GA glossary terms

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

Gag

/ˈɡæɡ/

Definitions

  1. (n.) A clause or order restricting a party or witness from discussing case details.
    The court imposed a gag order to prevent parties from speaking to the media.
  2. (v.) To impose a restriction that prevents disclosure of information, especially in legal proceedings.
    The judge gagged the defendant from revealing confidential documents.

Forms

  • gags
  • gagged
  • gagging

Commentary

In legal contexts, 'gag' often refers to restrictions on speech or publication to protect fair trial rights or confidentiality.


Gag Order

/ˈɡæɡ ˌɔrdər/

Definitions

  1. (n.) A court order restricting parties, witnesses, attorneys, or others from publicly discussing details of a case.
    The judge issued a gag order to prevent sensitive information from being disclosed to the media.
  2. (n.) A legal directive prohibiting publication or dissemination of certain information, often to protect fair trial rights or privacy.
    The gag order was imposed to ensure the defendant receives an impartial trial.

Forms

  • gag orders

Commentary

Gag orders are typically issued to safeguard trial integrity and privacy; drafters should clearly define the scope and duration to avoid undue infringement on First Amendment rights.


Gagged

/ˈɡæɡd/

Definitions

  1. (adj.) Having been silenced or restrained from speaking, especially by legal or procedural means.
    The defendant was gagged by the court to prevent prejudicing the jury.
  2. (v.) Past tense of gag, meaning to restrain or prevent someone from speaking.
    The prosecutor gagged the witness to avoid disclosure of confidential information.

Forms

  • gag
  • gags
  • gagging

Commentary

The term 'gagged' is primarily an adjective or past participle describing the condition of being silenced, often by court order or legal restriction; cross-reference to 'gag' for full verb definitions.


Gagging

/ˈgæɡɪŋ/

Definitions

  1. (n.) A legal or contractual provision that restricts speech or communication, often to prevent disclosure of confidential information.
    The nondisclosure agreement included a gagging clause prohibiting employees from discussing company secrets.

Commentary

Gagging clauses are common in settlements and employment contracts to protect privacy and proprietary information.


Gain

/ɡeɪn/

Definitions

  1. (n.) An increase in wealth, property, or legal rights obtained through lawful means.
    The sale resulted in a substantial gain for the property owner.
  2. (v.) To obtain or secure something, especially a legal right or advantage.
    The plaintiff gained ownership after winning the lawsuit.
  3. (n.) In tax law, the profit realized from the sale or disposition of an asset, often subject to capital gains tax.
    He reported a capital gain on the sale of his shares.

Forms

  • gains
  • gained
  • gaining

Commentary

In legal contexts, 'gain' often implies lawful acquisition and is distinct from unjust enrichment; precise use is important when drafting agreements or tax documents.


Gait

/ɡeɪt/

Definitions

  1. (n.) The manner or style of walking, especially as evidence in legal or forensic contexts.
    The expert witness described the suspect's gait to corroborate the identification.

Forms

  • gait
  • gaits

Commentary

In legal contexts, gait analysis is often used in forensic identification or to assess a person's physical condition in claims or liability cases.


Gale

/ˈɡeɪl/

Definitions

  1. (n.) A strong wind or storm, sometimes relevant in maritime law or insurance claims concerning damage.
    The gale caused substantial damage to the shipping docks, leading to an insurance dispute.

Forms

  • gales

Commentary

In legal contexts, 'gale' often appears in clauses related to force majeure or insurance to describe uncontrollable weather events causing damage or delay.


Gambling

/ˈɡæmblɪŋ/

Definitions

  1. (n.) The act or practice of risking money or something of value on an event with an uncertain outcome, typically in a game or contest.
    The law regulates gambling to prevent illegal betting activities.
  2. (v.) To bet or wager on an event or game, risking money or valuables.
    He gambled on the horse race hoping to win big.

Forms

  • gamblings
  • gambling (gerund and present participle)

Commentary

In legal drafting, distinguish between lawful gambling regulated by statute and illegal gambling activities; definitions may vary by jurisdiction.


Gambling Agreement

/ˈɡæmblɪŋ əˈɡriːmənt/

Definitions

  1. (n.) A contract between parties outlining terms and conditions for wagering on events or outcomes.
    The gambling agreement specified the stakes and procedures for settling disputes.

Forms

  • gambling agreement
  • gambling agreements

Commentary

Such agreements must comply with jurisdictional gambling laws to be enforceable.


