Browse full definitions for every WI term in the Amicus glossary.
/ˈwɪdθ/
The width of the easement was clearly defined in the property deed.
In legal drafting, precisely specifying width can prevent boundary disputes and clarify scope in contracts involving physical dimensions.
/wiːld/
The judge wields considerable discretion in sentencing decisions.
The attorney wields cross-examination to challenge witness testimony.
In legal contexts, 'wield' often implies the exercise of power or authority rather than mere possession.
/ˈwaɪld ˈænɪməl/
Hunting regulations prohibit killing certain wild animals during the breeding season.
In legal contexts, distinctions between wild and domesticated animals affect liability, property rights, and conservation regulation.
/ˈwaɪldkæt straɪk/
The company faced significant disruption due to a wildcat strike initiated by employees without union consent.
Wildcat strikes often pose challenges in collective bargaining and may lead to legal consequences due to their unauthorized nature.
/ˈwɪldərnəs ˈɛriə/
The government designated the region as a wilderness area to conserve its natural ecosystem.
The term often appears in statutes and regulations governing land conservation and environmental protection; definitions can vary slightly by jurisdiction.
/ˈwɪldərnəs prɪˌzɜːrˈveɪʃən/
Wilderness preservation laws restrict certain activities to safeguard natural habitats from degradation.
The Wilderness Act established a system of wilderness preservation to conserve federally owned lands.
Draft with attention to scope of protections and statutory definitions to reflect both ecological and legal considerations.
/ˈwaɪldlaɪf ˌkɑnsərˈveɪʃən/
Wildlife conservation laws help preserve endangered species by regulating hunting and land use.
Typically involves statutory regulations and international treaties designed to balance ecological preservation with human activity.
/ˈwaɪldlaɪf lɔː/
Wildlife law regulates hunting seasons to ensure sustainable animal populations.
International wildlife law aims to combat illegal trafficking of endangered species.
Wildlife law often intersects with environmental and conservation law, focusing on species and habitat protection through regulatory frameworks and international treaties.
/ˈwaɪldˌlaɪf ˈmænɪdʒmənt/
Wildlife management often requires permits issued by environmental agencies to ensure species protection.
Typically involves balancing ecological concerns with statutory mandates regulating hunting, land use, and species protection.
/ˈwaɪldlaɪf prəˈtɛkʃən/
The wildlife protection laws prohibit hunting endangered species without a permit.
Effective wildlife protection is essential to maintaining biodiversity and ecological balance.
Typically framed within environmental and conservation statutes, wildlife protection laws require precise definitions of species and habitats to ensure enforceability.
/ˈwaɪld.laɪf ˈrɛf.juːdʒ/
The government established a wildlife refuge to protect endangered species from hunting and habitat destruction.
Wildlife refuges are often created by statute or executive action to balance environmental conservation with public use; definitions may vary by jurisdiction.
/ˈwaɪldlaɪf ˈsæŋktʃuˌɛri/
The government established a wildlife sanctuary to protect endangered species from poaching.
The term often appears in environmental and conservation laws, emphasizing legal protection of fauna and habitat.
/ˈwɪl.fəl/
The defendant was found guilty of wilful misconduct for knowingly violating safety regulations.
In legal contexts, 'wilful' denotes a purposeful or intentional act, often distinguishing it from accidental or negligent behavior; usage varies regionally, with 'willful' more common in US English.
/ˈwɪl.fjʊ.lər/
The wilfuler disregard of safety regulations led to the company's fine.
Comparative form of 'wilful'; used primarily in legal contexts to describe greater degree of intentional wrongdoing.
/ˈwɪlfʊlɪst/
The wilfulest breach of contract can lead to punitive damages.
This superlative form is rarely used in formal legal drafting; 'most willful' is preferred for clarity.
/ˈwɪl/
She made a will to ensure her estate was distributed according to her wishes.
He willed the inheritance to his nephew.
In legal contexts, 'will' primarily refers to the testamentary document; as a verb, it denotes expressing an intention often related to testamentary dispositions.
/ˈwɪl kənˌtɛst/
The beneficiaries filed a will contest alleging the testator was coerced into signing.
A will contest is a specialized probate litigation emphasizing grounds for invalidating a will; drafting should carefully allege specific defects to avoid dismissal.
