AW glossary terms

Browse full definitions for every AW term in the Amicus glossary.

Award

/ˈɔːrdər/

Definitions

  1. (n.) A formal decision or judgment given by a tribunal or arbitrator in a legal proceeding.
    The arbitration award resolved the dispute between the parties.
  2. (n.) A sum of money or other compensation granted by a court or authority as a result of a judgment or settlement.
    She received an award for damages after the breach of contract.
  3. (v.) To give or grant formally as a result of a decision or judgment, such as damages or a contract.
    The court awarded damages to the plaintiff for the losses suffered.

Forms

  • awards
  • awarded
  • awarding

Related terms

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Commentary

In legal contexts, 'award' commonly refers to a formal decision or compensation granted by a court or arbitrator. When used as a verb, it denotes the act of granting such decisions or compensation.

Award Criteria

/ˈɔːrdər kriˈtɪəriə/

Definitions

  1. (n.) Standards or factors established to evaluate and select among competing proposals, bids, or candidates in a legal or contractual context.
    The award criteria were clearly outlined in the tender documents to ensure a fair selection process.

Forms

  • award criteria

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Commentary

Award criteria should be drafted clearly to avoid ambiguity in the selection process and to ensure transparency and fairness.

Award of Damages

/ˈɔːrdər əv ˈdæmɪdʒɪz/

Definitions

  1. (n.) A judicial order granting monetary compensation to a party injured by another's breach of duty or contract.
    The court issued an award of damages to compensate the plaintiff for the losses incurred.
  2. (n.) The sum of money determined by the court as adequate reparation for harm or injury sustained.
    The award of damages included both compensatory and punitive elements.

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Commentary

Typically used in civil litigation contexts, the award of damages quantifies the monetary remedy; precise calculation depends on the nature of harm and applicable legal principles.

Awareness

/əˈwɛərnəs/

Definitions

  1. (n.) The state of having knowledge or perception of a legal fact, right, or circumstance.
    The defendant demonstrated awareness of the contract terms before signing.
  2. (n.) In criminal law, knowledge or consciousness of the unlawfulness of one's actions or the attendant circumstances.
    The prosecution must prove the defendant’s awareness of the illegal nature of the act.

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Commentary

In legal drafting, specifying the level of awareness can clarify intent or liability, especially in criminal or contract contexts.

Awe

/ɔː/

Definitions

  1. (n.) A profound feeling of reverence, fear, or respect often influencing witness testimony or juror impressions in legal contexts.
    The witness's awe at the courtroom proceedings was evident in her testimony.

Forms

  • awe

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Commentary

In legal usage, 'awe' may affect witness credibility or juror perception but is not itself a legal doctrine.

Awesome

/ˈɔːsəm/

Definitions

  1. (adj.) Indicating something extremely good or impressive, occasionally used in legal rhetoric to emphasize strength or impact of an argument or fact.
    The attorney made an awesome case that convinced the jury.

Forms

  • awesome

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Commentary

Primarily a colloquial term; rarely appears as a technical legal term but may arise in figurative or rhetorical contexts within legal discourse.

Awful

/ˈɔːfʊl/

Definitions

  1. (adj.) Extremely bad or unpleasant, often used to describe conditions, acts, or consequences in legal contexts.
    The court found the defendant's behavior to be awful and deserving of sanction.

Forms

  • awful

Related terms

See also

Commentary

In legal drafting, 'awful' is typically avoided as it is subjective and imprecise; more specific terms like 'gross negligence' are preferred.

Glossary – AW Terms