Acquittal: Judgement that a criminal defendant has not been proved guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
Affidavit: A written statement of facts confirmed by the oath of the party making it, before a notary or officer having authority to administer oaths.
Affirmative action: Programs often required by state or federal law that attempt to compensate for discriminatory practices that have in the past denied fair consideration to members of minority groups. affirmative defense – A statement by a defendant that provides justification for an action or an explanation for behavior or that provides the basis for denial of liability.
Affirmed: In the practice of appellate courts, the word means that the decision of the trial court is correct.
Aggravated assault: an unlawful attack by one person upon another for the person of inflicting harm. This type of assault usually involves a weapon.
Arson: a willful or malicious burning, or attempt to burn, a home, public place, vehicle or any personal property of another.
Appeal: A request made after a trial, asking another court to decide whether the trial was conducted properly.
Arraignment: A proceeding in which an individual who is accused of committing a crime is brought into court, told of the charges, and asked to plead guilty or not guilty.