/ˈwɪl ˌɛksɪˈkjuːʃən/
The testator's will execution was witnessed by two impartial individuals to ensure validity.
Will execution requires strict adherence to statutory formalities to avoid challenges to validity.
/ˈwɪl ˌvælɪˈdeɪʃən/
The court completed the will validation before distributing the estate.
Will validation often requires proof of testamentary capacity and absence of undue influence; drafting instructions should specify required evidence for expedited probate.
/ˈwɪlfəl/
The defendant’s willful violation of the law led to enhanced penalties.
Willful misconduct is a key factor in this negligence claim.
In legal drafting, distinguish 'willful' from 'reckless' and 'negligent' as it implies deliberate intent rather than inadvertence or carelessness.
/ˈwɪlfəl ˈblaɪndnəs/
The defendant was found guilty due to willful blindness to the illegal activities.
Willful blindness is often treated as equivalent to actual knowledge in criminal and tort law, emphasizing deliberate ignorance rather than mere negligence.
/ˈwɪlfəl ˈmɪsˌkɒndʌkt/
The company denied liability, arguing the injury resulted from the employee's willful misconduct.
Willful misconduct often affects liability and insurance coverage, distinguishing it from mere negligence by requiring a deliberate or reckless state of mind.
/ˈwɪlfəl vaɪəˌleɪʃən/
The company faced severe penalties for its willful violation of environmental laws.
The term emphasizes intentionality; proving willfulness often affects the severity of penalties or damages.
/ˈwɪlfəlnəs/
The defendant's willfulness in ignoring safety regulations led to severe penalties.
Willfulness must be proven to establish enhanced damages under the statute.
Willfulness often requires proof of conscious intent or knowledge, distinct from negligence; precise definition depends on statutory or case law context.
/wɪnd/
The landowner executed a wind to transfer the property to his niece without payment.
The tenant was required to wind the watch as part of the lease agreement.
The term "wind" as a noun in legal contexts specifically refers to voluntary conveyance of property, a somewhat archaic usage. As a verb, its legal significance is minimal and usually pertains to literal physical actions rather than legal principles.
/ˈwɪnd ˈdæmɪdʒ/
The insurance claim was denied because the damage was not caused by wind damage but by flooding.
In drafting policies or contracts, clearly defining 'wind damage' is crucial to distinguish it from other perils like water or fire damage.
The homeowner filed a claim under wind liability after the storm damaged her roof.
Wind liability often requires consideration of local statutes and insurance policy terms defining responsibility for wind-related damages.
/ˈwɪnd ʌp/
The board called for the wind-up of the corporation following insolvency.
The agreement contained a wind-up clause specifying conditions for termination.
In legal contexts, 'wind-up' typically refers to company dissolution or contractual termination, requiring careful distinction in drafting to clarify context.
/ˈwɪndə/
The tenant was responsible for repairing the winde that controlled the well's bucket system.
In legal documents, 'winde' typically refers to physical devices primarily relevant in property or maritime law, emphasizing clarity about its functional role.
/ˈwɪndˌfɔːl/
The heir received a windfall after the distant relative passed away.
The logger claimed the windfall timber as salvage under state law.
In drafting legal texts, distinguish between windfall as an unexpected gain and windfall as naturally fallen property to avoid confusion, as each carries different legal implications.
/ˈwaɪndɪŋ ʌp/
The company's winding up was completed after all debts were paid.
The partners agreed to commence the winding up of the business.
'Winding up' primarily refers to the corporate closure process; careful distinction between voluntary and compulsory winding up procedures is important in drafting and interpretation.
/ˈwaɪndɪŋ ʌp/
After accumulating insurmountable debts, the company entered winding-up proceedings.
The winding-up of the partnership took several months to complete.
Winding-up specifically refers to the concluding phase of a company or entity’s life, focusing on asset realization and creditor repayment; precise statutory procedures vary by jurisdiction.
/ˈwaɪndɪŋ ʌp ˈɔːrdər/
The court issued a winding-up order after the company failed to pay its debts.
Commonly issued following a creditor's petition; understanding jurisdiction and grounds is critical in drafting and litigation.
/ˈwaɪndɪŋ ʌp pɪˈtɪʃən/
The creditors filed a winding-up petition to force the company into liquidation.
