An action to do something rather than to refrain, typically referring to regulations and programs designed to compensate for some past unfair or discriminatory practices which previously denied fairness to minorities. For example, setting a required number or ratio of employees or students to be accepted from a pool of available candidates. … [Read more...] about AFFIRMATIVE ACTION
A
AFFOREST
To convert land Into a forest in the legal sense of the word. … [Read more...] about AFFOREST
AFFECT
To act upon; influence; change; enlarge or abridge. This word is often used in the sense of acting injuriously upon persons and things. Ryan v. Carter, 93 U. S. 84, 23 L. Ed. 807; Tyler v. Wells, 2 Mo. App. 538; Holland v. Dickerson, 41 Iowa, 373; United States v. Ortega, 11 Wheat. 467, 6 L. Ed. 521. Affectio tua nomen imponit operi tuo. Your disposition (or intention) gives … [Read more...] about AFFECT
AFFIDAVIT
A written or printed declaration or statement of facts, made voluntarily, and confirmed by the oath or affirmation of the party making it, taken before an officer having authority to administer such oath. Cox v. Stern, 170 111. 442, 48 N. Bl 906, 62 Am. St Rep. 385; Hays v. Loomis, 34 111. 18. An affidavit is a written declaration under oath, made without notice to the adverse … [Read more...] about AFFIDAVIT
AFFIRMATIVE DEFENSE
A defense raised, usually in criminal cases, which absolves the defendant from liability but which usually must be proven by the defendant to be used. These include self-defense, mistake of fact, insanity, and that the court lacks subject matter jurisdiction. The standard of proof in asserting an affirmative defense is usually less than beyond reasonable doubt and frequently by … [Read more...] about AFFIRMATIVE DEFENSE