Gambling Commission

/ˈɡæmblɪŋ kəˈmɪʃən/

Definitions

  1. (n.) A regulatory authority responsible for overseeing and licensing gambling activities to ensure compliance with legal standards and prevent illegal betting operations.
    The Gambling Commission enforces regulations to promote fair and safe gambling practices.

Forms

  • gambling commission

Commentary

Commonly referred to in jurisdictions such as the UK where it functions as the primary regulator of gambling operations; definitions may vary internationally depending on local legal frameworks.


Gambling Contract

/ˈɡæmblɪŋ ˈkɒntrækt/

Definitions

  1. (n.) A contract involving a wager or bet, often deemed unenforceable or void under law due to public policy against gambling.
    The court ruled the gambling contract void because it violated statutory prohibitions on betting agreements.

Forms

  • gambling contract
  • gambling contracts

Commentary

Gambling contracts are generally scrutinized for legality; many jurisdictions render them unenforceable to discourage betting, highlighting the importance of understanding local statutes and policies when drafting such agreements.


Gambling Control Board

/ˈɡæmblɪŋ kənˈtroʊl bɔrd/

Definitions

  1. (n.) A regulatory agency authorized to oversee and enforce laws related to gambling activities within a jurisdiction.
    The Gambling Control Board issued new regulations to prevent illegal betting operations.

Forms

  • gambling control board
  • gambling control boards

Commentary

Term typically refers to an official regulatory body vested with enforcement and licensing powers over gaming activities, crucial for maintaining legal compliance in the gambling industry.


Gambling Establishment

/ˈɡæmblɪŋ ɪˈstæblɪʃmənt/

Definitions

  1. (n.) A business or venue licensed to offer gambling activities legally.
    The gambling establishment must comply with state regulatory requirements.

Forms

  • gambling establishment
  • gambling establishments

Commentary

The term specifically refers to places legally authorized to provide gambling, distinguishing them from informal or illegal venues.


Gambling Law

/ˈɡæmblɪŋ lɔː/

Definitions

  1. (n.) The body of law regulating games of chance and betting activities, including licensing, operation, and enforcement provisions.
    The new gambling law imposes stricter licensing requirements on casinos.

Forms

  • gambling law

Commentary

Gambling law is often intertwined with gaming law but focuses specifically on legal aspects of wagering and betting activities.


Gambling License

/ˈɡæmblɪŋ ˈlaɪsns/

Definitions

  1. (n.) An official authorization issued by a regulatory authority permitting an individual or entity to conduct gambling activities legally.
    The casino obtained a gambling license before opening its doors to the public.

Forms

  • gambling license
  • gambling licenses

Commentary

The term specifically denotes legal permission to engage in gambling, distinct from informal or illegal gambling activities. Drafting should clearly specify the issuing authority and scope of permitted activities.


Gambling Operator

/ˈɡæmblɪŋ ˈɒpəreɪtər/

Definitions

  1. (n.) An entity licensed or authorized to run gambling activities or facilities under applicable law.
    The gambling operator must comply with all regulatory requirements to maintain its license.

Forms

  • gambling operator
  • gambling operators

Commentary

Term typically appears in statutes and regulations governing lawful gambling activities and emphasizes the legal authorization aspect.


Gambling Regulation

/ˈɡæmblɪŋ ˌrɛɡjʊˈleɪʃən/

Definitions

  1. (n.) The body of laws, rules, and administrative provisions governing the conduct, operation, and legality of gambling activities.
    The state enacted new gambling regulation to curb illegal betting.
  2. (n.) The regulatory framework established to oversee and license gambling operators, ensuring compliance with legal and ethical standards.
    Gambling regulation requires all casinos to obtain a valid license from the gaming commission.

Forms

  • gambling regulation

Commentary

Gambling regulation often varies significantly across jurisdictions, emphasizing the importance of context-specific legal provisions.


Gambling Statute

/ˈɡæmblɪŋ ˈstætʃuːt/

Definitions

  1. (n.) A law regulating the operation, legality, and enforcement of gambling activities within a jurisdiction.
    The state passed a new gambling statute to control online betting platforms.

Forms

  • gambling statute
  • gambling statutes

Commentary

Gambling statutes vary widely by jurisdiction and often specify permitted games, licensing requirements, and penalties for violations.


Game Law

/ˈɡeɪm lɔː/

Definitions

  1. (n.) The body of laws and regulations governing the hunting, capture, and conservation of wild animals and birds, including licensing and protected species rules.
    The new game law restricts hunting certain bird species during nesting season.

