wex definitions

The absolute-bar rule prevents a creditor from obtaining a deficiency judgment if collateral was disposed of in a commercially unreasonable manner. 

The abstention doctrine is an authority that precludes federal courts from hearing cases within its jurisdictions, instead, giving state courts authority over the case.

Abstract refers to an abbreviated history of an official record. Some common usages of the term “abstract” in a legal sense include:  

Abstract of judgment refers to a copy or summary of a court’s judgment. Some common uses of the term “abstract of judgment” include:

An abstract of record is a summary of a trial that offers the key details for the appellate court to consider, such as the facts, all proceedings in the case to date, the trial court's decision, and the legal issues to be determined.

Abstract of title is a summary of facts relied on as evidence of title.

Abstract of trust is a brief version of the trust document that allows certain details of the trust (such as the names of the beneficiaries) that you want to keep confidential to be omitted. It is often used to provide proof of trust formation to financial organizations or other institutions without making certain key terms public.

An abstracter is someone who collects or researches information or summarizes such information in order to maintain data or records. 

See also: Abstract, Abstract of Title

[Last reviewed in February of 2022 by the Wex Definitions Team]

Abuse is an action that intentionally causes harm or injures another person. This can refer to physical abuse, psychological abuse, mental abuse, or child abuse (see below). 

Abuse is also to misuse something—e.g., abuse of process. 

Abuse excuse is defined as a self-defense claim which is usually used in criminal cases, stating that a defendant is incapable of distinguishing between right and wrong or controlling their impulses because of being subjected to prolonged abu