Browse full definitions for every US term in the Amicus glossary.
/ˌjus səˈprim kɔrt/
The US Supreme Court issued a landmark ruling on the First Amendment.
The US Supreme Court serves as the ultimate arbiter of constitutional and federal law, emphasizing its authoritative role in the American legal system.
/ˈjuːˌɛsˌeɪ ˈpætriət ækt/
The USA Patriot Act allows for enhanced information sharing between intelligence agencies.
The USA Patriot Act represents a significant expansion of governmental authority in security and surveillance post-9/11, making it a frequent subject of legal and civil liberties debates.
/ˈjuːsɪdʒ/
The usage of trade practices can influence contractual interpretations.
He claimed a right by long-established usage in the industry.
In legal contexts, usage often serves as evidence of intent or customary practice and may inform how statutes or contracts are interpreted.
/ˈjuːsɪdʒ ɪn treɪd/
The court referred to the usage in trade to interpret the ambiguous terms of the contract.
Usage in trade is frequently used to supplement or clarify contracts, especially where written terms are vague or incomplete; understanding local or industry-specific usage is essential in commercial law.
/ˈjuːsɪs/
The applicant submitted her documents to USCIS for visa processing.
USCIS is an acronym commonly used in immigration law contexts; always capitalize and treat as a proper noun.
/ˌjuːˌesˈdiːˈeɪ/
The USDA issued new guidelines on organic food labeling.
Commonly referenced in legal contexts involving agricultural policy, food safety standards, and regulatory compliance.
/ˈjuːs/
The tenant has the use of the property during the lease term.
The use of the trademark without permission constitutes infringement.
The defendant used the patented process without authorization.
In legal contexts, distinguish 'use' as a noun (a right or manner of employment) from 'use' as a verb (the act of employing). The noun often appears in property law describing non-ownership rights.
/ˈjus əv fɔrs/
The police justified their use of force to subdue the suspect who resisted arrest.
The defendant argued that the use of force was authorized under self-defense laws.
In legal drafting, clearly distinguishing between lawful use and excessive use is critical to avoid ambiguity in force-related statutes and regulations.
/ˈjuːs ʌv fɔrs ˈɡaɪdlaɪnz/
The police department updated its use of force guidelines to emphasize de-escalation techniques.
The court examined the use of force guidelines to determine whether the officer's actions were justified.
Use of force guidelines are critical in both policy and judicial contexts, serving to balance enforcement needs with civil rights; drafters should clearly define scope and application thresholds.
/ˈjus əv fɔrs ˈpɑlɪsi/
The police department updated its use of force policy to emphasize de-escalation techniques.
Courts reviewed the use of force policy to determine if the officer's actions were justified under the law.
Policies should clearly define levels of force and incorporate legal standards to minimize liability and enhance accountability.
/ˈjuːs tæks/
The state imposed a use tax on goods purchased online and brought into the state for use.
Use tax often serves to prevent tax avoidance on out-of-state purchases and requires careful drafting to define taxable transactions clearly.
/ˈjuːzd/
The used car was sold at a lower price than a new one.
The used method of interpretation often guides judicial decisions.
As an adjective, 'used' often contrasts with 'new' regarding property condition; in legal documents, clarity on 'used' helps establish value, warranties, or rights. Also, 'used' in phrases like 'used and useful' pertains to utility and regulation contexts.
/ˈjuːsfəl/
The lawyer presented useful evidence that strengthened the case.
In legal drafting, 'useful' often characterizes evidence or information that materially aids decision-making or case development.
/ˈjuːsfʊlnəs/
The usefulness of the contract clause was questioned due to its ambiguity.
In legal contexts, usefulness often pertains to the practical value or applicability of evidence, clauses, or legal principles.
/ˈjuːzər/
The software license agreement defines the rights and restrictions of the user.
The water user must comply with state regulations on resource management.
In legal contexts, "user" often denotes the party employing licensed or proprietary systems, emphasizing rights and obligations under agreements.
/ˈjuːzər əˈɡriːmənt/
Before accessing the software, the user must agree to the terms set forth in the user agreement.
User agreements are often standard-form contracts that limit liability and set usage rules; clarity and comprehensiveness are critical in drafting.
/ˈjuːzər kənˈsɛnt/
The website requires user consent before tracking browsing behavior.
User consent was obtained before the software installation began.
User consent is foundational in data protection and privacy law, often requiring clear, informed, and unambiguous expression. Drafting should ensure consent is specific and freely given to avoid legal challenges.
/ˈjuːzərˌdʒɛnəreɪtɪd ˈkɒntɛnt/
The website's policy governs the rights and responsibilities associated with user-generated content.
Legal challenges often arise from user-generated content that infringes copyright or includes harmful material.
User-generated content is a key focus in internet law, especially concerning intermediary liability and content moderation policies.
/ˈʌʃər/
The court usher called the next witness to the stand.
The bailiff ushered the defendant into the courtroom.
In legal contexts, 'usher' primarily refers to a court officer assisting in courtroom procedure rather than the general meaning of guiding people at events.
/ˈjuːʒuəl kɔːrs/
The contract terms were consistent with the usual course of business between the parties.
The court considered the usual course of dealings to resolve the dispute over contract interpretation.
This term often appears in contexts analyzing patterns of behavior or established practices in commerce to interpret contracts or assess compliance.
/ˈjuːʒuəl ˈpræktɪs/
The court referred to the usual practice in contract negotiations to determine intent.
Usual practice often serves as a pragmatic guideline in legal interpretation where statutes or contracts are silent or ambiguous.
/ˈjuːz.ju.frʌkt/
The farmer held a usufruct over the land, allowing him to cultivate and harvest crops while ownership remained with the landlord.
Usufruct is a real right granting use and profit from property, distinguished from ownership; it requires preservation of the property's substance.
/juːˈzɜrp/
The general attempted to usurp the throne by overthrowing the king.
Usurp often connotes an unlawful or wrongful seizure, emphasizing the lack of legitimate authority in the act.
/ˌjuːsərˈpeɪʃən/
The coup was an act of usurpation against the constitutional government.
Usurpation often implies illegitimacy in taking power or rights; clear statutory language helps avoid ambiguity in drafting.
/ˈjuːsərpər/
The court declared the usurper's claim to the throne invalid.
Typically used in contexts involving unlawful assumption of authority, especially in governance or monarchy; important to distinguish from lawful succession.
/ˈjuːʒəri/
The lender was prosecuted for usury after charging illegal interest rates.
Usury laws vary by jurisdiction to protect borrowers from exploitative lending.
Usury traditionally denotes excessive interest but may differ in legal definition depending on jurisdiction; drafters should carefully specify applicable interest limits.
/ˈjuːʒəri lɔː/
The usury law protects borrowers from predatory lending by capping interest rates.
Usury laws vary significantly by jurisdiction, often requiring careful citation to local statutes when drafting loan agreements.
