WE glossary terms

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

Wealth

/ˈwɛlθ/

Definitions

  1. (n.) The total value of all assets and property owned by an individual or entity, often considered in legal contexts related to estate, taxation, and financial rights.
    The court examined the defendant's wealth to determine the appropriate damages.

Commentary

In legal drafting, 'wealth' typically encompasses both tangible and intangible assets and may influence equitable considerations or obligations.


Wealth Disparity

/ˈwɛlθ dɪˈspærɪti/

Definitions

  1. (n.) The unequal distribution of assets and income among individuals or groups, often examined under law for its impact on social justice or economic policy.
    The court considered the wealth disparity between the parties when deciding on alimony.

Forms

  • wealth disparity

Commentary

Often addressed in legal contexts involving tax law, family law, and social policy; precise measurement and legal standards vary by jurisdiction.


Wealth Distribution

/ˈwɛlθ dɪstrɪˈbjuːʃən/

Definitions

  1. (n.) The legal and economic process by which a society allocates and regulates the ownership and control of wealth among its members, often involving taxation, inheritance, and social welfare laws.
    The government enacted new policies to ensure equitable wealth distribution across all economic classes.

Forms

  • wealth distribution

Commentary

Typically discussed in contexts involving fiscal policy, social justice, and property law; drafting often must address balancing equity with legal protections of assets.


Wealth Inequality

/ˈwɛlθ ɪnɪˈkwɑːləti/

Definitions

  1. (n.) The unequal distribution of assets and income among individuals or groups, often examined in legal contexts addressing taxation, social justice, and public policy.
    The legislation aims to reduce wealth inequality by imposing higher taxes on large inheritances.

Forms

  • wealth inequality

Commentary

Wealth inequality is frequently analyzed in legal scholarship concerning equity, tax policy, and constitutional rights related to economic status.


Wealth Management

/ˈwɛlθ ˈmænɪdʒmənt/

Definitions

  1. (n.) The professional service of managing an individual's or family's assets and investments, encompassing financial planning, investment advice, estate planning, tax strategies, and risk management.
    The law firm specialized in wealth management to assist clients in preserving and growing their assets legally.

Forms

  • wealth management

Commentary

In legal contexts, wealth management often involves navigating regulatory compliance and fiduciary responsibilities, requiring careful drafting of agreements and adherence to legal standards.


Wealth Tax

/ˈwɛlθ tæks/

Definitions

  1. (n.) A tax imposed on the total value of personal assets owned by an individual, typically assessed annually.
    The government introduced a wealth tax targeting assets over one million dollars.

Forms

  • wealth tax
  • wealth taxes

Commentary

Wealth tax is distinct from income tax as it targets accumulated assets rather than earned income.


Wealth Tax Declaration

/ˈwɛlθ tæks ˌdɛkləˈreɪʃən/

Definitions

  1. (n.) A formal statement filed by an individual declaring their total assets to assess liability for wealth tax.
    The taxpayer submitted a wealth tax declaration to comply with the legal requirements.

Forms

  • wealth tax declaration

Commentary

Precise disclosure of assets is critical; incomplete or false declarations may trigger penalties or investigations.


Weapon

/ˈwɛpən/

Definitions

  1. (n.) Any instrument or device designed or used to inflict harm or physical injury, including firearms, knives, explosives, and other objects defined as weapons by law.
    The defendant was charged with possession of an illegal weapon.
  2. (n.) In legal contexts, a means or instrumentality used to gain advantage or achieve an objective, figuratively or literally, especially in lawsuits or negotiations.
    The attorney used a new precedent as a weapon in the courtroom.

Forms

  • weapons

Commentary

Legal definitions of 'weapon' vary by jurisdiction; statutes often specify particular items or criteria to classify an object as a weapon.


Weapon of Mass Destruction

/ˈwɛpən əv mæs dɪsˈtrʌkʃən/

Definitions

  1. (n.) A weapon capable of causing widespread death and destruction, including nuclear, chemical, and biological arms, regulated under international law.
    The treaty aims to prevent the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction.

Forms

  • weapon of mass destruction
  • weapons of mass destruction

Commentary

The term is often abbreviated as WMD and primarily applies to weapons whose use is restricted due to their indiscriminate lethal effects; its definition may vary slightly depending on treaty context.


Weapon Possession

/ˈwɛpən pəˈzɛʃən/

Definitions

  1. (n.) The unlawful or regulated holding, carrying, or control of a weapon by an individual.
    The defendant was charged with weapon possession after being found with an unlicensed firearm.

Commentary

Typically used in criminal law to describe unauthorized holding of weapons; statutory definitions may vary by jurisdiction regarding types of weapons and requisite intent.


Weapon Proliferation

/ˈwɛpən prəˌlɪfəˈreɪʃən/

Definitions

  1. (n.) The increase and spread of weapons, especially arms and ammunition, among states or non-state actors, often raising concerns about security and conflict.
    International treaties aim to control weapon proliferation to prevent destabilization in volatile regions.

