Terms Used In Alabama Code > Title 45 > Chapter 9 > Article 23 > Part 1 - General Provisions

• Affidavit: A written statement of facts confirmed by the oath of the party making it, before a notary or officer having authority to administer oaths.
• Arrest: Taking physical custody of a person by lawful authority.
• certificate of incorporation: as used in this chapter is synonymous to the term certificate of formation used in Chapter 1. See Alabama Code 10A-3A-1.02
• Chambers: A judge's office.
• Complaint: A written statement by the plaintiff stating the wrongs allegedly committed by the defendant.
• Conviction: A judgement of guilt against a criminal defendant.
• Corporation: A legal entity owned by the holders of shares of stock that have been issued, and that can own, receive, and transfer property, and carry on business in its own name.
• Defendant: In a civil suit, the person complained against; in a criminal case, the person accused of the crime.
• distress merchandise sales: shall include , but not be limited to, any sale advertised either specifically or in substance to be any one of the following:
  Alabama Code 8-13-1
• Escrow: Money given to a third party to be held for payment until certain conditions are met.
• following: means next after. See Alabama Code 1-1-1
• going out of business sales: shall include , but not be limited to, any sale advertised either specifically or in substance to be any one of the following:
  Alabama Code 8-13-1
• Guardian: A person legally empowered and charged with the duty of taking care of and managing the property of another person who because of age, intellect, or health, is incapable of managing his (her) own affairs.
• person: includes a corporation as well as a natural person. See Alabama Code 1-1-1
• Plaintiff: The person who files the complaint in a civil lawsuit.
• Probate: Proving a will
• state: when applied to the different parts of the United States, includes the District of Columbia and the several territories of the United States. See Alabama Code 1-1-1
• Summons: Another word for subpoena used by the criminal justice system.
• United States: includes the territories thereof and the District of Columbia. See Alabama Code 1-1-1
• writing: includes typewriting and printing on paper. See Alabama Code 1-1-1
• year: means a calendar year; but, whenever the word "year" is used in reference to any appropriations for the payment of money out of the treasury, it shall mean fiscal year. See Alabama Code 1-1-1