Often used in insolvency law, drafting should specify the grounds and parties involved to avoid procedural dismissal.
/ˈwɪndˌstɔːrm/
The policy covers damages caused by a windstorm.
In legal contexts, 'windstorm' is often defined precisely in insurance policies to delineate coverage scope for weather-related damages.
/ˈwɪpoʊ ˌkɑnvɛnʃənz/
The country ratified several WIPO Conventions to strengthen its copyright laws.
WIPO Conventions collectively refer to key treaties; when citing, specify the particular convention (e.g., Berne Convention) for precision.
/ˈwaɪər/
The detective traced the crime through the wire used in the surveillance equipment.
The prosecution presented evidence of illegal instructions sent via wire.
The bank agreed to wire the funds immediately.
In legal usage, 'wire' often relates to communication or transfer of funds; precise context determines its interpretation, especially in statutes like wire fraud.
/ˈwaɪər kəˌmjunɪˈkeɪʃən/
The government obtained a warrant before intercepting the wire communication.
Wire communication specifically refers to transmissions via tangible conductors and is distinct from wireless or radio transmissions under U.S. law.
/ˈwaɪər frɔːrd/
The defendant was charged with wire fraud for transmitting fraudulent documents via email.
Wire fraud prosecutions require proving a scheme to defraud and the use of interstate wire communications; precise documentation of the interstate nature is key for legal sufficiency.
/ˈwaɪər ˌtrænsfɜr/
The company completed the payment via wire transfer to meet the contract deadline.
Wire transfers are favored in legal and financial transactions for their speed and traceability compared to cash or check payments.
/ˈwaɪərd/
The police used a wired device to record the suspect's conversations.
The defendant was found to be wired during the negotiation meeting.
In legal contexts, "wired" often refers to devices used for covert recording or monitoring, and careful drafting is needed to specify whether the term pertains to physical connection or surveillance activity.
/ˈwaɪrlɪs kəˌmjunɪˈkeɪʃən/
The company secured a license to operate wireless communication services in the region.
Wireless communication protocols must comply with federal privacy statutes to protect users' data.
Legal references to wireless communication predominantly focus on regulation, licensing, spectrum allocation, and privacy compliance.
/ˈwaɪərləs kəˌmjunɪˈkeɪʃən dɪˈvaɪs/
The court examined whether the defendant unlawfully used a wireless communication device to intercept private conversations.
In legal contexts, the definition focuses on capability rather than specific device features; drafting should clarify the scope to include all devices that communicate wirelessly for comprehensive coverage.
/ˈwaɪərləs kəˌmjunəˈkeɪʃən lɔ/
Wireless communication law addresses issues such as spectrum allocation and interference prevention.
Compliance with wireless communication law is essential for cellular network operators.
This area often intersects with telecommunications law but focuses specifically on wireless aspects; drafters should specify technology when needed.
/ˈwaɪələs dɪˌvaɪs/
The law mandates certification for every wireless device sold in the country.
Legal definitions of wireless device emphasize regulatory compliance and certification requirements due to their impact on spectrum use and user privacy.
/ˈwaɪərlɪs ˈnɛtwɜrk/
The company deployed a wireless network across its offices to facilitate mobile device connectivity while ensuring adherence to telecommunications regulations.
Legally, wireless networks often involve compliance with regulations on spectrum licensing and data protection; precise definitions can vary by jurisdiction.
/ˈwaɪərlɪs tɛkˈnɑlədʒi/
The company ensured its wireless technology complied with FCC regulations to avoid interference issues.
In legal contexts, wireless technology often implicates regulatory compliance concerning telecommunications spectrum, data privacy, and intellectual property rights.
/ˈwaɪərˌtæp/
The police obtained a wiretap to listen to the suspect's phone calls during the criminal investigation.
Authorities wiretapped the suspect's phone to collect evidence of the conspiracy.
Wiretap laws typically require judicial approval, balancing investigatory needs with privacy rights.
/ˈwaɪərˌtæp ækt/
The government must obtain a warrant under the Wiretap Act before intercepting telephone conversations.
Drafting related to the Wiretap Act should carefully specify the types of communications covered and authorization requirements to avoid privacy violations.
