GU glossary terms

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

Guarantee

/ˌɡærənˈtiː/

Definitions

  1. (n.) A legal commitment by one party to assume responsibility if a second party fails to meet an obligation, often ensuring payment or performance.
    The lender required a guarantee before approving the loan.
  2. (n.) A formal assurance or promise, often in writing, regarding the condition or quality of a product or service.
    The seller provided a guarantee that the goods were free from defects.
  3. (v.) To provide a guarantee or assurance of fulfillment or quality, binding one party to support another's obligation.
    She guaranteed the delivery would be on time.

Forms

  • guarantees
  • guaranteed
  • guaranteeing

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Commentary

In drafting, distinguish between a guarantee as a secondary obligation and a warranty as a primary assurance; clarity prevents ambiguity in enforcement.

Guarantee Agreement

/ˈɡær.ən.ti əˌɡriː.mənt/

Definitions

  1. (n.) A legal contract where one party guarantees the performance or obligations of another party on a third party’s behalf.
    The lender required a guarantee agreement to ensure repayment if the borrower defaulted.

Forms

  • guarantee agreement

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Commentary

Draft guarantee agreements clearly specify the obligations and scope of the guarantor's liability to avoid ambiguity in enforcement.

Guarantee Fund

/ˈɡærənˌti fʌnd/

Definitions

  1. (n.) A reserve fund established to ensure the fulfillment of financial obligations or to cover losses in specific contexts, such as insurance or banking.
    The bank set up a guarantee fund to protect depositors against potential losses.
  2. (n.) A fund designed to provide security to policyholders or creditors in case of default by an insurer or obligor.
    The guarantee fund reimbursed clients after the insurance company became insolvent.

Forms

  • guarantee fund
  • guarantee funds

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Commentary

Guarantee funds commonly feature in financial regulation and insurance law to provide risk mitigation; drafting should specify the scope and triggers for fund deployment.

Guarantee Scheme

/ˈɡær.ən.ti skiːm/

Definitions

  1. (n.) A structured plan or arrangement established by a government or financial institution to provide financial guarantees, reducing risk for lenders or investors.
    The government introduced a guarantee scheme to encourage banks to lend to small businesses.
  2. (n.) A statutory or contractual mechanism ensuring compensation or fulfillment of obligations if a primary party defaults.
    The guarantee scheme protects consumers if the travel company becomes insolvent.

Forms

  • guarantee scheme
  • guarantee schemes

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Commentary

Guarantee schemes often require clear statutory or contractual foundation to ensure enforceability; drafters should specify scope, duration, and triggering conditions explicitly.

Guarantor

/ˈɡær.ən.tɔːr/

Definitions

  1. (n.) A party who guarantees the performance or obligations of another, especially repayment of a debt or fulfillment of a contract.
    The bank required a guarantor to ensure the loan would be repaid.
  2. (n.) In suretyship, the person who agrees to be liable if the principal debtor fails to perform.
    The guarantor stepped in to pay the rent when the tenant defaulted.

Forms

  • guarantors

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Commentary

The term 'guarantor' is distinct from 'surety' in some jurisdictions, though often used interchangeably; drafting should clarify the scope of liability intended.

Guard

/ɡɑrd/

Definitions

  1. (n.) A person authorized to protect property, persons, or enforce order, often in legal or security contexts.
    The security guard monitored the premises throughout the night.
  2. (v.) To protect, watch over, or control access to something, especially with legal authority or responsibility.
    The officer guarded the evidence to prevent tampering.

Forms

  • guards
  • guarded
  • guarding

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Commentary

In legal drafting, 'guard' generally refers to protective roles or actions and should be clearly distinguished from related terms like 'custody' or 'security' to avoid ambiguity.

Guardian

/ˈɡɑːrdiən/

Definitions

  1. (n.) A person legally appointed to care for and manage the affairs of a minor or incapacitated individual.
    The court appointed a guardian to oversee the child's welfare.
  2. (n.) An individual or entity legally charged with protecting another's interests, property, or rights.
    He was named guardian of the estate during the owner's absence.

