acknowledgment
The section at the end of a document where a notary public verifies that the signer of the document states he/she actually signed it.

acquit
What a jury or judge sitting without a jury does at the end of a criminal trial if the jury or judge finds the accused defendant not guilty. See also: verdict

acquittal
What an accused criminal defendant receives if he/she is found not guilty. It is a verdict (a judgment in a criminal case) of not guilty. See also: acquit

act
In general, any action by a person. 2) n. a statutory plan passed by Congress or any legislature which is a "bill" until enacted and becomes law. 3) v. for a court to make a decision and rule on a motion or petition, as in "the court w ...

act of God
A natural catastrophe which no one can prevent such as an earthquake, a tidal wave, a volcanic eruption, a hurricane or a tornado. Acts of God are significant for two reasons 1) for the havoc and damage they wreak.

action
A lawsuit in which one party (or parties) sues another. See also: cause of action lawsuit

actionable
adj. when enough facts or circumstances exist to meet the legal requirements to file a legitimate lawsuit. If the facts required to prove a case cannot be alleged in the complaint.