Forms

  • game laws

Commentary

Game law typically intersects with wildlife conservation statutes and may vary significantly by jurisdiction.


Game Reserve

/ˈɡeɪm rɪˌzɜːrv/

Definitions

  1. (n.) A legally designated area set aside for the conservation and management of wildlife, where hunting is regulated or prohibited.
    The government established a game reserve to protect endangered species from poaching.

Forms

  • game reserve
  • game reserves

Commentary

The term typically appears in statutes and regulations governing wildlife conservation and land use; precise boundaries and permissible activities are key drafting considerations.


Game Theory

/ˈɡeɪm ˈθɪəri/

Definitions

  1. (n.) The study of strategic interaction among rational decision-makers, often applied in legal analysis to predict litigation behavior, contract design, and negotiation tactics.
    Game theory helps lawyers predict how opposing parties might react during settlement discussions.

Forms

  • game theory

Commentary

In legal contexts, game theory emphasizes predicting and influencing parties’ behavior, often supported by formal modeling and payoff analysis.


Gaming

/ˈɡeɪmɪŋ/

Definitions

  1. (n.) The activity or business of playing games of chance or skill for money or other stakes, regulated by law.
    The state tightened regulations on gaming establishments to prevent fraud.
  2. (n.) The lawful operation of casinos, betting, and wagering activities subject to government oversight.
    Gaming licenses are required for any venue offering betting services.

Forms

  • gaming

Commentary

In legal contexts, "gaming" emphasizes games involving stakes and is often interchangeably used with gambling, but regulatory definitions may vary by jurisdiction.


Gaming Commission

/ˈɡeɪmɪŋ kəˈmɪʃən/

Definitions

  1. (n.) A governmental or regulatory body that oversees and enforces laws related to gambling activities.
    The state gaming commission issued new regulations to control online betting.

Forms

  • gaming commission
  • gaming commissions

Commentary

Gaming commissions serve to promote fair play and prevent illegal gambling by licensing and monitoring gaming operators.


Gaming Device

/ˈɡeɪmɪŋ dɪˌvaɪs/

Definitions

  1. (n.) An electronic or mechanical apparatus designed for the play or practice of games, often regulated under gambling or gaming laws.
    The casino was inspected to ensure all gaming devices complied with state regulations.

Forms

  • gaming device
  • gaming devices

Commentary

The term is frequently used in regulatory contexts to denote devices subject to gaming and gambling laws; clarity is essential to distinguish from general entertainment devices.


Gaming House

/ˈɡeɪmɪŋ haʊs/

Definitions

  1. (n.) A premises where gambling activities are conducted, often regulated or illegal depending on jurisdiction.
    The police raided the gaming house suspected of operating without a license.
  2. (n.) A residence or facility where professional gamers live and practice together for competitive video gaming.
    The team stayed at a gaming house to prepare for the tournament.

Forms

  • gaming house
  • gaming houses

Commentary

The term 'gaming house' can refer to both gambling venues and e-sports team residences; context and jurisdiction determine legal relevance and regulation.


Gaming Law

/ˈɡeɪmɪŋ lɔː/

Definitions

  1. (n.) The body of law and regulations governing gambling activities, including casinos, sports betting, and lotteries.
    The new policy aims to tighten gaming law to prevent illegal betting operations.
  2. (n.) Legal rules concerning the operation and licensing of electronic and online gaming platforms.
    Online casinos must comply with gaming law to operate within the jurisdiction.

Forms

  • gaming law

Commentary

Gaming law often intersects with regulatory and criminal law due to the nature of gambling activities; precise definitions depend on jurisdiction.


Gaming License

/ˈɡeɪmɪŋ ˈlaɪsns/

Definitions

  1. (n.) An official authorization issued by a regulatory authority permitting an individual or entity to operate gaming activities legally.
    The casino obtained a gaming license before opening to the public.

Forms

  • gaming license
  • gaming licenses

Commentary

Gaming licenses are typically subject to strict regulatory controls and renewal conditions to ensure lawful conduct in the gambling industry.


Gaming Licensee

/ˈɡeɪmɪŋ ˌlaɪsənˈsiː/

Definitions

  1. (n.) An individual or entity granted official authorization to operate gaming activities under regulatory compliance.
    The gaming licensee must adhere to all state gambling regulations to maintain their license.

Forms

  • gaming licensee
  • gaming licensees

Commentary

The term specifically denotes a party legally authorized to conduct gaming operations; usage often appears in licensing agreements and regulatory texts.