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Commentary

Guardianship typically involves court appointment and duties distinct from those of trustees or custodians; precise authority depends on jurisdiction and specific appointment.

Guardian Ad Litem

/ˈɡɑːrdiən æd ˈlaɪtəm/

Definitions

  1. (n.) A court-appointed representative who advocates for the best interests of a minor or incapacitated person during legal proceedings.
    The court appointed a guardian ad litem to represent the child's interests in the custody case.

Forms

  • guardians ad litem

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Commentary

The guardian ad litem is distinct from a legal guardian; the former represents a ward only during litigation or specific legal matters, not in all aspects of guardianship.

Guardian Liability

/ˈɡɑːrdiən laɪəˈbɪlɪti/

Definitions

  1. (n.) Legal responsibility of a guardian for the actions or obligations of their ward or the management of the ward’s estate.
    The court held the guardian liable for failing to properly manage the minor’s finances.
  2. (n.) The obligation of a guardian to answer for any breach of fiduciary duties owed to the ward.
    Guardian liability arises when the guardian neglects their fiduciary duties.

Forms

  • guardian liability

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Commentary

Guardian liability primarily concerns the fiduciary and statutory duties guardians owe to wards; drafters should carefully specify the scope of liability and exceptions.

Guardianship

/ˈɡɑːrdiənʃɪp/

Definitions

  1. (n.) A legal relationship whereby a court appoints a person to manage the affairs and protect the interests of another who is unable to do so due to incapacity or minority.
    The court granted guardianship of the minor to her aunt after reviewing the case.
  2. (n.) The authority and responsibility vested in a guardian to act on behalf of the ward.
    Under guardianship, the guardian must ensure the ward's financial and personal welfare.

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Commentary

Guardianship is differentiated from conservatorship primarily by jurisdiction and scope; drafters should specify the nature of the guardian's powers and limits in the instrument.

Guardianship Dispute

/ˈɡɑrdiənʃɪp dɪsˈpjut/

Definitions

  1. (n.) A legal conflict concerning the appointment, authority, or responsibilities of a guardian over a minor or incapacitated person.
    The court resolved the guardianship dispute after reviewing evidence of each party's suitability.

Forms

  • guardianship dispute
  • guardianship disputes

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Commentary

Guardianship disputes often require careful evaluation of the ward’s best interests and involve family law and elder law considerations.

Guerrilla Warfare

/ɡəˈrɪlə ˈwɔːrfɛər/

Definitions

  1. (n.) A form of irregular warfare conducted by small, mobile groups using tactics such as ambushes, sabotage, and raids, often against larger traditional military forces or occupying powers.
    The insurgents employed guerrilla warfare to resist the occupying army.

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Commentary

Guerrilla warfare is often examined in legal contexts concerning the lawful conduct of hostilities, distinguishing combatants from civilians under international humanitarian law.

Guerrillas

/ˌɡerɪˈlɑːz/

Definitions

  1. (n.) Members of an irregular military force engaging in armed resistance or insurgency, often against a recognized government or occupying force.
    The guerrillas launched a surprise attack on the military convoy.

Forms

  • guerrilla

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Commentary

In legal contexts, 'guerrillas' are often distinguished from regular combatants under the laws of war; their status affects applicability of international humanitarian law.

Guest Worker

/ˈɡɛst ˌwɜrkər/

Definitions

  1. (n.) A foreign national authorized to work temporarily in a host country under a guest worker program or visa.
    The company hired several guest workers to manage seasonal agricultural tasks.

Forms

  • guest worker
  • guest workers

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Commentary

Guest worker status often implies limited labor rights and duration of stay; legal definitions may vary by jurisdiction.

