Legalese

Question 1

Administrative Code

Answer 1

An administrative code usually refers to local laws. In some cities, the administrative code is the collection of laws that apply to the citizens and other individuals within the city (e.g. New York Administrative Code). In other cities (e.g. Los Angeles), the administrative code is the collection of rules about how local government operates, while the Municipal Code refers to the more substantive local laws for everyone.

Question 2

Affidavit

Answer 2

An affidavit is a written statement (sometimes a form) in which you declare certain facts to be true, such as “I live at 123 Main Street, and I have known this person for 10 years” etc. Oath The statement is made either “under oath” where a notary or other official asks you to swear or affirm that you are telling the truth, or the affidavit itself simply says you declare the facts to be true “under penalty of perjury.”

Question 3

Agent for service of process

Answer 3

Corporations and LLCs are generally required to designate an agent for service of process, which is the individual or company responsible for receiving the papers for a lawsuit.

Question 4

Agency

Answer 4

Usually refers to an arm or sub-branch of the executive branch of government which carries out and enforces certain laws. There are federal, state and local agencies, for example, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the California Coastal Commission, and the Los Angeles Department of Transportation, respectively.

Question 5

Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)

Answer 5

Ways to resolve a dispute outside litigation and the court system.

Question 6

Amicus brief

Answer 6

Also called amicus curiae or “friend of the court” brief, this is when a person or organization not directly involved in a lawsuit submits a brief (document) that provides information and arguments to the court.

Question 7

Acquittal

Answer 7

A judgment that a criminal defendant has not been proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

Question 8

Appeal

Answer 8

A request for a higher court to review and potentially overturn a lower court’s decision.

Question 9

Arraignment

Answer 9

A proceeding where an accused individual is informed of criminal charges and asked to plead guilty or not guilty.