Browse full definitions for every RA term in the Amicus glossary.
/ˈreɪs dɪˌskrɪmɪˈneɪʃən/
The employee filed a claim of race discrimination after being passed over for promotion.
Often addressed under civil rights law, proving race discrimination requires showing adverse treatment based on race rather than a legitimate reason.
/ˈreɪs ˈstætʃuːt/
The race statute dictates that the first party to record their interest has priority over subsequent claimants.
Race statutes are a type of priority rule emphasizing chronological precedence; drafters should clarify whether the statute operates independently of notice to ensure enforceability.
/ˈreɪsˌnoʊtɪs ˈstætʃuːt/
Under a race-notice statute, the second buyer wins if they purchased without knowledge of the first buyer's interest and recorded first.
In jurisdictions with race-notice statutes, diligence in recording title is crucial; this statute balances protection of bona fide purchasers and the priority of recorded interests.
/ˈreɪʃəl ˈbaɪəs/
The court examined whether the employer's policy constituted racial bias against minority employees.
In legal drafting, specifying whether bias is explicit or implicit clarifies the nature of the claim; proving racial bias often requires demonstrating both intent and effect.
/ˈreɪʃəl dɪˌskrɪmɪˈneɪʃən/
The company was sued for racial discrimination after denying employment to qualified candidates of certain ethnic backgrounds.
Racial discrimination laws aim to promote equality and prevent segregation in public services.
Racial discrimination covers both intentional and systemic unequal treatment; precise statutory definitions may vary across jurisdictions.
/ˈreɪʃəl dɪˈspærɪti ɪn ˈsɛntənsɪŋ/
Studies reveal a significant racial disparity in sentencing, with minority defendants often receiving harsher penalties.
The term underscores systemic issues in criminal justice; precise usage often requires empirical data and contextual analysis.
/ˈreɪʃəl ˈhærəsmənt/
The employee filed a complaint alleging racial harassment at the workplace.
Racial harassment is a substantiated form of discrimination focusing specifically on race-based hostile behavior; legal standards often require that the conduct be severe or pervasive to constitute actionable harassment.
/ˈreɪʃəl ɪˌnɪkwəˈlɪti/
The court addressed racial inequality in the housing market during the civil rights litigation.
Legal reforms aim to dismantle racial inequality embedded in educational institutions.
In legal context, racial inequality often underpins claims of discrimination and constitutional violations; precision in usage helps clarify whether the focus is on individual acts or systemic issues.
/ˈreɪʃəl ˈproʊfaɪlɪŋ/
The court ruled that racial profiling violates constitutional protections against discrimination.
Racial profiling is a contested legal concept primarily addressed under constitutional and civil rights law; care should be taken to distinguish it from lawful profiling based on behavior or credible evidence.
/ˈreɪʃəl səˌɡrɛɡˈeɪʃən/
The court ruled that racial segregation in public schools violated the Equal Protection Clause.
Racial segregation in housing often resulted from discriminatory zoning laws.
Legal definitions of racial segregation encompass both de jure (by law) and de facto (by practice) separation, with constitutional implications particularly under equal protection jurisprudence.
/ˈreɪʃəli ˈmoʊtəˌveɪtɪd əˈfɛns/
The defendant was charged with a racially motivated offense after targeting the victim due to their racial background.
The term typically denotes crimes influenced by race-based bias and is often linked to enhanced penalties under hate crime statutes.
/ˈreɪ.sɪ.zəm/
The plaintiff alleged that the employer's hiring practices constituted racism, violating anti-discrimination laws.
In legal contexts, racism often pertains to acts or policies violating anti-discrimination statutes or equal protection clauses.
/ˈrækɪt/
The defendants were charged with running a racketeering racket.
The court considered whether the noise constituted a public racket.
In legal usage, 'racket' most commonly refers to an illegal business scheme; distinguish this from informal uses involving noise or disturbance.
/ˌrækɪˈtɪər/
The prosecutor charged the defendant as a racketeer under the RICO statute.
The term 'racketeer' is often used in conjunction with specific statutes like RICO that define patterns of illegal enterprise activities; precision in its application is crucial for proper legal charging.
/ˈrækɪˌtɪər/
The racketeere was arrested for running an illegal gambling operation.
