Laws Dictionary

actus reus

actus reus

Latin for a “”guilty act.”" The actus reus is the act which, in combination with a certain mental state, such as intent or recklessness, constitutes a crime. For example, the crime of theft requires physically taking something (the actus re
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ADA

ADA

See Americans With Disabilities Act.

See Topic: Employee Rights Business & Human Resources
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ADEA

ADEA

See Age Discrimination in Employment Act.

See Topic: Employee Rights Social Security & Retirement Business & Human Resources
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ademption

ademption

The failure of a bequest of property in a will. The gift fails (is “”adeemed”") because the person who made the will no longer owns the property when he or she dies. Often this happens because the property has been sold, destroyed or given a
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adjustable rate mortgage ARM

adjustable rate mortgage (ARM)

A mortgage loan with an interest rate that fluctuates in accordance with a designated market indicator — such as the weekly average of one-year U.S. Treasury Bills — over the life of the loan. To avoid constant and d
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adjustment of status

adjustment of status

The procedure for applying for a green card while living in the United States, by submitting an application and later attending an interview at a local USCIS office.
Adjustment of status is available only to certain people. N
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administration of an estate

administration (of an estate)

The court-supervised distribution of the probate estate of a deceased person. If there is a will that names an executor, that person manages the distribution. If not, the court appoints someone, who is generally known a
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administrative expenses

administrative expenses

The trustee’s fee, the debtor’s attorney fees, and other costs of bringing a bankruptcy case that a debtor must pay in full in a Chapter 13 repayment plan. Administrative costs are typically 10% of the debtor’s total paymen
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administrator

administrator

A person appointed by a probate court to handle the distribution of property of someone who has died without a will, or with a will that fails to name someone to carry out this task.
administrator ad litem A person appointed by a pro
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administratrix

administratrix

An outdated term for a female administrator — the person appointed by a court to handle probate on behalf of someone who died without a will. Now, whether male or female, this person is called the administrator.

See Topic: Wills
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