THE LEGAL PROCESS

Alias derives from the term “alias dictus,” which means “otherwise called.” An alias is a pseudonym, nickname, or alternative name for an individual (alternative to their legal name). The expression “John Doe, alias” or “Jane Doe, alias” means an unknown person.  

[Last reviewed in February of 2025 by the Wex Definitions Team]

Alibi as a noun is defined as a defense to a criminal charge alleging that the accused was somewhere other than at the scene of the crime at the time it occurred. 

An alibi witness is a witness that a criminal defendant calls upon to establish that they were somewhere other than at the scene of the crime at the time it occurred.

The Alien Tort Statute ("ATS"), also known as the Alien Tort Claims Act, is a common name for 28 U.S.C. § 1350.

Alienable means transferable.

• property

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 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 affirmat

To allege means to claim or assert something as true; to make an allegation.

[Last reviewed in June of 2021 by the Wex Definitions Team]

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

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. The defendant then answers the judge and may say anything in an effort to lessen the severity of the sentence, such as an apology, an offering of remorse, or a