VU glossary terms

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

Vulgar

/ˈvʌlɡər/

Definitions

  1. (adj.) Offensive or indecent in language, behavior, or appearance, especially in a way that is legally actionable such as obscenity or public nuisance.
    The court found the publication contained vulgar language that violated obscenity laws.
  2. (adj.) Common or lacking sophistication, often contrasted with refined or legal language in formal documents.
    The legal memo avoided vulgar phrases to maintain professionalism.

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Commentary

In legal contexts, 'vulgar' often relates to standards of decency and can influence rulings in obscenity or public nuisance cases; care should be taken to distinguish vulgarity from technical or jargon usage.

Vulgarity

/ˌvʌlɡəˈrɪti/

Definitions

  1. (n.) The quality or state of being crude, indecent, or offensive, especially in language or behavior, which may be subject to legal regulation or censorship in certain contexts.
    The court ruled that the speech contained vulgarity that violated obscenity laws.

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Commentary

In legal contexts, vulgarity often pertains to language or conduct scrutinized under obscenity or decency statutes; drafters should distinguish it from legally protected speech.

Vulnerability

/ˌvʌlnərəˈbɪləti/

Definitions

  1. (n.) The condition of being exposed to the possibility of legal harm, attack, or liability.
    The contract identified a vulnerability in the clause that left the company open to litigation.
  2. (n.) A factor or circumstance that may weaken or undermine the legal position or rights of a party.
    The plaintiff’s vulnerability was exploited by the defendant’s aggressive tactics.

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Commentary

Often used in risk assessment and contract drafting to identify possible legal exposure or liabilities.

Vulnerable Adult

/ˈvʌlnərəbl ˈædʌlt/

Definitions

  1. (n.) An adult who, due to age, disability, or mental or physical condition, is at risk of harm or exploitation and entitled to protection under safeguarding laws.
    The social worker conducted an investigation into the abuse allegations involving the vulnerable adult.

Forms

  • vulnerable adult
  • vulnerable adults

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Commentary

The term typically appears in contexts concerning protective statutes and social services; legal definitions vary by jurisdiction and often specify criteria for vulnerability.

Vulnerable Population

/ˈvʌlnərəbl ˌpɒpjəˈleɪʃən/

Definitions

  1. (n.) A group of individuals legally recognized as needing special protections due to increased susceptibility to harm or exploitation.
    The research ethics board requires additional safeguards when involving vulnerable populations in clinical trials.

Forms

  • vulnerable populations

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Commentary

Usage often appears in contexts of ethics, human rights, and regulatory compliance to underscore the need for heightened protections.

Glossary – VU Terms