PI glossary terms

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

Picket

/ˈpɪkɪt/

Definitions

  1. (n.) A person or group engaged in a public demonstration, typically outside a workplace, to protest or express an opinion about labor conditions or other disputes.
    The workers formed a picket line outside the factory to protest unfair wages.
  2. (n.) The act or instance of standing or marching with signs at a place to protest, especially in a labor dispute.
    The union organized a picket to persuade employees not to enter the premises.

Forms

  • pickets
  • picketing

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Commentary

In legal contexts, 'picket' often refers both to the individuals demonstrating and the act of demonstration; clarity depends on context. Drafting should differentiate between the person(s) picketing and the event itself.

Picket Line

/ˈpɪkɪt laɪn/

Definitions

  1. (n.) A line or group of workers or protestors stationed outside a workplace to express a grievance or to enforce a boycott.
    The union members formed a picket line to protest unsafe working conditions.

Forms

  • picket lines

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Commentary

Often used in labor law contexts; picket lines serve both as a form of protest and a legal boundary, with varying protections under different jurisdictions regarding crossing or disrupting them.

Piece Rate

/ˈpiːs reɪt/

Definitions

  1. (n.) A wage payment method where workers are compensated based on the quantity of items produced or tasks completed rather than on time worked.
    Under the piece rate system, employees earn more by increasing their production output.

Forms

  • piece rate

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Commentary

Piece rate arrangements must comply with minimum wage laws and regulations governing fair labor standards to prevent exploitation.

Piecemeal

/ˈpiːsmiːl/

Definitions

  1. (adv.) Characterized by fragmentary or gradual action or delivery, often used in reference to legal processes or settlements conducted in stages rather than all at once.
    The court awarded damages piecemeal over several hearings.

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Commentary

In legal drafting, 'piecemeal' often indicates segmented handling of claims or obligations and may imply caution to ensure cumulative effects or rights are properly addressed.

Piecemeal Change

/ˈpisˌmēl ˈchānj/

Definitions

  1. (n.) A change implemented gradually or in stages rather than all at once, often in legal or organizational contexts.
    The legislature opted for piecemeal change to reform the complex tax code.

Forms

  • piecemeal changes

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Commentary

Piecemeal change often implies caution or practicality in modifying legal frameworks, suggesting that fragmented amendments may have unforeseen cumulative effects.

Piercing the Corporate Veil

/ˈpɪərsɪŋ ðə ˈkɔːrpərət vil/

Definitions

  1. (n.) A judicial doctrine allowing courts to hold shareholders or parent companies personally liable for a corporation's debts or wrongful acts by disregarding the corporation’s separate legal entity.
    The court decided to pierce the corporate veil to hold the owner personally responsible for the company's unpaid debts.

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Commentary

Piercing the corporate veil is applied sparingly and requires clear evidence of misuse of the corporate form, such as fraud or inadequate capitalization.

Pilfer

/ˈpɪlfər/

Definitions

  1. (v.) To steal small quantities or items, especially in contexts involving breach of trust or petty theft.
    The employee was caught attempting to pilfer office supplies.

Forms

  • pilfers
  • pilfered
  • pilfering

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Commentary

In legal contexts, pilfering typically denotes minor theft, often from an employer or organization, and may influence the degree of charges or penalties.

Pilferage

/ˈpɪlfərɪdʒ/

Definitions

  1. (n.) The act of stealing small amounts or items, typically of low value, often in a surreptitious manner.
    The company installed cameras to prevent pilferage of office supplies.

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Commentary

Pilferage specifically denotes petty theft and is often referenced in contexts distinguishing minor from major theft offenses.

Pillar

/ˈpɪlər/

Definitions

  1. (n.) A fundamental principle or element that supports or underpins a legal system, statute, or doctrine.
    The rule of law is often described as a pillar of democratic governance.
  2. (n.) A structural support element in law describing a key provision or concept essential to a contract or agreement.
    Good faith is a crucial pillar in contract law.