Guidance

/ˈɡaɪdəns/

Definitions

  1. (n.) Advice or information offered to clarify legal rights, obligations, or procedures, typically non-binding but influential.
    The regulator issued guidance on compliance with the new data protection rules.
  2. (n.) Official instructions or recommendations issued by an authority to assist interpretation or application of law or policy.
    The court referred to the agency's guidance when deciding the case.

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Commentary

Guidance usually refers to non-binding instructions intended to aid interpretation or conduct but does not carry the force of law unless adopted as binding rules.

Guidance Document

/ˈɡaɪdəns ˈdɒkjʊmənt/

Definitions

  1. (n.) A nonbinding official publication issued by a governmental or regulatory agency to clarify laws, regulations, or policies and assist compliance.
    The agency released a guidance document to explain new environmental standards.
  2. (n.) An advisory text that interprets or suggests policy implementations without the force of law.
    The guidance document outlines best practices for data privacy.

Forms

  • guidance document
  • guidance documents

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Commentary

Guidance documents help interpret legal requirements but are not legally binding; drafters should clearly distinguish these from enforceable rules to avoid confusion.

Guidance Letter

/ˈɡaɪdns ˈlɛtər/

Definitions

  1. (n.) A written communication issued by a legal authority or regulatory body to provide interpretive advice or directional clarity on compliance or procedural issues.
    The agency issued a guidance letter to clarify the new reporting requirements.

Forms

  • guidance letter
  • guidance letters

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Commentary

Guidance letters are typically non-binding but influential tools used by regulatory bodies to shape compliance expectations without formal rulemaking.

Guidebook

/ˈɡaɪdˌbʊk/

Definitions

  1. (n.) A book or manual providing authoritative instructions or information, often used to understand laws, legal procedures, or regulations.
    The attorney referred to the guidebook to clarify courtroom protocols.

Forms

  • guidebook
  • guidebooks

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Commentary

In legal contexts, a guidebook typically serves as a practical reference aiding understanding and application of complex legal rules and procedures.

Guideline

/ˈɡaɪdlaɪn/

Definitions

  1. (n.) A recommended practice or principle designed to guide decisions and ensure consistency, often used in legal, regulatory, or policy contexts.
    The court followed the sentencing guideline to determine the appropriate penalty.
  2. (n.) A non-binding advisory document issued by a regulatory or professional body to direct behavior or procedures.
    The agency issued new guidelines to prevent discrimination in hiring.

Forms

  • guidelines

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Commentary

Guidelines differ from legally binding rules by being advisory rather than mandatory, though courts and agencies often treat them as influential in interpretation and enforcement.

Guild

/ˈɡɪld/

Definitions

  1. (n.) An association of artisans or merchants who oversee the practice of their craft or trade in a particular area.
    The medieval guild regulated the quality and sale of goods within the town.
  2. (n.) A legally recognized collective body formed to protect the economic and social interests of its members.
    The guild negotiated contracts that safeguarded the rights of its tradesmen.

Forms

  • guilds

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Commentary

Historically, guilds functioned as early forms of trade regulation and collective bargaining entities before modern labor laws.

Guild Law

/ˈɡɪld lɔː/

Definitions

  1. (n.) The body of rules and customs governing a guild, regulating its members’ rights, duties, trade practices, and internal governance.
    Guild law established standards for apprenticeship and quality control within the craftsmen's guild.

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Commentary

Guild law historically functioned as a form of self-regulation among tradespeople, often blending customary and written rules specific to craft or merchant guilds.

Guilt

/ɡɪlt/

Definitions

  1. (n.) The state of having committed a criminal offense or wrongdoing, establishing legal responsibility.
    The jury found the defendant's guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
  2. (n.) A culpable mental state or blameworthiness required for criminal liability (mens rea).
    The prosecution must prove guilt as well as the act itself.

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Commentary

In legal contexts, guilt often implies both the commission of an act and the requisite mental state; precise definitions may vary by jurisdiction.

Guiltier

/ˈɡɪltɪər/

Definitions

  1. (adj.) Comparative form of guilty, describing a greater degree of culpability or responsibility for a wrongdoing.
    The defendant was found guiltier than his accomplice based on the evidence.

