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At Law: A Comprehensive Guide to Its Legal Definition and Use
Definition & Meaning
The term at law refers to matters that are governed by legal statutes and regulations. It indicates actions, rights, or obligations that arise from the law itself, as opposed to equitable principles. For instance, an attorney at law is a legal professional authorized to practice law and represent clients in legal matters. The phrase also emphasizes the importance of adhering to established legal rules rather than relying on equitable remedies.
Table of content
Legal Use & context
The term at law is commonly used in various branches of law, including:
Civil law: In civil cases, matters are often addressed at law to resolve disputes through legal statutes.
Criminal law: Criminal offenses are prosecuted at law, focusing on statutory definitions of crimes.
Family law: Legal proceedings regarding divorce or child custody may involve at law considerations.
Users can manage many legal processes themselves using tools like US Legal Forms, which provide templates drafted by qualified attorneys.
Key legal elements
Real-world examples
Here are a couple of examples of abatement:
Here are a couple of examples illustrating the term at law:
A person files a lawsuit to recover damages for a breach of contract. This action is taken at law because it is based on statutory rights.
An individual is charged with theft. The prosecution occurs at law, relying on criminal statutes to determine guilt or innocence. (hypothetical example)
State-by-state differences
Examples of state differences (not exhaustive):
State
Variation
California
Emphasizes statutory law in civil matters.
New York
Has specific statutes governing criminal prosecutions.
Texas
Distinct rules for family law cases that may differ from other states.
This is not a complete list. State laws vary, and users should consult local rules for specific guidance.
Comparison with related terms
Term
Definition
At law
Refers to matters governed by legal statutes.
In equity
Refers to matters resolved based on fairness rather than strict legal rules.
Attorney at law
A legal professional authorized to represent clients in legal matters.
Common misunderstandings
What to do if this term applies to you
If you find yourself in a situation where the term at law applies, consider the following steps:
Identify the legal issue you are facing and determine if it is governed by statutory law.
Explore US Legal Forms for relevant legal templates that can help you manage your situation effectively.
If the matter is complex, consult a legal professional for tailored advice.
Find the legal form that fits your case
Browse our library of 85,000+ state-specific legal templates.