/ˈwaɪərˌtæp lɔ/
The police obtained a warrant under the wiretap law before monitoring the suspect's calls.
Wiretap laws often require judicial authorization to ensure privacy protections and lawful interception.
/ˈwaɪərˌtæp ˈɔrdər/
The police obtained a wiretap order before listening to the suspect's phone conversations.
Wiretap orders require strict judicial oversight and adherence to legal standards to protect privacy rights while enabling criminal investigations.
/ˈwaɪərˌtæp ˈstætʃuːt/
The law enforcement agency obtained a warrant under the wiretap statute before intercepting the suspect's phone calls.
Wiretap statutes typically require judicial authorization and set limits on the scope of legally permissible surveillance to protect privacy rights.
/ˈwaɪərˌtæp ˈwɒrənt/
The police obtained a wiretap warrant before monitoring the suspect's phone calls.
Wiretap warrants require strict adherence to statutory criteria to protect privacy and ensure legality of intercepted communications.
/ˈwaɪəˌtæpɪŋ/
The police obtained a warrant before conducting wiretapping on the suspect's phone.
Wiretapping often requires judicial authorization due to privacy protections under law; statutes vary by jurisdiction.
/wɪt/
The case was decided in a wit rather than a jury trial.
The term 'wit' is archaic in modern legal usage but historically denotes a judge-only trial; it persists chiefly in historical or doctrinal contexts.
/wɪð/
The contract was executed with the consent of both parties.
The defendant acted with malice aforethought.
A person with legal capacity can enter into contracts.
Commonly used to specify relationships or conditions in legal drafting; clarity is essential to avoid ambiguity regarding parties or instruments involved.
/wɪð rɪˈspɛkt tu/
The contract includes provisions with respect to confidentiality.
Often used in legal drafting to introduce the subject matter or scope of a clause or provision; helps clarify the reference point of obligations or rights.
/wɪðˈdrɔː/
The plaintiff decided to withdraw the lawsuit before the trial.
The attorney chose to withdraw from representing the defendant due to a conflict of interest.
She withdrew money from her trust account to cover legal fees.
In legal contexts, 'withdraw' often implies formal procedural action and may require court approval or notice to opposing parties.
/wɪðˈdrɔːəl/
The defendant filed a withdrawal of their appeal.
She made a withdrawal from her savings account.
The country announced its withdrawal from the international agreement.
Withdrawal is often context-sensitive, requiring clarity whether it refers to procedural exit, financial removal of funds, or cessation of legal commitments.
/ˌwɪðˈdrɔːəl əv kɛər/
The court approved the withdrawal of care after determining that continued treatment was medically inappropriate.
Withdrawal of care is distinct from withholding care; the former involves stopping treatment already initiated, requiring clear legal and ethical justification to avoid liability.
/wɪðˈdrɔːəl ʌv laɪf səˈsteɪnɪŋ ˈtriːtmənt/
The hospital approved the withdrawal of life-sustaining treatment after the patient's advance directive was reviewed.
Withdrawal of life-sustaining treatment is legally sensitive and often requires clear evidence of patient consent or proxy decision-making, as it involves allowing natural death rather than active intervention to end life.
/ˌwɪðˈdrɔːəl ʌv ˈtriːtmənt/
The withdrawal of treatment was authorized after the patient was declared brain dead.
Courts often review withdrawal of treatment decisions when there is family disagreement.
Withdrawal of treatment is distinct from withholding treatment; drafting should clarify patient capacity and consent to avoid legal disputes.
/wɪðˈdrɔn/
The plaintiff's withdrawn complaint cannot be reconsidered by the court.
The withdrawn regulation is no longer enforceable by the agency.
Used primarily as a past participle adjective describing the status of legal actions or instruments that have been formally retracted or removed.
/wɪðˈdrɔː/
She withdrew her application before the deadline.
As the past tense form, 'withdrew' does not carry distinct legal meanings apart from 'withdraw.' Refer to 'withdraw' for full definitions.
/wɪðˈhɛld/
The prosecutor argued that the withheld documents were crucial to the defense's case.
The company withheld payment pending further investigation.
As a legal adjective, 'withheld' often describes information deliberately kept from parties, while as a verb form it derives from 'withhold.' Use carefully to distinguish the context of nondisclosure versus the act of refusing to provide.
