used when a party makes an appearance at trial. You can appear either in person or virtually, though both options are not always available in any given court. 

For more specific information, see appearance. 

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

A party enters an appearance when they show up to court in response to a service of process. Appearance isn’t only a reference to physical presence in court when required, but also to procedural compliance (e.g., filing an answer, participating in discovery).