Terms starting with "A"

Affidavit A written statement of facts made voluntarily under oath or affirmation, administered by a person authorized to do so by law (like a notary public), used as evidence in legal proceedings. Affirmative Action Policies and practices designed to eliminate unlawful discrimination, remedy the lingering effects of past discrimination, and promote equal opportunity in areas like employment and education, often by considering race or gender as one of many factors. Affirmative Defense A defense in a civil or criminal case where the defendant introduces new evidence that, if true, will defeat the plaintiff's or prosecution's claim, even if all the allegations in the complaint are true. Administrative Procedure Act The Administrative Procedure Act (APA) is a federal law that establishes important procedures for federal agency rulemaking and adjudication and provides standards for judicial review of many agency actions. The APA requires notice-and-comment procedures for many rules, subject to statutory exceptions and other requirements. Administrative Record An administrative record is the collection of materials an agency considered or relied on when making a decision. When a court reviews certain agency actions, it often examines the administrative record to determine whether the agency followed the law and gave a reasoned explanation. The record's contents depend on the type of decision and applicable review rules. Admissibility Admissibility is whether evidence may be considered by a court or other decision-maker under the applicable rules. Courts may exclude evidence for reasons such as irrelevance, unfair prejudice, hearsay rules, privilege, or failure to meet standards for expert testimony. Adopt In legislative procedure, to adopt a measure is to formally approve it through the required process. A committee or chamber may adopt an amendment, resolution, rule, or other proposal. Adoption of an amendment or chamber resolution does not necessarily mean the underlying bill has become law. Adversarial System An adversarial system is a legal process in which opposing parties present evidence and arguments to a neutral judge or jury, who decides the dispute under the law. The judge manages the process and applies legal rules, while the parties generally frame the issues they ask the court to resolve. Advice and Consent Advice and consent is the Senate's constitutional role in considering presidential nominations and treaties. The Senate may confirm or reject nominees and may consent to treaties under the Constitution's required voting threshold. The phrase describes a check on presidential authority, not a guarantee that the Senate will approve a nomination or treaty. Administration In U.S. politics, an administration usually means the President and the executive-branch officials who serve under that President during a period in office. The term can also refer more broadly to the management of a government program or agency. The intended meaning depends on context. Administrative Agency An administrative agency is a government body authorized by law to implement statutes, administer programs, issue regulations where permitted, and carry out other assigned functions. Agencies may be part of an executive department or independent under their governing statutes. Their authority is limited by law and subject to oversight and judicial review. Administrative Hearing An administrative hearing is a proceeding before a government agency or an authorized hearing officer to resolve a dispute, review a decision, or determine rights under a program. The hearing procedures depend on the statute, regulations, and agency rules that govern the matter. Some administrative decisions may later be reviewed by a court.