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legal theory

a priori

A priori refers to an assertion based on prior knowledge or intuition. In Latin, the term literally means “from what is earlier.” An a priori determination is formed before investigation. For example, assuming that the road will be wet when it stops raining a minute before would be a priori reasoning.   

A priori is the opposite of a posteriori, or after-the-fact knowledge.

ab initio

Ab initio is a Latin term that means "from the beginning” or “from inception.” Ab initio is used to indicate that some fact existed from the start of a relevant time period. It is often used as part of the phrase “void ab initio,” meaning something – such as a marriage – was void from the beginning.

acceleration theory

Acceleration theory is a subsection of causation in criminal law in which a third party’s action, or a second defendant’s actions, speed up the effects of a primary defendant’s actions. For example, defendant A shoots the victim, which would cause the victim to bleed out in one hour; however, defendant B also stabs the victim, causing the victim to now bleed out in 30 minutes.

argument

An argument is both the process of giving reasons for believing something is true as well as the term used to describe the reason(s) given. 

An argument is also a disagreement between two or more persons, in which opposing parties openly voice their opinions and dispute their respective opponents’ claims and viewpoints.

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