Forms

  • weapon proliferation

Commentary

Term often arises in international law contexts addressing regulation and prevention of spread of weapons, particularly weapons of mass destruction.


Weapon Storage Regulations

/ˈwɛpən ˈstɔːrɪdʒ ˌrɛɡjʊˈleɪʃənz/

Definitions

  1. (n.) Statutory or regulatory provisions governing the safe and lawful storage of weapons to prevent unauthorized access, theft, or accidents.
    The weapon storage regulations require firearms to be stored unloaded and locked in a secure container.

Forms

  • weapon storage regulations
  • weapon storage regulation

Commentary

Typically drafted to balance public safety and individual rights, these regulations often specify storage methods, locations, and conditions dependent on jurisdiction and weapon type.


Weaponization

/ˌwɛpənaɪˈzeɪʃən/

Definitions

  1. (n.) The act or process of converting something, often information or technology, into a weapon or tool of harm or control, typically in contexts involving security, law, or international relations.
    The weaponization of social media platforms raises significant legal and ethical concerns.

Commentary

Often discussed in legal contexts concerning national security, cyber law, and international treaties; clarity is vital to distinguish from mere possession or use of weapons.


Weapons Cache

/ˈwɛpənz kæʃ/

Definitions

  1. (n.) A secret store of weapons, ammunition, or explosives preserved for future use, often concealed to avoid detection by law enforcement or military authorities.
    The police uncovered a weapons cache hidden in the suspect's warehouse.

Forms

  • weapons cache
  • weapons caches

Commentary

In legal drafting, explicitly defining the term helps in criminal statutes addressing illegal possession or concealment of weapons; ensure clarity whether the cache pertains exclusively to unlawful storage or includes lawful stockpiles.


Weather Conditions

/ˈwɛðər kənˈdɪʃənz/

Definitions

  1. (n.) Environmental elements such as temperature, precipitation, wind, and humidity affecting the performance or obligations under a contract or legal duty.
    The contract included a force majeure clause excusing delay due to adverse weather conditions.

Forms

  • weather condition

Commentary

In legal drafting, specifying 'weather conditions' often appears in force majeure or risk allocation clauses, clarifying circumstances that may excuse performance or trigger remedies.


Weather Event

/ˈwɛðər ɪˌvɛnt/

Definitions

  1. (n.) A natural atmospheric occurrence affecting property, liability, or insurance claims under law.
    The insurance policy covers damages caused by a weather event such as a hurricane.

Forms

  • weather events

Commentary

In legal contexts, 'weather event' often appears in contracts and insurance policies to delineate risks; clarity in defining specific types can aid in dispute resolution.


Weather Law

/ˈwɛðər lɔː/

Definitions

  1. (n.) A body of law regulating rights and responsibilities related to weather events and their impacts, especially in insurance, agriculture, and environmental contexts.
    The weather law provisions in the contract clarified liability in the event of storm damage.

Forms

  • weather laws

Commentary

Weather law frequently involves overlapping areas of insurance and environmental regulation; drafters should specify the applicable jurisdiction and scope clearly.


Wedding

/ˈwɛdɪŋ/

Definitions

  1. (n.) A legally recognized union between two persons as spouses.
    The couple filed their wedding certificate with the local government.
  2. (n.) The ceremony or act by which a marriage is formalized.
    Guests attended the wedding held at the courthouse.

Forms

  • wedding
  • weddings

Commentary

In legal contexts, 'wedding' refers both to the event and the resulting marital status; clear distinction is important to determine rights and obligations.


Weight

/ˈweɪt/

Definitions

  1. (n.) The legal significance or influence given to a fact, argument, or evidence during judicial consideration.
    The weight of the evidence was sufficient to support the verdict.
  2. (n.) A burden or encumbrance legally imposed on property, such as a lien or claim.
    The property was sold free of any weight or encumbrance.

Forms

  • weights

Commentary

In legal drafting, 'weight' often refers to the qualitative importance assigned by courts, distinct from mere existence of evidence.


Weight of Evidence

/ˈweɪt əv ˈɛvɪdəns/

Definitions

  1. (n.) The relative probative value of evidence, determining its influence on the outcome of a legal issue.
    The judge considered the weight of evidence before issuing the verdict.

Commentary

The term is commonly used to distinguish between evidence's admissibility and its persuasive impact on the trier of fact.


Welfare

/ˈwɛlfɛr/

Definitions

  1. (n.) The health, happiness, and fortunes of a person or group, especially considered under legal frameworks for protection or support.
    The government enacted new policies to improve the welfare of its citizens.
  2. (n.) Government-provided aid or programs designed to ensure a minimum standard of living for those in need.
    She applied for welfare benefits after losing her job.

Commentary

In legal contexts, 'welfare' encompasses both the general well-being of individuals and specific statutory programs providing aid; clarity is essential when drafting to distinguish these senses.