Forms

  • pillars

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Commentary

In legal drafting, referring to a concept as a 'pillar' emphasizes its foundational importance and strength within the legal framework.

Pilot

/ˈpaɪ.lət/

Definitions

  1. (n.) A person qualified to operate and navigate an aircraft, often relevant in contracts and liability law involving aviation.
    The pilot was found responsible for complying with aviation safety regulations.
  2. (n.) A preliminary or experimental study or project conducted to assess feasibility before full-scale implementation, particularly in contract or regulatory contexts.
    The company launched a pilot program to test new compliance procedures.

Forms

  • pilots
  • piloted
  • piloting

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Commentary

Distinguish between a pilot as an individual operating an aircraft and a pilot as an experimental project; both are significant in legal contexts involving aviation law and administrative procedures respectively.

Pilot Certificate

/ˈpaɪlət ˌsɜːrtɪfɪkət/

Definitions

  1. (n.) An official document issued by a governmental aviation authority certifying that an individual is qualified to operate an aircraft.
    The pilot certificate must be carried by the pilot during all flights.

Forms

  • pilot certificate
  • pilot certificates

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Commentary

Ensure precision in referencing the issuing authority and scope of certification in drafts; different jurisdictions may have varying pilot certificate requirements.

Pilot Certification

/ˈpaɪlət ˌsɜːrtɪfɪˈkeɪʃən/

Definitions

  1. (n.) The official authorization granted by a competent authority to an individual, signifying that the person meets required standards to operate aircraft legally.
    The pilot certification must be renewed every two years to ensure ongoing competency.

Forms

  • pilot certification

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Commentary

Pilot certification is a formal legal recognition, often governed by national or international aviation authorities, crucial for lawful aircraft operation.

Pilot License

/ˈpaɪ.lət ˈlaɪ.səns/

Definitions

  1. (n.) An official authorization issued by a competent authority permitting an individual to operate aircraft.
    She applied for a pilot license before training to become a commercial aviator.
  2. (n.) A legal document certifying that a holder has met required standards to fly specific categories of aircraft.
    His pilot license specifically certifies him to fly single-engine airplanes.

Forms

  • pilot license
  • pilot licenses

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Commentary

Use precise terms for the scope and type of pilot license to avoid ambiguity in legal contexts.

Pilot Operating Handbook

/ˈpaɪ.lət ˈɑː.pəˌreɪ.tɪŋ ˈhændˌbʊk/

Definitions

  1. (n.) An official manual issued by aircraft manufacturers detailing the operating procedures, limitations, and system descriptions necessary for safe and legal flight.
    The pilot consulted the Pilot Operating Handbook before conducting the pre-flight inspection.

Forms

  • pilot operating handbook
  • pilot operating handbooks

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Commentary

The Pilot Operating Handbook is a critical legal document referenced in aviation law and compliance; it is essential that the manual be accurate and current to meet regulatory standards.

Pilot Project

/ˈpaɪlət ˈprɒdʒɛkt/

Definitions

  1. (n.) A preliminary, small-scale initiative undertaken to test the feasibility, duration, cost, and risks of a legal strategy, policy, or program before full implementation.
    The law firm launched a pilot project to evaluate the new case management software on a limited basis.

Forms

  • pilot projects

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Commentary

Use 'pilot project' in legal contexts to describe trial implementations aimed at assessing impacts before committing to broader legal or policy changes.

Pilot Study

/ˈpaɪlət ˈstʌdi/

Definitions

  1. (n.) A preliminary, small-scale research or trial to evaluate feasibility, time, cost, risk, and adverse events before a full-scale study or trial.
    The legal team conducted a pilot study to assess the viability of the compliance program before full implementation.

Forms

  • pilot studies

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Commentary

In legal contexts, pilot studies help evaluate procedural or regulatory compliance risks and inform full-scale legal research or regulatory submissions.

