Accessory :
An accessory is an individual who encourages another person to commit a crime, or someone who provides assistance before the crime (aiding) or after the crime (abetting). An accessory can also be a person who has helped an individual whilst knowing they've committed a crime.
Actual Bodily Harm (ABH) :
ABH is an assault that causes actual bodily harm. (See Assault.)
Acquittal :
An acquittal is given when all charges against a person are cleared in court. This means a 'Not Guilty' verdict in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, and a 'Not Guilty' or 'Not Proven' verdict in Scotland. An acquitted person cannot be prosecuted again for the same crime, and any accessory to that crime is also acquitted.
Actus reus :
From the Latin meaning a guilty act, this is what must be proved to get a conviction in court and is essentially the action (or sometimes inaction) of committing a crime. For example, actus reus could be as simple as stealing something that doesn't belong to you. It could also be the act of being drunk at the wheel of a car. Mens Rea, from the Latin for a guilty mind, can also occur at the same time as actus reus.
Adoption :
Adoption is the legal process that involves a parents rights and obligations towards an unmarried child being transferred to another adult.
Advocate :
An advocate is the term used in Scottish Law for the person who pleads the cases of others in court. In England, Wales and Northern Ireland an advocate is known as a barrister. (See Barrister.)
Affidavit :
An affidavit is a written statement used as evidence in court proceedings. The individual who makes the statement must swear or affirm that it is true before an authorized person such as a policeman or a judge.
Age of criminality :
Age of criminality is the age at which young people are judged to be criminally responsible. In England, Wales and Northern Ireland, a child is criminally responsible at 10 years of age, and at eight years of age in Scotland.
Aggravated burglary :
Aggravated burglary is the term used to describe the act of burglary whilst armed (See Burglary.)
Aggravated trespass :
Aggravated trespass is a criminal offence that occurs when a trespasser obstructs or intimidates a lawful activity carried out in the open air, such as hunting. The trespasser must leave the land right away to avoid arrest. (See Trespass.)
Aggravated vehicle taking :
Aggravated vehicle taking is an offence that was introduced to tackle joyriding. Aggravated vehicle taking happens when a vehicle is stolen, and is damaged or causes injury before it is recovered. (See Taking a vehicle without authority.)
Agreement to mediate :
An agreement to mediate is a formal document signed by anyone involved in resolving a legal dispute using mediation. Before the parties can begin to mediate, they must sign this formal document to agree who will attend, who the mediator will be, and the cost, time and place of the mediation.
Anti-social behaviour order (ASBO) :
An ASBO is a court order that is used to deter individuals who carry out persistent and serious anti-social behaviour. It can be made against anyone over 10 years of age and it lasts a minimum of two years. A breach of this order is a criminal offence and can be tried in Magistrates' Court and Crown Court. Maximum sentences for breaching an ABSO can vary from six months for youths and five years for adults.
Arbitration :
A civil or commercial dispute can be resolved by arbitration. Similar to the process of mediation, arbitrators are trained individuals who help the relevant parties come to a mutual agreement. Once this is agreed the arbitration is made legally binding by the Arbitration Acts of 1950 and 1975. (See mediation.)
Arrest :
Arrest is the term used to describe the detention of an individual in order to make them comply with the law. A person can be arrested if he or she is about to commit, or is committing a criminal offence. He or she can also be arrested for a criminal or civil offence using a magistrate's warrant. A citizen is legally allowed to make an arrest, but officers of a variety of UK law enforcement agencies usually carry them out.
Arson :
Arson is a criminal offence involving the damage or destruction of property by fire. Arson must be intentional and without lawful excuse, as it carries a maximum sentence of life imprisonment.
Assizes :
Assizes is the traditional term used for a court that periodically administers to both the civil and criminal law.
Assault :
Assault is a hostile act that causes another person to fear attack. (See Battery)
Attorney General :
the Attorney General is the chief law officer representing the Crown in England and Wales. As the legal adviser to the government and the House of Commons, the representative for the Crown in the courts, and the head of the English bar; the Attorney General is one of the highest judicial figures in the UK.
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