The suffix '-eere' is a variant of '-eer'; this entry covers the substantive noun form. For plural, see 'racketeeres'.
/ˌreɪdiˈeɪʃən/
The company was fined for improper handling of radiation sources, violating public safety laws.
In legal contexts, 'radiation' is primarily discussed concerning regulatory compliance, liability for harm, and environmental protection statutes.
/ˈreɪ.di.eɪ.ʃən ˈɛr.i.ə/
The laboratory was marked as a radiation area to prevent unauthorized access.
When drafting, specify the controlling regulatory limits that define a radiation area to ensure compliance and clarity.
/ˌreɪdiˈeɪʃən doʊs/
The court examined the radiation dose received by the plaintiff to determine causation in the tort claim.
In legal contexts, precise measurement of radiation dose is crucial for claims involving health effects, regulatory adherence, and environmental impact assessments.
/ˌreɪdiˈeɪʃən ɪkˈspoʊʒər/
The plaintiff claimed damages due to prolonged radiation exposure at the nuclear facility.
In legal drafting, specify types and levels of radiation exposure to establish liability or compliance.
/ˌreɪdiˈeɪʃən ɪkˈspoʊʒər ˈlɪmɪts/
The agency set strict radiation exposure limits to ensure worker safety in the nuclear power plant.
Radiation exposure limits often vary by jurisdiction and context, reflecting advances in scientific understanding and risk tolerance; precise citation of applicable standards is critical in legal drafting.
/ˌreɪdiˈeɪʃən prəˈtɛkʃən/
The company must comply with radiation protection standards to ensure workplace safety.
Radiation protection typically involves compliance with both national laws and international guidelines; legal definitions may vary by jurisdiction but focus on prevention and control of radiation harm.
/ˌreɪdiˈeɪʃən prəˈtɛkʃən lɔː/
The Radiation Protection Law mandates safety standards for nuclear facilities.
Often intersects with environmental and occupational health regulations; drafters should clarify scope between types of radiation covered.
/ˌreɪdiˈeɪʃən ˈseɪfti/
Radiation safety protocols are mandated by law to minimize exposure in medical facilities.
Radiation safety is primarily addressed through statutes and regulations governing exposure limits, licensing, and enforcement, requiring precise drafting to ensure compliance and public protection.
/ˈrædɪkəlɪzəm/
The lawyer's radicalism was evident in her efforts to overhaul the criminal justice system.
In legal contexts, radicalism often implies advocating extensive changes to existing legal frameworks rather than incremental adjustments.
/ˈreɪdioʊ kəˌmjuːnɪˈkeɪʃən ˌrɛgjʊˈleɪʃənz/
The radio communication regulations require all broadcasters to obtain a license before operating.
Typically plural as referring to a set of rules; ensure clarity by specifying jurisdiction or agency issuing the regulations.
/ˈreɪdi.oʊ ɪˈkwɪpmənt/
The airport security inspected all radio equipment for compliance.
In legal contexts, 'radio equipment' is often specifically defined by regulatory authorities, emphasizing compliance with transmission standards and licensing.
/ˈreɪdi.oʊ ˈfriːkwən.si/
The telecommunications company obtained a license to operate on a specific radio frequency.
In legal contexts, radio frequency refers specifically to bands regulated for use, requiring licensing and adherence to spectrum management policies.
/ˈreɪdioʊ ˈfrikwənsi ˌæləˈkeɪʃən/
The telecommunications authority announced new rules for radio frequency allocation to improve wireless communication.
Radio frequency allocation is central to telecommunications law, often requiring coordination between national and international regulatory bodies to ensure interference-free use of the electromagnetic spectrum.
/ˈreɪdi.oʊ ˈfrikwənsi dɪˌvaɪs/
The manufacturer was fined for marketing a radio frequency device without proper FCC authorization.
Legal definitions focus on regulatory compliance, spectrum use, and device authorization rather than purely technical characteristics.
/ˈreɪdi.oʊ ˈfrikwənsi ˈmænɪdʒmənt/
Effective radio frequency management is essential for preventing signal interference between telecommunications providers.
Radio frequency management often involves complex regulatory frameworks and international agreements; precision in defining frequency bands and compliance obligations is critical in legal drafting.
