ON glossary terms

Browse full definitions for every ON term in the Amicus glossary.

On

/ɒn/

Definitions

  1. (prep.) Indicating the subject of a legal obligation, right, or liability.
    The duty lies on the defendant to prove innocence.
  2. (prep.) Referring to the medium or basis by which a legal action or document operates.
    The contract was signed on the conditions agreed upon.
  3. (adv.) Indicating continuance or progression in legal context.
    The court will keep the case on for further hearing.

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Commentary

In legal drafting, 'on' frequently establishes the basis or subject of rights and duties, so clarity about its referent is critical to avoid ambiguity.

On-Call

/ˈɒnˌkɔːl/

Definitions

  1. (adj.) Denoting a status requiring a person to be available to work or respond to an emergency outside normal working hours.
    The nurse was on-call overnight to handle any urgent patient needs.
  2. (n.) A state or period during which an employee is designated to be ready to work if required, often outside regular shifts.
    He received extra compensation for his on-call hours during the weekend.

Forms

  • on-call

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Commentary

In legal and employment contexts, 'on-call' often implicates labor laws concerning compensation, worker availability, and rights during non-regular hours.

On-Call Compensation

/ˈɒn kɔːl ˌkɒmpənˈseɪʃən/

Definitions

  1. (n.) Payment or remuneration provided to employees who must be available to work outside regular hours when called upon.
    The employee received on-call compensation for being reachable during weekends.
  2. (n.) Monetary or non-monetary benefits granted to workers compensating for the inconvenience and commitment of being on standby.
    On-call compensation often includes extra pay or time off for hours spent waiting.

Forms

  • on-call compensation

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Commentary

On-call compensation legal treatment varies by jurisdiction; clarity in employment contracts is recommended to define eligibility and calculation.

On-Call Duty

/ˈɒn kɔːl ˈdjuːti/

Definitions

  1. (n.) A designated period during which an employee is available to be called to work if needed outside regular working hours, often stipulated by contract or law.
    The nurse was required to fulfill on-call duty every third weekend.

Forms

  • on-call duty

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Commentary

On-call duty arrangements should be clearly defined in contracts to specify availability expectations, compensation, and response times.

On-Call Hours

/ˈɒn.kɔːl ˈaʊərz/

Definitions

  1. (n.) Periods during which an employee is required to be available to work if called upon, though not actively working throughout.
    Employees must remain reachable during on-call hours to respond promptly to any work demands.

Forms

  • on-call hours
  • on-call hour

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Commentary

On-call hours entail availability without guaranteed active work; clear delineation in contracts helps avoid disputes regarding compensability.

On-Demand Services

/ˈɒn dɪˌmænd ˈsɜːrvɪsɪz/

Definitions

  1. (n.) Services provided immediately upon customer request, often through digital platforms, governed by contract and consumer protection laws.
    The company specializes in on-demand services like ride-hailing and food delivery.
  2. (n.) A category of services regulated under specific laws addressing liability, data privacy, and labor standards for gig economy workers.
    Regulators are increasingly scrutinizing on-demand services to ensure compliance with labor laws.

Forms

  • on-demand service

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Commentary

On-demand services often implicate multiple legal domains including contract, labor, and data privacy law; precise definitions may depend on jurisdiction and context.

Onboarding

/ˈɒnˌbɔːrdɪŋ/

Definitions

  1. (n.) The process by which a new employee or party is formally integrated into an organization or legal agreement framework.
    The company's legal team reviewed the onboarding documents to ensure compliance with labor laws.

Forms

  • onboarding

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Commentary

Onboarding in legal contexts often involves ensuring that all necessary agreements and compliance elements are properly addressed during the integration of a new party.

Online Abuse

/ˈɒn.laɪn əˈbjus/

Definitions

  1. (n.) The use of digital platforms to harass, threaten, or harm others through offensive or abusive language or behavior.
    The victim filed a complaint after experiencing repeated online abuse on social media.
  2. (n.) Any conduct conducted over the internet that constitutes harassment, bullying, defamation, or intimidation under applicable law.
    Laws are evolving to address various forms of online abuse that affect minors.

