KI glossary terms

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

Kickback

/ˈkɪkˌbæk/

Definitions

  1. (n.) A bribe or illicit payment made to someone in return for facilitating or securing favorable treatment, often in business or government dealings.
    The contractor was charged with offering a kickback to the purchasing agent to win the bid.

Forms

  • kickbacks

Commentary

The term 'kickback' specifically connotes an illicit return of a portion of money or benefit received, often as a means to corruptly influence decision-making.


Kidnap

/ˈkɪdnæp/

Definitions

  1. (v.) To unlawfully seize and confine a person, often to demand ransom or for other unlawful purposes.
    The criminals planned to kidnap the wealthy businessman for ransom.

Forms

  • kidnap
  • kidnaps
  • kidnapped
  • kidnapping

Commentary

Kidnap involves the unlawful taking and confinement of a person, distinguished from mere unlawful restraint or false imprisonment by the element of movement or transportation in many jurisdictions.


Kidnapping

/ˈkɪdnæpɪŋ/

Definitions

  1. (n.) The unlawful seizing and carrying away of a person by force or fraud, often to hold the person for ransom or in furtherance of another crime.
    The defendant was charged with kidnapping after abducting the child from the park.

Forms

  • kidnapping
  • kidnappings

Commentary

Kidnapping typically requires asportation (movement of the victim); subtle distinctions exist between kidnapping and related offenses like false imprisonment.


Kin

/kɪn/

Definitions

  1. (n.) Relatives or family members related by blood, marriage, or adoption recognized under law.
    The estate was divided among the kin according to the will.

Commentary

In legal contexts, "kin" signifies persons related either by blood or legal ties, important in inheritance and custodial matters.


Kind

/kʌɪnd/

Definitions

  1. (n.) A category or class of legal entities or things distinguished by common characteristics.
    The statute applies to this kind of contract only.
  2. (adj.) Having a disposition characterized by benevolence and consideration, sometimes relevant in assessing intent or character in legal contexts.
    The witness described the accused as a kind person.

Commentary

In legal contexts, 'kind' often functions to classify or describe categories of legal items or qualities; when used adjectivally, it may bear on character assessments but is rarely a term of art on its own.


Kinder

/ˈkɪndər/

Definitions

  1. (n.) A minor; a child, often referenced in family law or guardianship contexts.
    The court appointed a guardian ad litem to represent the interests of the kinder in the custody dispute.

Commentary

In legal contexts, 'kinder' refers specifically to children or minors, particularly relevant in family law and child protection cases.


Kindest

/ˈkaɪndɪst/

Definitions

  1. (adj.) Superlative form of kind, describing the utmost degree of being considerate and benevolent, particularly in legal settings concerning character references or judgments.
    The witness gave the kindest testimony in support of the accused.

Forms

  • kind
  • kinder

Commentary

Used chiefly as a superlative adjective; in legal contexts, often appears in character assessments or judgments regarding parties' intentions.


Kindr

Definitions

  1. (n.) A person who assumes the legal status of a minor for custody, care, or guardianship purposes.
    The kindr was appointed to make decisions on behalf of the child's welfare.

Commentary

A rare or archaic legal term used primarily in historical or specific jurisdictional contexts for a minor or ward under legal protection.


Kindred

/ˈkɪn.drɪd/

Definitions

  1. (n.) Relatives or relations connected by blood or marriage, often relevant in inheritance and family law contexts.
    The estate was divided among the kindred of the deceased according to the statute.
  2. (adj.) Having the same origin, nature, or character, especially in relation to kinship or legal affiliation.
    The court recognized the kindred ties between the parties in determining guardianship.

Commentary

In legal usage, 'kindred' typically denotes familial relationships significant for inheritance and succession; its precise scope can vary by jurisdiction.


King

/ˈkɪŋ/

Definitions

  1. (n.) A male monarch who is the sovereign head of a kingdom.
    The king signed the treaty to end the conflict.
  2. (n.) A person or entity exercising predominant authority or control in a legal jurisdiction or system.
    The king's authority was limited by the constitution.

Forms

  • kings

Commentary

Term often appears in constitutional and historical legal contexts, reflecting sovereign authority; distinguish from generic uses of 'king' outside legal or official capacity.


Kinship

/ˈkɪn.ʃɪp/

Definitions

  1. (n.) The legal or social relationship among individuals based on blood, marriage, or adoption that establishes rights and duties.
    The court examined the kinship ties to determine inheritance eligibility.
  2. (n.) A basis for legal recognition of family connections in matters of succession, custody, or benefits.
    Kinship is essential in resolving disputes over guardianship.

Commentary

Kinship in legal contexts often influences rights and responsibilities, particularly in family law and inheritance; clarity in defining the type of kinship (blood, marriage, adoption) is crucial.


Kinship Care

/ˈkɪnʃɪp kær/

Definitions

  1. (n.) The care provided to a child by relatives or close family friends when the child cannot live with their parents, often formalized by legal arrangements.
    The court approved kinship care as a preferable alternative to foster care for the child.

Forms

  • kinship care

Commentary

Kinship care arrangements often emphasize maintaining family bonds and cultural continuity; legal agreements may vary by jurisdiction.

Glossary – KI Terms