/ˈreɪdi.oʊ ˈfrɪkwənsi ˌrɛɡjʊˈleɪʃən/
The country's radio frequency regulation mandates licenses for all commercial broadcasters.
Radio frequency regulation is crucial for avoiding signal interference and is often administered by national regulatory agencies such as the FCC in the U.S.
/ˈreɪdi.oʊ ˈfriːkwənsi ˈspɛktrəm/
The government agency manages the radio frequency spectrum to avoid interference among users.
The term is fundamental in regulatory law relating to telecommunications; precise frequency allocation is crucial to avoid legal disputes over interference and usage rights.
/ˈreɪdioʊ ˈlaɪsəns/
The broadcaster obtained a radio license before transmitting on the assigned frequency.
Renewal of the radio license is required to continue lawful use of the spectrum.
The term typically involves regulatory compliance and spectrum management; precise conditions vary by jurisdiction.
/ˈreɪdioʊ ˈspɛktrəm/
The government agency manages the radio spectrum to prevent interference between users.
Legal regulation of the radio spectrum is critical to ensure orderly use and prevent signal interference among various services.
/ˈreɪdi.oʊ ˈspɛktrəm ˈmænɪdʒmənt/
Effective radio spectrum management is essential for maintaining reliable telecommunications services.
Usage commonly emphasizes the intersection of technical coordination and legal authorization to balance competing interests and public policy objectives.
/ˌreɪdiˌoʊ ˈspɛktrəm ˈpɒlɪsi/
The government updated its radio spectrum policy to accommodate emerging 5G technology.
Often involves balancing commercial interests and public service needs, requiring detailed regulatory frameworks.
/ˈreɪdioʊ trænsˈmɪʃən/
The licensee was fined for unauthorized radio transmission interfering with emergency communications.
Legal texts typically address radio transmission in the context of regulatory compliance, licensing, and interference management under communications law.
/ˈreɪdioʊ trænsˌmɪtər/
The court examined whether the defendant’s radio transmitter violated FCC regulations.
In legal contexts, regulation of radio transmitters often involves compliance with communications law and spectrum licensing requirements.
/ˈreɪdi.oʊ weɪvz/
The allocation of radio waves for broadcast services is governed by the Federal Communications Commission.
In legal contexts, 'radio waves' primarily concern regulatory frameworks managing spectrum usage and interference issues.
/ˌreɪdioʊˈæktɪv kɒntæmɪˈneɪʃən/
The government established strict protocols to manage radioactive contamination in the affected area.
The company faced legal claims due to radioactive contamination resulting from improper disposal.
In legal contexts, radioactive contamination often triggers regulatory and liability issues under environmental and nuclear law; precise definitions in statutes and regulations are critical for compliance and enforcement.
/ˌreɪdiˈoʊækˌtɪv məˈtɪriəl/
The transport of radioactive material is strictly controlled under international law.
The term covers isotopes and substances emitting radiation regulated under diverse national and international statutes; usage should clarify the regulatory context.
/ˌreɪdi.oʊˈæk.tɪv məˈtɪə.ri.əlz ˌrɛɡjʊˈleɪʃən/
The radioactive materials regulation requires secure containment and proper documentation of all sources.
This term broadly covers statutory and regulatory frameworks; drafters should specify jurisdiction and applicable agencies given variation in law.
/ˌreɪdi.oʊˈæk.tɪv ˈsʌb.stəns/
The disposal of radioactive substances is strictly controlled under environmental laws.
Legal definitions often focus on regulation for safety, handling, transport, and disposal due to health risks.
/ˌreɪ.di.oʊˈæk.tɪv weɪst/
The facility stores radioactive waste to prevent environmental contamination.
In legal contexts, definitions of radioactive waste often emphasize regulatory classification and disposal requirements due to safety and environmental concerns.
/ˌreɪdioʊˈæktɪv weɪst ˈmænɪdʒmənt/
The court reviewed the radioactive waste management plan to ensure compliance with environmental laws.
Term is primarily used as a compound noun referring to regulated activities; legal definitions emphasize safety and compliance aspects.
/ˌreɪdi.oʊækˈtɪvɪti/
The law requires proper labeling of materials exhibiting radioactivity to ensure public safety.