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Commentary

Legal definitions of online abuse often depend on context and jurisdiction; careful drafting should specify the types of conduct covered to avoid overbreadth.

Online Arbitration

/ˈɔnˌlaɪn ɑrˌbɪˈtreɪʃən/

Definitions

  1. (n.) A method of dispute resolution conducted via the internet, where parties submit their case to an arbitrator who makes a binding decision.
    The contract included a clause requiring online arbitration to resolve any disputes.

Forms

  • online arbitration
  • online arbitrations

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Commentary

Online arbitration provides a flexible, efficient alternative to traditional arbitration by leveraging digital communication tools, but parties should ensure clarity in procedural rules to avoid jurisdictional or enforceability issues.

Online Contract

/ˈɒnˌlaɪn ˈkɒntrækt/

Definitions

  1. (n.) A legally binding agreement formed over the internet or by electronic means between parties.
    The parties entered into an online contract to purchase the software.

Forms

  • online contract
  • online contracts

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Commentary

Online contracts often rely on digital assent mechanisms; drafting should ensure clear identification of terms and consent to avoid enforceability issues.

Online Court

/ˈɒn.laɪn kɔːrt/

Definitions

  1. (n.) A judicial forum that operates via digital platforms, allowing parties to submit documents, attend hearings, and receive judgments remotely.
    The online court handled small claims cases without requiring physical presence.

Forms

  • online court
  • online courts

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Commentary

Online courts streamline access to justice but require careful attention to digital evidence handling and data privacy.

Online Defamation

/ˈɒnˌlaɪn ˌdɛfəˈmeɪʃən/

Definitions

  1. (n.) The act of publishing false and damaging statements about a person or entity on the internet, capable of harming reputation and subject to legal liability.
    She sued for online defamation after the false review was posted on the website.

Forms

  • online defamation

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Commentary

Online defamation combines traditional defamation principles with digital publication nuances, requiring attention to jurisdiction and platform liability in drafting.

Online Dispute Resolution

/ˈɒn.laɪn dɪsˈpjuːt rɪˈzɒl.ʃən/

Definitions

  1. (n.) The use of digital platforms and technologies to facilitate the resolution of legal disputes without traditional courtroom litigation.
    The parties agreed to resolve their contract dispute through online dispute resolution to save time and costs.

Forms

  • online dispute resolution

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Commentary

Often abbreviated ODR, it is increasingly used in commercial law and consumer disputes for its efficiency and accessibility compared to conventional litigation.

Online Gambling

/ˈɒn.laɪn ˈɡæm.blɪŋ/

Definitions

  1. (n.) The act of wagering money or something of value on games or events via the internet, subject to legal regulation regarding licensing, consumer protection, and jurisdiction.
    Online gambling operators must comply with the regulations of the jurisdiction where they offer services.

Forms

  • online gambling

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Commentary

Legal treatment of online gambling varies significantly by jurisdiction, often focusing on licensing requirements and consumer protections.

Online Gaming

/ˈɒn.laɪn ˈɡeɪ.mɪŋ/

Definitions

  1. (n.) The activity of playing video games over the internet, often regulated under laws concerning digital consumer protection, privacy, and gambling.
    Legislation on online gaming aims to prevent underage gambling and ensure fair play.

Forms

  • online gaming

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Commentary

Legal considerations of online gaming frequently overlap with gambling regulation and data privacy laws due to the interactive and financially transactional nature of many online games.

Online Harassment

/ˈɒnˌlaɪn ˈhærəsmənt/

Definitions

  1. (n.) The use of digital communication platforms to threaten, intimidate, or target an individual repeatedly, causing emotional distress or harm.
    The defendant was charged with online harassment for repeatedly sending threatening messages to the plaintiff.