Welfare Agency

/ˈwɛlfɛr ˈeɪdʒənsi/

Definitions

  1. (n.) A government or non-government organization authorized to administer social welfare programs and provide assistance to eligible individuals and families.
    The welfare agency provided emergency housing assistance to the displaced family.

Forms

  • welfare agency
  • welfare agencies

Commentary

The term typically denotes entities that implement social policies; usage can vary by jurisdiction depending on the scope of services administered.


Welfare Benefits

/ˈwɛlfɛər ˈbɛnɪfɪts/

Definitions

  1. (n.) Monetary or non-monetary assistance provided by the government to individuals or groups to ensure basic living standards.
    Eligible individuals applied for welfare benefits to cover their housing and food expenses.
  2. (n.) Legal rights or entitlements to public aid under social security laws or programs.
    The court examined whether the claimant's welfare benefits had been lawfully withheld.

Forms

  • welfare benefits
  • welfare benefit

Commentary

Welfare benefits often encompass diverse forms of governmental aid; legal definitions can vary by jurisdiction and context, requiring precise reference to applicable statutes or programs.


Welfare Eligibility

/ˈwɛlfɛr ɪˌlɛdʒəˈbɪlɪti/

Definitions

  1. (n.) The legal qualification criteria that determine an individual's or entity's right to receive government welfare benefits.
    The agency reviewed her welfare eligibility before approving the application.

Forms

  • welfare eligibility

Commentary

Welfare eligibility often involves income, residency, and other statutory criteria; precise definitions vary by jurisdiction and program.


Welfare Fraud

/ˈwɛlfɛr frɔd/

Definitions

  1. (n.) The illegal act of obtaining government welfare benefits through deception or misrepresentation.
    She was charged with welfare fraud after falsely claiming unemployment benefits.

Forms

  • welfare fraud
  • welfare frauds
  • welfare frauding
  • welfare frauded

Commentary

Welfare fraud often involves false statements or concealment of facts to receive benefits to which one is not entitled; precise definitions and penalties vary by jurisdiction.


Welfare Law

/ˈwɛlfɛr lɔː/

Definitions

  1. (n.) The body of law governing government provisions for social security, public assistance, and related benefits.
    Welfare law regulates eligibility for unemployment benefits and food assistance programs.

Forms

  • welfare law

Commentary

Welfare law often intersects with social security and administrative law, emphasizing eligibility criteria and procedural safeguards.


Welfare Plan

/ˈwɛlfɛr plæn/

Definitions

  1. (n.) A written arrangement established by an employer or organization to provide employees or members with benefits such as health insurance, retirement, or other social welfare benefits.
    The company offers a comprehensive welfare plan that includes medical and dental coverage.

Forms

  • welfare plan
  • welfare plans

Commentary

Commonly governed by ERISA in the U.S., a welfare plan must be clearly documented to define eligibility and covered benefits.


Welfare Programs

/ˈwɛlfɛər ˈproʊɡræmz/

Definitions

  1. (n.) Government or institutional initiatives designed to provide financial aid, social services, or support to individuals or groups in need.
    The state expanded its welfare programs to assist low-income families.

Forms

  • welfare programs
  • welfare program

Commentary

The term typically refers collectively to various aid initiatives; legal interpretation may shift based on jurisdiction and specific program statutes.


Welfare State

/ˈwɛlfɛər steɪt/

Definitions

  1. (n.) A government system that provides social welfare services and economic support to its citizens, aiming to reduce poverty and promote social justice.
    The welfare state ensures access to healthcare and unemployment benefits for all residents.

Forms

  • welfare state
  • welfare states

Commentary

The term is broadly used in comparative law and social policy contexts; definitions may vary by jurisdiction depending on specific welfare provisions and legal frameworks.


Well Drilling

/ˈwɛl ˈdrɪlɪŋ/

Definitions

  1. (n.) The process of creating a borehole in the ground to access underground water sources, regulated to ensure property rights and environmental compliance.
    The company obtained permits before commencing well drilling on the farmland.

Forms

  • well drillings

Commentary

Well drilling is often regulated under both property and environmental law, requiring adherence to permits and safety standards to protect water rights and prevent contamination.


Wellness

/ˈwɛlnəs/

Definitions

  1. (n.) A state of overall health, comfort, and well-being recognized in certain legal contexts, such as employment law and health regulations.
    The contract included provisions to promote employee wellness in the workplace.

Commentary

Legal usage of wellness often appears in contexts involving workplace standards, insurance, and regulatory frameworks emphasizing holistic health beyond mere absence of illness.


Wellness Program

/ˈwɛlnəs ˈproʊɡræm/

Definitions

  1. (n.) A structured plan implemented by an employer or insurer to promote health and well-being among employees or insured individuals, often including preventive care, fitness activities, and health education.
    The company introduced a wellness program to reduce healthcare costs and improve employee productivity.

Forms

  • wellness program
  • wellness programs

Commentary

Wellness programs in legal contexts often intersect with compliance requirements under laws like the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Affordable Care Act, especially regarding nondiscriminatory practices and privacy protections.

Glossary – WE Terms