Gaming Operator

/ˈɡeɪmɪŋ ˈɒpəreɪtər/

Definitions

  1. (n.) An entity licensed to organize, manage, and operate gambling activities under regulatory authority.
    The gaming operator must comply with all licensing requirements to conduct lawful betting.

Forms

  • gaming operator
  • gaming operators

Commentary

The term specifically refers to the legal status of the entity managing gambling operations, distinct from participants or service providers.


Gaming Permit

/ˈɡeɪmɪŋ pɜːrmɪt/

Definitions

  1. (n.) An official authorization issued by a governmental authority allowing an individual or entity to legally operate gambling activities.
    The casino obtained its gaming permit before opening to the public.

Forms

  • gaming permit
  • gaming permits

Commentary

A gaming permit specifically authorizes gambling-related operations and is distinct from general business permits; it often requires adherence to strict regulatory compliance and background checks.


Gaming Regulation

/ˈɡeɪmɪŋ ˌrɛɡjʊˈleɪʃən/

Definitions

  1. (n.) The body of laws, rules, and administrative practices governing gambling activities, aiming to control and monitor gaming operations to ensure legality, fairness, and prevention of crime.
    The new gaming regulation requires casinos to implement stricter anti-money laundering measures.

Forms

  • gaming regulation

Commentary

Gaming regulation often involves balancing consumer protection with industry growth, requiring precise definitions and scope to avoid ambiguity in enforcement.


Gaming Regulator

/ˈɡeɪmɪŋ ˈrɛɡjəleɪtə/

Definitions

  1. (n.) A government or statutory body authorized to regulate, license, and oversee gaming activities to ensure compliance with gambling laws and prevent fraud or criminal abuse.
    The gaming regulator imposed new rules to enhance transparency in online betting.

Forms

  • gaming regulator
  • gaming regulators

Commentary

The term typically refers to formal administrative bodies with legal authority over gaming operations; definitions should emphasize their regulatory and enforcement roles.


Gang

/ɡæŋ/

Definitions

  1. (n.) An organized group of individuals engaged in criminal activity or associated for illegal purposes.
    The police arrested several members of the gang suspected of drug trafficking.
  2. (n.) A group of workers or laborers who operate collectively, often informally, in a specific trade or task.
    The construction gang finished the road ahead of schedule.

Forms

  • gangs

Commentary

In legal contexts, 'gang' primarily denotes groups involved in criminal conduct, but it can also refer to noncriminal worker groups. Clarifying context is essential in legal drafting.


Gang Injunction

/ˈɡæŋ ɪnˌdʒʌŋkʃən/

Definitions

  1. (n.) A court order prohibiting specific gang members from engaging in certain activities or entering defined areas to reduce gang-related crime.
    The city obtained a gang injunction to restrict members from congregating in the neighborhood park.

Forms

  • gang injunctions

Commentary

Gang injunctions typically involve civil proceedings aimed at preventing anticipated harmful conduct by gang members, balancing public safety with constitutional rights.



Gangster

/ˈɡæŋstər/

Definitions

  1. (n.) A member of an organized group engaged in criminal activities such as extortion, racketeering, or drug trafficking.
    The gangster was indicted for running an illegal gambling operation.

Forms

  • gangsters

Commentary

The term is primarily used to describe individuals involved in organized crime; legal texts often address gangsters in the context of statutes targeting criminal organizations or conspiracy.


Gap

/ˈɡæp/

Definitions

  1. (n.) A missing part or interval in a legal document, statute, or contract where no provision applies.
    The contract contained a gap regarding liability for third-party damages.
  2. (n.) An ambiguity or deficiency in law that creates uncertainty or requires judicial interpretation.
    Courts often fill gaps in statutes by referencing legislative intent.

Commentary

The term 'gap' is often used to describe lacunae in legal instruments or laws that necessitate interpretation or supplementation.


Gap-Filling

/ˈɡæp ˌfɪlɪŋ/

Definitions

  1. (n.) The legal practice of interpreting and supplementing contracts or statutes to address omissions or unclear provisions.
    The court employed gap-filling to determine the parties' intentions where the contract was silent.

Commentary

Gap-filling is often necessary when written agreements lack explicit clauses; it requires careful judicial or scholarly reasoning to avoid overstepping the parties' original intent.