Forms

  • online harassment

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Commentary

Online harassment often overlaps with cyberbullying and cyberstalking but is distinct in legal contexts by its focus on repeated digital misconduct causing emotional harm.

Online Intermediary Liability

/ˈɒn.laɪn ˌɪn.təˈmiːdiəri laɪəˈbɪləti/

Definitions

  1. (n.) Legal responsibility or exemption of online intermediaries (such as ISPs, hosting providers, or platforms) for unlawful content uploaded by users.
    The court ruled on the scope of online intermediary liability in relation to copyright infringement.
  2. (n.) A regulatory framework defining conditions under which online intermediaries may shield from liability by promptly removing or disabling access to illegal content once notified.
    The new directive set clearer rules governing online intermediary liability for hate speech.

Forms

  • online intermediary liability

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Commentary

The term encompasses both liability and safe harbor aspects; statutory frameworks often seek to balance platform immunity with enforcement duties.

Online Litigation

/ˈɒnˌlaɪn ˌlɪtɪˈɡeɪʃən/

Definitions

  1. (n.) The process of conducting legal disputes or proceedings using internet-based platforms, enabling remote filing, hearings, and document exchange.
    The court adopted online litigation to handle cases during the pandemic.
  2. (n.) A method of dispute resolution facilitated through digital environments that reduces physical presence requirements.
    Online litigation has streamlined case management and improved access to justice.

Forms

  • online litigation

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Commentary

Online litigation enhances accessibility and efficiency but requires careful attention to cybersecurity and procedural fairness.

Online Marketplace

/ˈɒnˌlaɪn ˈmɑːrkɪtˌpleɪs/

Definitions

  1. (n.) A digital platform facilitating commercial transactions between buyers and sellers, often governed by specific regulations on liability and consumer protection.
    The online marketplace was held liable for counterfeit items sold by third-party vendors.

Forms

  • online marketplace
  • online marketplaces

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Commentary

In drafting, clarify the roles and responsibilities of platform operators versus users to address liability and regulatory compliance.

Online Mediation

/ˈɒn.laɪn ˌmiː.diˈeɪ.ʃən/

Definitions

  1. (n.) A form of alternative dispute resolution conducted via internet platforms to facilitate negotiation and settlement between parties without physical presence.
    The contract dispute was resolved efficiently through online mediation, saving time and costs.

Forms

  • online mediation
  • online mediations

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Commentary

Online mediation blends traditional mediation principles with technology, requiring clear procedural rules to address privacy, jurisdiction, and enforceability.

Online Notarization

/ˈɒn.laɪn noʊ.tə.raɪˈzeɪ.ʃən/

Definitions

  1. (n.) The process of performing notarization remotely using electronic means and audiovisual technology to verify identity and witness signatures.
    The state allows online notarization for certain real estate documents to enhance convenience.

Forms

  • online notarization

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Commentary

Online notarization requires compliance with jurisdictional laws governing remote witnessing and identity verification procedures.

Online Payment System

/ˈɒn.laɪn ˈpeɪ.mənt ˈsɪs.təm/

Definitions

  1. (n.) A digital platform or service that enables electronic transfer of funds for purchases or transactions over the internet, governed by consumer protection, data security, and financial regulations.
    The online payment system must comply with data protection laws to ensure user privacy.

Forms

  • online payment system
  • online payment systems

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Commentary

In legal drafting, specify the jurisdictional regulatory framework applicable to ensure clarity on compliance obligations for online payment systems.

Online Platform

/ˈɒn.laɪn ˈplæt.fɔːrm/

Definitions

  1. (n.) A digital service or site facilitating interactions, transactions, or content sharing between users, often subject to regulatory frameworks addressing liability, data protection, and consumer rights.
    The legislature enacted new rules to govern the responsibilities of online platforms operating within the jurisdiction.

Forms

  • online platform
  • online platforms

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Commentary

In legal drafting, clearly define the scope of 'online platform' to distinguish services covered by platform-specific regulations from general internet services.