/wɪðˈhoʊld/
The employer decided to withhold the employee's bonus pending investigation.
The company must withhold income tax from employees' salaries.
Use 'withhold' precisely to indicate an intentional retention or refusal typically authorized or mandated by law or agreement; careful drafting ensures clarity whether referring to information, money, or consent.
/ˈwɪðˌhoʊldɪŋ əv kɛər/
The court examined whether the withholding of care was justified under the patient's advance directive.
Withholding of care without consent may constitute medical negligence or malpractice.
Withholding of care often arises in contexts involving end-of-life decisions and must be distinguished from withdrawal of care; precise documentation and adherence to legal standards are essential to avoid liability.
/ˌwɪðˈhoʊldɪŋ əv laɪf səˈsteɪnɪŋ ˈtriːtmənt/
The hospital's ethics committee reviewed the case involving withholding of life-sustaining treatment.
Courts often consider the legality of withholding life-sustaining treatment in light of patient directives and medical standards.
Distinguish from withdrawal of life-sustaining treatment: withholding refers to never starting the intervention, whereas withdrawal refers to stopping an ongoing intervention.
/ˈwɪθˌhoʊldɪŋ tæks/
Employers must deduct withholding tax from employees' salaries and remit it to the tax authorities.
Withholding tax on cross-border dividends prevents tax evasion by foreign investors.
Withholding tax serves as a mechanism to facilitate tax collection by ensuring that taxes due on certain payments are collected at the point of payment rather than relying solely on the recipient to report and pay tax later.
/ˌwɪðˈhoʊldɪŋ ˈtriːtmənt/
The court examined whether the withholding treatment was consistent with the patient's advance directive.
Used primarily in medical law, distinguishing withholding from withdrawal of treatment is crucial for accurate legal and ethical analysis.
/wɪˈðɪn/
The complaint must be filed within 30 days of the incident.
The parties must resolve disputes within the stipulated timeframe.
In legal drafting, 'within' is typically employed to specify temporal or spatial limits, crucial for defining deadlines or territorial reach; clarity in its use avoids ambiguity in contractual and procedural terms.
/wɪˈðaʊt/
The contract was executed without the necessary signatures.
He left without saying goodbye.
Often used to specify conditions or limitations in legal documents, 'without' must be carefully interpreted to clarify whether something is excluded or simply not present.
/ˌwɪðaʊt ˈprɛdʒʊdɪs/
The settlement offer was made without prejudice, allowing negotiations to continue.
The without prejudice discussions were confidential and inadmissible as evidence.
Use 'without prejudice' carefully to protect negotiation confidentiality and avoid inadvertent legal admissions.
/ˌwɪðaʊt ˈprɛdʒʊdɪs ˌkɒmjʊnɪˈkeɪʃən/
The parties exchanged without prejudice communications to attempt resolution without admitting liability.
Typically used to encourage open and frank negotiation by protecting statements from later evidentiary use; the phrase must be expressly stated and limited in scope to be effective.
/ˌwɪðaʊt ˈprɛdʒʊdɪs seɪv æz tuː kɒsts/
The parties discussed the offer without prejudice save as to costs, allowing candid negotiation.
Used primarily in settlement contexts to encourage frank negotiation while preserving cost liability assessment; phrase should be included in settlement correspondence to ensure protection.
/wɪðˈstænd/
The defendant was able to withstand the plaintiff's motion to dismiss.
The contract withstood scrutiny under the new regulations.
Often used in legal contexts to describe the ability of a party or a legal document to resist challenges or enforceability questions.
/ˈwɪtnəs/
The witness testified about what they saw at the crime scene.
The witness signed the contract to verify its authenticity.
She witnessed the signing of the will.
In legal usage, 'witness' as a noun primarily refers to someone giving oral or written evidence; as a verb, it denotes the act of observing an event. Distinctions between types of witnesses (eyewitness, expert witness) are significant in court proceedings.
/ˈwɪtnəs əˌsɪstəns/
The court arranged witness assistance to prepare the vulnerable witness for testimony.
Witness assistance programs help address the emotional and procedural challenges faced by witnesses, improving the justice process's fairness and efficiency.
