Ab initio: A Latin phrase meaning "from the beginning." A transaction or document from its inception.

Abstract of title: A summary of deeds and various other documents comprising the history of the chain of title to land.

Acquittal: In criminal law, a person is acquitted if the charge against him is dismissed.

Action: A proceeding in a court of law by which one party sues another to secure the enforcement or protection of a right or the redress of a wrong.

Administrator: The person appointed by a court to settle an estate, usually when there is no will.

Affidavit: A written and sworn statement witnessed by a notary public or another official possessing the authority to administer oaths.

Agency: That branch of the law which governs the relationship of principal and agent, where the latter acts for or represents the former by his authority.

Amicus curiae: A Latin phrase meaning "friend of the court." A person who has no legal right to appear before the court in a certain proceeding, but is allowed by the court to introduce evidence or argument because of a collateral interest in the case.

Answer: A pleading filed by the defendant to contest the claims of the plaintiff set forth in the complaint.

Arraignment: The process of advising an accused person of the criminal charges against him.

Assignment: The transfer of a claim, right, or interest in property to another person.

Attachment: The seizure of property by means of a legal writ, or another judicial order.

Attestation of a will: The act of subscribing one’s name as a witness to the execution of a will.

Attorney-at-law: An officer of the court and a member of the bar.

Attorney-in-fact: A person who is authorized by another to act in the latter’s behalf (by a power of attorney). An attorney-in-fact is not necessarily a member of the bar.