In legal contexts, radioactivity is often addressed in regulatory and safety frameworks governing handling, transportation, and disposal of radioactive materials.
/ˌreɪdi.oʊkəˌmjunɪˈkeɪʃənz/
The company obtained a license to operate radiocommunications equipment in the designated frequency band.
The term is typically plural but treated as a singular mass noun in legal contexts concerning radio frequency licensing and regulation.
/ˈræf.əl/
The charity organized a raffle to raise funds for the community center.
They raffled off donated goods at the school event.
Raffles are generally subject to specific legal regulations varying by jurisdiction, often falling under charitable gaming or lottery laws; clear rules distinguish lawful raffles from illegal gambling.
/ˈreɪl ˌtrænspərˈteɪʃən/
The company specializes in rail transportation regulated by the Surface Transportation Board.
Rail transportation law addresses issues such as carrier liability and rate setting.
Use precision when drafting rail transportation clauses to clarify the applicable regulatory authority and liability standards, as rules vary by jurisdiction.
/ˈreɪlˌroʊd/
The railroad was responsible for transporting goods across state lines.
The city invested in upgrading the railroad to improve transit efficiency.
In legal contexts, 'railroad' often implicates regulatory frameworks governing transportation and commerce; distinguish between the company/entity and the infrastructure.
/ˈreɪlˌrɔːd træk/
The company held liability for injuries sustained due to unsafe railroad tracks on its property.
In legal contexts, 'railroad track' is often treated as real property and subject to distinct ownership and liability rules; specifying associated infrastructure is crucial in drafting.
/ˈreɪlweɪ/
The railway company was fined for violating safety regulations on their tracks.
The national railway is responsible for maintaining all major train lines across the country.
In legal contexts, 'railway' can refer both to the physical infrastructure and the corporate entities operating it. Statutory definitions may vary by jurisdiction.
/ˈreɪlweɪ ˈsaɪdɪŋ/
The freight train moved onto the railway siding to allow the passenger train to pass.
In legal contexts, precise definition of 'railway siding' is crucial for property rights, liability, and regulatory compliance concerning railway operations.
/ˈreɪz/
The defendant raised the issue of jurisdiction early in the trial.
The plaintiff raised the claim for damages to include emotional distress.
The homeowner raised a loan against the equity of their house.
In legal drafting, 'raise' frequently refers to formally bringing up issues or claims, and care should be taken to specify whether it pertains to procedural objections or financial increases.
/ˈræli/
The civil rights rally influenced the passing of new anti-discrimination laws.
The lawyers rallied their clients to prepare for the class-action lawsuit.
In legal contexts, 'rally' often describes collective actions supporting legal or political objectives, distinct from purely social gatherings.
/ˈrændəm əˌsaɪnmənt/
The court accepted evidence from a study that used random assignment to allocate participants to treatment and control groups.
In legal contexts, random assignment is critical to establish evidentiary reliability in studies presented in litigation, particularly under standards like Daubert.
/ˈræn.dəm ˈsæm.plɪŋ/
The court approved the use of random sampling to select the jury members.
In legal contexts, random sampling is crucial to uphold fairness and prevent selection bias, particularly in jury selection and evidentiary sampling.
/ˈrændəm səˈlɛkʃən/
The jury was chosen through a random selection process to ensure fairness.
Random selection is a fundamental tool to promote fairness and avoid bias in legal procedures such as jury duty and evidentiary sampling.
/ˌræn.də.məˈzeɪ.ʃən/
Randomization ensures impartial allocation of parties in the clinical trial.
The court required randomization in the selection of jury members.
In legal contexts, randomization primarily relates to fair and unbiased process design, particularly in trials and empirical legal studies.
/ˈræn.də.maɪzd kənˈtroʊld traɪəl/
The court reviewed the randomized controlled trial as evidence of the drug's effectiveness.
In legal contexts, randomized controlled trials are often scrutinized for their methodological rigor to assess causation or damages reliably.
/ˈreɪndʒ/
The statute defines the range of permissible activities.
The rancher leased additional range for cattle grazing.
The court examined the range of claims to determine infringement.
In legal drafting, clearly defining the 'range' of rights or claims helps avoid ambiguity in the scope of authority or protection.