Pilotage

/ˈpaɪ.lə.tɪdʒ/

Definitions

  1. (n.) The act or service of directing the navigation of a ship through dangerous or congested waters, typically by a qualified pilot.
    The vessel required pilotage to safely enter the harbor.
  2. (n.) The fee charged for such navigation services rendered by a maritime pilot.
    The shipowner paid the pilotage to the harbor authority.

Forms

  • pilotage

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Commentary

Pilotage involves legal regulations governing the compulsory or optional engagement of a pilot, fees, and liability issues in maritime law.

Pin

/pɪn/

Definitions

  1. (n.) A small, usually metal, pointed fastener used to secure papers or materials, often referenced in property and contract law for physical evidence or documentation attachment.
    The lawyer attached the affidavit to the file with a pin.
  2. (n.) A personal identification number used in banking and security contexts to authenticate identity in legal transactions.
    The client must enter the correct PIN to access the account.
  3. (v.) To fasten or secure with a pin; metaphorically, to fix responsibility or liability on a party.
    The contract pinned liability for damages on the supplier.

Forms

  • pin
  • pins
  • pinning
  • pinned

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Commentary

In legal drafting, distinguish clearly whether 'pin' refers to a physical fastener or a personal identification number, as conflating these may cause ambiguity in contractual or evidentiary contexts.

Pioneer

/ˈpaɪəˌnɪər/

Definitions

  1. (n.) An individual or entity who is the first to enter, develop, or settle a new area, market, or legal territory, often establishing precedence or foundational rights.
    The company was recognized as a pioneer in environmental law compliance.
  2. (n.) In patent law, an early inventor who files a patent application or holds original rights to an invention before others.
    The pioneer patent holder secured exclusive rights to the technology.

Forms

  • pioneers
  • pioneered
  • pioneering

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Commentary

In legal drafting, 'pioneer' emphasizes originality and precedence, important in contexts like patent law and property settlement; clarify context to avoid ambiguity with general usage.

Pipe

/ˈpaɪp/

Definitions

  1. (n.) A hollow cylinder used to convey substances such as liquids or gases, often regulated under property and environmental law.
    The company installed a new pipeline consisting of steel pipes.
  2. (n.) A tool for smoking, typically considered in property disputes or criminal evidence contexts.
    The seized tobacco pipe was submitted as evidence in the trial.

Forms

  • pipes

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Commentary

In legal contexts, 'pipe' often pertains to physical infrastructure governed by safety and property regulations; when used as a smoking instrument, it may appear in criminal and evidence law.

Piracy

/ˈpaɪrəsi/

Definitions

  1. (n.) The act of robbery or criminal violence at sea against ships or their crews.
    The navy intercepted a vessel accused of piracy off the coast.
  2. (n.) Unauthorized copying, distribution, or use of copyrighted material, especially software, music, or films.
    Movie studios often pursue legal action against piracy on the internet.

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Commentary

Piracy broadly covers both maritime crimes and intellectual property violations; context clarifies meaning.

Pirate

/ˈpaɪrət/

Definitions

  1. (n.) A person who commits robbery or criminal violence at sea.
    The pirate captured the merchant ship and stole its cargo.
  2. (n.) A person who unlawfully copies and distributes someone else's intellectual property, such as software, music, or movies.
    The software company sued the pirate for illegal copying of their program.

Forms

  • pirates
  • pirated
  • pirating

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Commentary

The term 'pirate' covers both traditional maritime robbery and modern intellectual property violations; context determines its legal interpretation.

Pity

/ˈpɪti/

Definitions

  1. (n.) Compassion or sympathy shown toward someone in distress, which may influence equity or sentencing in legal contexts.
    The judge showed pity by imposing a lighter sentence.

Forms

  • pity (n.)
  • pity (v.)

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Commentary

In legal usage, pity often overlaps with mercy and may affect discretionary decisions such as sentencing or equitable remedies.

Glossary – PI Terms