/ˈwɪtnəs krɛdəˈbɪləti/
The jury carefully assessed the witness credibility before rendering their verdict.
Witness credibility is critical in trial settings, often decided by evaluating consistency, demeanor, and corroboration; attorneys strategically challenge it during cross-examination.
/ˈwɪtnəs dɪˈmiːnər/
The jury carefully noted the witness demeanor to decide whether they were truthful and reliable.
Witness demeanor is a critical element in evaluating testimony but is inherently subjective; legal instructions often guide jurors on its use.
/ˈwɪtnəs ɪgˌzæmɪˈneɪʃən/
The attorney conducted a thorough witness examination during the trial.
Witness examination encompasses both direct and cross-examination stages, crucial for fact-finding and assessing witness reliability in litigation.
/ˈwɪtnəs ɪˈmjunɪti/
The prosecution granted the suspect witness immunity to secure crucial testimony against the defendant.
Witness immunity typically requires a formal grant and operates to encourage truthful testimony by protecting witnesses from self-incrimination.
/ˈwɪtnəs ɪmˌpiːtʃˈmɛnt/
The attorney employed witness impeachment to undermine the testimony of the prosecution's key witness.
Witness impeachment is a critical technique in trial advocacy for disputing witness reliability, often requiring careful introduction of prior inconsistent statements or evidentiary contradictions.
/ˈwɪtnəs ɪnˌtɪmɪˈdeɪʃən/
The defendant was charged with witness intimidation after trying to persuade the witness not to testify.
Witness intimidation often overlaps with witness tampering but specifically emphasizes threats or coercion to influence testimony.
/ˈwɪtnəs ˈliːə.zɒn/
The witness liaison ensured the witnesses arrived on time and felt supported throughout the trial.
Typically found in criminal and civil trials, the role requires sensitivity to witnesses' legal and personal needs to preserve testimony integrity and legal process efficiency.
/ˈwɪtnəs lɪst/
The attorney submitted the witness list to the court prior to trial.
A witness list must be accurate and timely submitted according to court rules, as it dictates which witnesses may testify.
/ˈwɪtnɪs ˌprɛpəˈreɪʃən/
The attorney spent several hours on witness preparation before the trial began.
Effective witness preparation helps ensure accurate and consistent testimony while avoiding coaching that could be seen as influencing testimony inadmissibly.
/ˈwɪtnəs prəˌtɛkʃən/
The government enrolled the key witness in witness protection after threats were made against them.
Witness protection programs are critical in securing testimony in criminal prosecutions by safeguarding participants from retaliation.
/ˈwɪtnəs prəˈtɛkʃən ˈproʊɡræm/
The defendant's key witness entered the witness protection program after receiving credible death threats.
Often enacted to encourage witness cooperation by safeguarding against retaliation, it involves coordination between law enforcement and judicial authorities.
/ˈwɪtnəs raɪts/
The court ensured the witness rights were upheld to guarantee a fair trial.
Witness rights include protections against compelled testimony that may incriminate oneself.
Witness rights vary by jurisdiction; drafters should specify applicable procedural safeguards and protections to avoid ambiguity.
/ˈwɪtnɪs stænd/
The witness took the witness stand to provide her account of the events.
The term specifically refers to the physical location within a courtroom context where witnesses deliver their sworn statements; ensure clarity by distinguishing it from the person (witness) or the act (testimony).
/ˈwɪtnəs ˈsteɪtmənt/
The witness statement was submitted as evidence during the trial.
Witness statements are critical for summarizing oral evidence and must be clear and precise to serve effectively in court.
/ˈwɪtnəs ˈsʌmənz/
The defendant failed to appear despite receiving a witness summons.
A witness summons is distinct from a subpoena in some jurisdictions, though both serve to require testimony; drafters should clarify issuing authority and scope.
/ˈwɪtnəs ˈtæmpərɪŋ/
The defendant was charged with witness tampering after trying to intimidate a key witness.
Witness tampering laws vary by jurisdiction but generally serve to protect the integrity of judicial processes by penalizing interference with witness testimony.
/ˈwɪtnəs ˈtɛstəˌmoʊni/
The witness testimony was crucial in establishing the defendant's whereabouts.
Witness testimony must be given under oath and can be subject to cross-examination to challenge its credibility.