/ræŋk/
The witness testified about the defendant's rank in the corporation.
The court ranked the evidence as highly credible.
'Rank' often implies a structured ordering important in legal contexts such as military law or corporate governance; clarity in specifying the hierarchy referenced is advisable.
/ˈræŋk ænd faɪl/
The union leaders negotiated the deal independently of the rank and file.
The term typically distinguishes general membership from officers or leadership; precise usage depends on context (e.g., labor law or military law).
/ˈraŋkə/
The judge held a high ranke within the judicial hierarchy.
Though 'ranke' is less common than 'rank,' it may appear in older or specific legal texts to denote official standing or hierarchy.
/ˈræŋkt ˈʧɔɪs ˈvoʊtɪŋ/
Ranked-choice voting allows for a more representative outcome in elections with multiple candidates.
Ranked-choice voting is often used to avoid spoiler effects in multi-candidate elections and can require specific statutory authorization or constitutional compliance.
/ˈrænsəm/
The kidnappers demanded a ransom for the victim's safe return.
The company was ransomed by cybercriminals who encrypted their data.
In legal drafting, clearly distinguishing ransom from related extortion or blackmail demands is important due to subtle differences in context and applicable statutes.
/ˈræn.səm.wɛər/
The company suffered a ransomware attack that encrypted all critical files, demanding payment for their release.
Ransomware is specifically characterized within cyber law as a form of extortion using technological means, distinguishing it from other malware by its ransom demand component.
/ˈrænt/
The witness went on a rant about the defendant's unethical behavior during the trial.
The plaintiff ranted about the breach of contract during the deposition.
In legal contexts, 'rant' often describes impassioned, sometimes unstructured speech that may influence credibility assessments; drafters should distinguish between admissible testimony and mere ranting.
/ˈreɪp/
He was charged with rape after the victim testified in court.
The defendant was found guilty of raping the victim.
The term rape in legal contexts strictly refers to non-consensual sexual acts; definitions may vary by jurisdiction but always involve the absence of consent and presence of force or incapacity.
/ˈreɪt/
The regulatory body set a new rate for utility services.
The loan has an annual interest rate of 5%.
The agency will rate the insurance premiums next quarter.
In legal usage, "rate" frequently pertains to regulated pricing and valuations; ensuring clarity whether referring to a noun (fixed price) or verb (to assign value) is key in drafting.
/ˈreɪt beɪs/
The commission adjusted the utility's rate base to reflect the updated asset valuation.
The rate base is fundamental in utility regulation, as it defines the asset value subject to rate of return; careful valuation is key for just and reasonable rates.
/ˈreɪt kæp/
The mortgage agreement included a rate cap to protect the borrower from excessive rate hikes.
State law imposed a rate cap to curb predatory lending practices.
Rate caps function as consumer protection mechanisms in lending and finance, often established by statute or contract. Drafters should clearly specify whether the cap is fixed or variable and its period of application.
/ˈreɪt keɪs/
The utility filed a rate case to justify a proposed increase in electricity prices.
The rate case addressed disputes over telephone service charges.
Typically involves detailed financial and operational review of the utility to ensure rates are just and reasonable.
/ˈreɪt ˈfaɪlɪŋ/
The insurer completed the rate filing to seek approval for its new policy premiums.
Rate filings must comply with jurisdictional statutory requirements and often require actuarial support to justify rate changes.
/ˈreɪt əv ˈɪntrɪst/
The contract specifies a rate of interest of 5% per annum on the outstanding loan balance.
The rate of interest is a fundamental concept in financial contracts and litigation, often capped or regulated by usury laws; precision in stating the rate is crucial to avoid disputes.
/ˈreɪt əv rɪˈtɜrn/
The contract specified a minimum rate of return of 5% annually.
In legal drafting, clearly defining the rate of return is crucial to delineate investment performance expectations and obligations.
/ˈreɪt ˌrɛɡjəˈleɪʃən/
The utility company is subject to rate regulation to prevent excessive charges to consumers.
Often involves agencies setting maximum permissible rates rather than abolishing rates entirely; relevant in utilities, insurance, and financial sectors.
/ˈreɪt rɪˌvjuː/
The state's rate review board delayed the insurer's proposed rate increase after public hearings.
