1031. Avulsion

the change in the border of two properties due to a sudden change in the natural course of a stream or river, when the border is defined by the channel of the waterway; the most famous American case is the Mississippi River's change which put Vicksburg on the other side of the river

1032. Autopsy

post-mortem evaluation of a deceased body

1033. Authorize

to officially empower someone to act

1034. Authority

permission, a right coupled with the power to do an act or order others to act

1035. Authorities

1) previous decisions by courts of appeal which provide legal guidance to a court on questions in a current lawsuit, which are called "precedents;" legal briefs (written arguments) are often called "points and authorities; thus, a lawyer "cites" the previously decided cases as "authorities" for his/her legal positions 2) a common term for law enforcement, as in "I'm going to call the authorities" (i.e. police)

1036. Auditor

accountant who conducts an audit to verify the accuracy of the financial records and accounting practices of a business or government

1037. Audit

examination by a trained accountant of the financial records of a business or governmental entity, including; noting improper or careless practices, recommendations for improvements, and a balancing of the books.

1038. Attractive Nuisance Doctrine

legal doctrine which makes a person negligent for leaving a piece of equipment or other condition on property which would be both attractive and dangerous to curious children; these have included tractors, unguarded swimming pools, open pits, and abandoned refrigerators

1039. Attorney In Fact

someone specifically named by another through a written "power of attorney" to act for that person in the conduct of the appointer's business

1040. Attorney-client Privilege

requirement that an attorney may not reveal communications, conversations and letters between himself/ herself and his/her client, under the theory that a person should be able to speak freely and honestly with his/her attorney without fear of future revelation