Online Platform Immunity

/ˈɒnlaɪn ˈplætˌfɔrm ɪˈmjunɪti/

Definitions

  1. (n.) A legal doctrine limiting liability of online service providers for user-generated content under specific statutory provisions, notably Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act in the U.S.
    The court upheld the website's claim to online platform immunity, shielding it from liability for defamatory user posts.

Forms

  • online platform immunity
  • online platform immunities

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Commentary

Online platform immunity typically hinges on statutory language that protects intermediaries from being treated as publishers or speakers of third-party content, crucial to internet law and content moderation policies.

Online Platform Liability

/ˈɒn.laɪn ˈplæt.fɔːrm laɪˈæbɪlɪti/

Definitions

  1. (n.) Legal responsibility of online intermediaries for content or activities conducted through their platforms.
    The court examined the online platform liability of the social media company regarding defamatory posts.

Forms

  • online platform liability

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Commentary

The scope of online platform liability varies by jurisdiction and may depend on factors such as knowledge of illegal content and actions taken to remove it.

Online Service Provider

/ˈɒn.laɪn ˈsɜːr.vɪs prəˈvaɪ.dər/

Definitions

  1. (n.) An entity that offers access to or facilitates use of online platforms, networks, or services, often subject to specific legal responsibilities, such as intermediary liability protections under laws like the DMCA or the E-Commerce Directive.
    The online service provider was required to promptly remove infringing content after receiving notice.

Forms

  • online service provider
  • online service providers

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Commentary

Legal definitions of online service providers often emphasize their role as intermediaries and associated liability limits; definitions may vary by jurisdiction depending on applicable electronic commerce or intellectual property frameworks.

Onlookers

/ˈɒnlʊkərz/

Definitions

  1. (n.) Persons who observe an event without participating, often relevant in legal contexts as witnesses or in assessing liability.
    The onlookers provided crucial testimony about the accident.

Forms

  • onlooker

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Commentary

In legal drafting, distinguishing onlookers from witnesses is key, as onlookers may have observational but not participatory roles in incidents.

Onshore Lending

/ˈɒnˌʃɔːr ˈlɛndɪŋ/

Definitions

  1. (n.) The provision of credit or loans by financial institutions operating within the borrower's domestic jurisdiction under local laws.
    Onshore lending typically involves compliance with the country's regulatory framework and monetary policies.

Forms

  • onshore lending

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Commentary

Onshore lending implies jurisdictional and regulatory proximity, often affecting due diligence and collateral enforcement procedures distinct from offshore arrangements.

Ontology

/ɒnˈtɒlədʒi/

Definitions

  1. (n.) A structured framework for representing concepts, categories, and relationships within legal knowledge systems.
    The legal ontology helped automate contract analysis by categorizing key terms and their relations.
  2. (n.) The philosophical study of the nature of being and existence as it relates to law and legal theory.
    Legal scholars debated the ontology of rights and obligations in jurisprudence.

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Commentary

In legal informatics, ontology refers primarily to formal representations of legal knowledge to enable computation, but it also encompasses philosophical inquiry into the nature of legal entities and their existence.

Onus

/ˈoʊnəs/

Definitions

  1. (n.) A burden of proof or responsibility in a legal context, typically the obligation to prove a fact or to justify an action.
    The onus is on the plaintiff to prove the defendant’s negligence.
  2. (n.) A duty, task, or burden imposed by law or circumstance.
    The onus of compliance rests with the taxpayer.

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Commentary

Often used to designate which party must prove a fact or fulfill an obligation; clarity in specifying the onus in legal documents prevents ambiguity.

Onus Probandi

/ˈoʊnəs proʊˈbændi/

Definitions

  1. (n.) The burden or duty of proving a disputed fact or allegation in a legal proceeding.
    The onus probandi lies with the plaintiff to establish the defendant's negligence.

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Commentary

Onus probandi is a fundamental concept in procedural law defining which party must prove a case's facts; clarity in specifying it in pleadings aids in effective case management.

Glossary – ON Terms