Abortion

The termination of pregnancy by various means. It was ruled in Roe v. Wade (1973) that a woman had the right to choose abortion to end a pregnancy through the first trimester.

Abrogate

To annul or repeal a law or pass legislation that contradicts the prior law. It also applies to revoking or withdrawing conditions of a contract.

Abscond

1) To leave a jurisdiction to avoid being served with legal papers or being arrested. 2) A surprise departure with funds or goods that have been stolen.

Absolute

Complete, and without condition.

Abstention Doctrine

When the Supreme Court refuses to exercise its federal constitutional jurisdiction or declines to consider a question of state law arising from a case being appealed from a state court.

Abstract

In general, a summary of a record or document, for example, a Department of Motor Vehicles Driving Abstract which contains a summary of offenses or fines levied against your license.

Abstract Of Judgement

A written summary of a judgment which states how much money the losing party owes to the person who won the lawsuit, the rate of interest that amount is subject to, and any specific orders that the losing party must obey.

Abstract Of Title

The written report on a title search which shows the history of ownership on a piece of real estate and any claims against the property.

Abuse Of Discretion

when a trial judge makes an egregious mistake during a trial or on the ruling of a motion that is results in an unfair trial

Abuse Of Process

The use of legal process by illegal, malicious, or perverted means; for example, serving a complaint that was not actually filed just to intimidate someone, or filing a lawsuit that has no basis in law.