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Commentary

Used primarily to compare degrees of legal fault or responsibility in civil and criminal contexts.

Guiltiest

/ˈɡɪltiɪst/

Definitions

  1. (adj.) Most responsible for a crime or wrongdoing; having the highest degree of guilt.
    He was deemed the guiltiest party in the fraud scheme.

Forms

  • guilty
  • guiltier

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Commentary

Superlative form of guilty, used to denote the highest degree of legal culpability.

Guilty

/ˈɡɪl.ti/

Definitions

  1. (adj.) Having been adjudged responsible for committing a criminal offense.
    The defendant was found guilty of theft.
  2. (adj.) Ascribing culpability or liability in a legal context, indicating fault or wrongdoing.
    The company may be guilty of negligence in this case.

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Commentary

Use 'guilty' specifically for adjudicated or legally recognized fault; avoid informal moral judgments without legal basis.

Guilty But Mentally Ill

/ˈɡɪlti bət ˈmɛn.təl.i ɪl/

Definitions

  1. (phr.) A legal verdict finding a defendant responsible for a crime but acknowledging the presence of a mental illness that impairs judgment or behavior.
    The jury returned a verdict of guilty but mentally ill, allowing for psychiatric treatment during incarceration.

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Commentary

This verdict differs from insanity acquittal by affirming criminal guilt while mandating mental health treatment, important for sentencing and correctional management.

Guilty Mind

/ˈɡɪlti maɪnd/

Definitions

  1. (n.) The mental state indicating intent, knowledge, recklessness, or negligence, required to establish criminal liability.
    The prosecution must prove the defendant had a guilty mind to secure a conviction.

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Commentary

"Guilty mind" is a lay term commonly used to describe mens rea, which is central to determining criminal culpability; precise usage varies by jurisdiction and offense.

Guilty Plea

/ˈɡɪlti pliː/

Definitions

  1. (n.) A formal admission of guilt in a criminal case, usually resulting in a conviction without trial.
    The defendant entered a guilty plea to avoid a lengthy trial.

Forms

  • guilty pleas

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Commentary

A guilty plea waives the right to a trial and is often used in plea bargaining to expedite case resolution.

Guilty Until Proven Innocent

Definitions

  1. (phrase) An erroneous presumption where a defendant is treated as guilty before being legally proven innocent, contrary to the presumption of innocence principle.
    The presumption of 'guilty until proven innocent' in this case violates fundamental legal protections.

Forms

  • guilty until proven innocent

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Commentary

This phrase describes a violation of a core legal principle and is used critically to highlight improper legal or procedural assumptions about a defendant's status.

Guilty Verdict

/ˈɡɪlti ˈvɜːrdɪkt/

Definitions

  1. (n.) A formal decision by a judge or jury that a defendant committed the offense charged beyond a reasonable doubt.
    The jury returned a guilty verdict after deliberating for two hours.

Forms

  • guilty verdicts

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Commentary

The term 'guilty verdict' specifically denotes the outcome of a criminal trial indicating the defendant's legal responsibility for the charged offense; it is crucial to distinguish it from 'conviction,' which includes sentencing.

Guise

/ɡaɪz/

Definitions

  1. (n.) An external form, appearance, or manner of presentation, often used to conceal true nature or intent in legal contexts.
    The contract was executed under the guise of a loan agreement.

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Commentary

In legal drafting and analysis, 'guise' often indicates a deceptive appearance, so clarity is essential to avoid ambiguity regarding intent or substance.

Gust

/ɡʌst/

Definitions

  1. (n.) A brief, sudden increase in wind speed relevant to maritime, environmental, or property law.
    The ship was damaged due to a strong gust during the storm.

Forms

  • gusts

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Commentary

In legal contexts, 'gust' is often considered in cases involving force majeure or natural events impacting contractual obligations or property damage.

Glossary – GU Terms