Rate review is typically mandated by law or regulation and involves actuarial and legal analysis to balance insurer solvency and consumer protection.
/ˈreɪt ˈskɛdʒuːl/
The rate schedule outlined the electricity charges applicable for residential customers.
The company filed a new rate schedule with the public utility commission for approval.
Ensure clarity in drafting by specifying whether the schedule is binding or illustrative and indicate the effective period of the rates.
/ˈreɪt ˌsɛtɪŋ/
The commission held a hearing on the rate setting for the new water utility.
Rate setting ensures that transportation companies do not overcharge consumers under public regulation.
Rate setting typically requires balancing stakeholder interests and often involves hearings or evidentiary procedures to determine fair rates under applicable statutes.
/ˌrætɪfɪˈkeɪʃən/
The ratification of the treaty by the parliament made it legally binding on the country.
Ratification is a critical step in formalizing agreements, often distinguishing preliminary consent from legally effective commitment.
/ˈrætɪˌfaɪ/
The legislature must ratify the treaty before it can take effect.
Ratification often involves a formal legislative or authoritative act that validates an agreement previously negotiated.
/ˈrætɪfaɪɪŋ steɪt/
The ratifying state deposited its instrument of ratification with the treaty depository.
The term specifically refers to the entity that gives official consent to a treaty after signing, emphasizing its legal commitment under international law.
/ˈreɪtɪŋ ˈeɪdʒənsi/
The rating agency downgraded the company's bonds due to increased financial risk.
Rating agencies play a key role in financial regulation by providing standardized assessments of credit risk, influencing investor decisions and regulatory treatment.
/ˈreɪtɪŋ ˈsɪstəm/
The rating system classified the financial stability of the companies for regulatory review.
In legal drafting, ensure the rating system’s criteria and methodology are explicitly defined to avoid ambiguity and ensure enforceability.
/ˈreɪʃi.oʊ/
The court's ratio decidendi formed the binding precedent for future cases.
The ratio of damages awarded to losses proved crucial in the contract dispute.
In legal contexts, 'ratio' primarily denotes the binding reason behind a judicial decision (ratio decidendi), distinct from obiter dicta. It is critical to distinguish 'ratio' as principle from mere numerical ratios used in quantitative legal analysis.
/ˈreɪʃɪ.oʊ dɪˈsɪdɛn.dɪ/
The lawyer focused on the ratio decidendi to understand the court's ruling.
The ratio decidendi is distinct from obiter dictum; identifying the exact ratio is critical for applying precedents correctly.
/ˈræʃənəl ˈbeɪsɪs/
The court applied the rational basis test to uphold the statute.
Used primarily in constitutional law to evaluate laws that do not affect fundamental rights or involve suspect classifications; the most deferential standard of review.
/ˈræʃənəl ˈbeɪsɪs rɪˈvjuː/
The court applied rational basis review to uphold the economic regulation.
Rational basis review is the most deferential standard, often applied in economic and social regulation contexts.
/ˈræʃənl ˈbeɪsɪs tɛst/
The court applied the rational basis test to uphold the statute.
The rational basis test is the most deferential standard of constitutional review, typically used when no fundamental rights or suspect classifications are involved.
/ˈræʃənəl tʃɔɪs ˈθɪəri/
Courts sometimes apply rational choice theory to predict how parties will behave under certain contractual conditions.
In legal contexts, rational choice theory underpins many analyses of statutory interpretation, legislative behavior, and judicial decision-making, emphasizing actor intentionality and strategic interaction.
/ˈræʃəˌnæl/
The judge explained the rationale behind the ruling in detail.
In legal drafting, articulating the rationale clearly helps clarify the intent and supports the enforceability of legal documents.
/ˌræʃəˈnælɪti/
The court evaluated the rationality of the defendant's actions to determine liability.
The judge overturned the agency’s regulation for lacking rationality under the administrative procedure act.
In legal drafting, ‘rationality’ is critical when challenging or justifying decisions; clearly linking factual basis to reason is essential to meet judicial scrutiny.
/ˈreɪz/
The court ordered the defendant to raze the illegally constructed fence.
In legal contexts, 'raze' typically appears in property, zoning, and enforcement proceedings involving removal of unlawful structures.
