wex definitions
Abatement Clause
Provision in a lease agreement that releases the tenant from paying rent if an act of God makes occupancy impossible or otherwise precludes the property from being used.
See alsoAbatementABC Test
A test used in some states to determine whether a person is an employee or an independent contractor for the purpose of determining state unemployment tax.
Some courts using this test look at whether a worker meets three separate...
Abduction
Taking a person away by means of persuasion, fraud, or force. Some jurisdictions also require that the abductee, the person abducted, be a child or that that the abductor intend to marry or defile the abductee or subject him or her to...
Abercrombie Classification
In the law of branding, a characterization scheme of trade designations in increasing order of distinctiveness: generic, descriptive, suggestive, and arbitrary or fanciful.
See alsoIntellectual propertyTrademarkAbet
To criminally assist another person in the commission of a crime including in planning a crime, escaping from a crime, or in the actual commission of the crime.
Illustrative caselawSee, e.g. Gonzales v. Duenas-Alvarez, 549 U.S. 183 (...
Abeyance
A situation in which the legal owner to real estate is uncertain and the determination of the true owner is pending.
Able to Work
Capable of employment. A person who is able to work is ineligible to receive unemployment benefits on the basis of illness or injury.
Illustrative case lawSee, e.g. International Union, et al. v. Johnson Controls, Inc., 499 U.S. 187 (...
Abrogate
To formally annul or repeal a law through an act of the legislature, constitutional authority, or custom. In contract and insurance law, it is to rescind or terminate a contract.
In constitutional law, the abrogation doctrine...
Abscond
Leaving a jurisdiction secretly or suddenly, e.g. to avoid service of process, arrest, or prosecution; or leaving with another person's money or property.
Illustrative caselawSee, e.g. Atwater v. City of Lago Vista, 532 U.S. 318 (2001...