Garment

/ˈgɑːrmənt/

Definitions

  1. (n.) An article of clothing or apparel, especially as referenced in laws or trade regulations regarding textiles and apparel manufacture, sale, and labeling.
    The contract specified the quality standards for each garment produced.

Forms

  • garments

Commentary

In legal texts, 'garment' often appears in contexts involving manufacturing standards, import/export controls, and intellectual property concerning design and labeling.


Garnishment

/ˈgɑrnɪʃmənt/

Definitions

  1. (n.) A legal procedure by which a creditor obtains a court order directing a third party to withhold money from a debtor to satisfy a debt.
    The court issued a garnishment to collect the unpaid debt from the debtor's employer.

Commentary

Garnishment primarily applies to wages but can extend to other funds held by third parties; drafting clarity on the subject and scope is essential.


Garrison

/ˈɡærɪsən/

Definitions

  1. (n.) A military force or troops stationed in a fortress or town to defend it.
    The garrison was ordered to hold the fort against enemy attacks.
  2. (n.) The place where troops are stationed or quartered, such as a fortress or military base.
    The soldiers returned to the garrison after their patrol.

Forms

  • garrison
  • garrisons
  • garrisoned
  • garrisoning

Commentary

In legal and military contexts, 'garrison' refers both to the troops stationed and the location they occupy, important in laws of military occupation and defense.


Gatekeeper Platforms

/ˈɡeɪtˌkiːpər ˈplætˌfɔːrmz/

Definitions

  1. (n.) Digital platforms designated by law or regulation as having significant control over access to markets or digital ecosystems, subject to special antitrust and competition rules.
    The regulator imposed strict obligations on gatekeeper platforms to prevent anticompetitive practices.

Forms

  • gatekeeper platforms
  • gatekeeper platform

Commentary

The term is chiefly used in regulatory and competition law contexts, particularly in the EU Digital Markets Act and similar frameworks to identify platforms with systemic market power.


Gather

/ˈɡæðər/

Definitions

  1. (v.) To bring together people, documents, or evidence for legal purposes.
    The attorney gathered all relevant contracts before the trial.
  2. (v.) To collect or accumulate information or materials to support a legal case.
    The investigator gathered witness statements to build the case.

Forms

  • gathers
  • gathered
  • gathering

Commentary

In legal contexts, gather often implies purposeful collection for litigation or compliance; distinguish from casual aggregation.


Gathering License

/ˈɡæðərɪŋ ˈlaɪsəns/

Definitions

  1. (n.) A legal authorization permitting the collection or extraction of natural resources, such as timber, minerals, or game, from public or private lands.
    The company obtained a gathering license to harvest timber from the national forest.

Forms

  • gathering license
  • gathering licenses

Commentary

A gathering license typically specifies the scope and limitations of resource collection to prevent unauthorized exploitation and ensures compliance with environmental and property regulations.


Gatt

/ˈɡæt/

Definitions

  1. (n.) The General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade, a multilateral treaty regulating international trade to promote free trade by reducing tariffs and other barriers.
    The GATT negotiations led to significant reductions in trade barriers between member countries.

Forms

  • gatt

Commentary

Often referenced by its acronym, GATT serves as the predecessor to the WTO, and is central to international trade law discussions.


Gauge

/ɡeɪdʒ/

Definitions

  1. (n.) An instrument or standard of measurement used to assess size, amount, or degree relevant in legal contexts such as property boundaries or safety regulations.
    The surveyor used a gauge to verify the boundary lines of the property.
  2. (n.) A standard measurement or criterion by which something is judged or assessed legally.
    The court applied a strict gauge to evaluate the defendant's compliance with environmental regulations.

Forms

  • gauges
  • gauged
  • gauging

Commentary

In legal drafting, 'gauge' often pertains to measurement standards relevant in regulatory compliance or property law contexts.


Gavel

/ˈɡævəl/

Definitions

  1. (n.) A small ceremonial mallet used by a judge or chairperson to call attention or signal decisions in court or meetings.
    The judge struck the gavel to restore order in the courtroom.

Forms

  • gavels

Commentary

The gavel symbolizes judicial authority and procedural control; usage in writing typically denotes formal authority in legal settings.


Gavelling

/ˈɡævəlɪŋ/

Definitions

  1. (v.) The act of striking a gavel to call a courtroom to order or to signal a decision.
    The judge began the session by gavelling the courtroom to order.

Forms

  • gavel
  • gavels
  • gaveled

Commentary

Primarily used to describe the judge's action of striking the gavel to manage courtroom proceedings.

Glossary – GA Terms