Browse full definitions for every UP term in the Amicus glossary.
/ˈʌpˌbrɪŋɪŋ/
The court considered the child's upbringing when determining the custody arrangement.
Upbringing is often examined in family law to assess the child's best interests and parenting suitability.
The updat to the contract was approved by both parties.
Use the standard spelling 'update' in formal legal documents; 'updat' is considered a variant or typographical form.
/ˈʌp.deɪt/
The attorney updated the contract to reflect the latest regulations.
The judge reviewed the latest update to the case law before rendering a decision.
In legal drafting, 'update' often implies a formal act of revision or supplementation that maintains the accuracy and relevance of legal instruments.
/ˈʌpˌɡreɪd/
The software license included a free upgrade to the latest version.
The parties agreed to upgrade the lease terms to include additional maintenance obligations.
In legal drafting, 'upgrade' often implies negotiated changes improving conditions or rights without necessarily creating a new contract; clarity in scope and effect is essential.
/ʌpˈhoʊld/
The appellate court upheld the lower court’s ruling.
As a past tense form, 'upheld' functions primarily in referencing confirmed legal decisions rather than carrying separate legal meanings.
/ʌpˈhoʊld/
The appellate court upheld the trial court's ruling.
The Supreme Court upheld the constitutionality of the statute.
Commonly used in appellate contexts; 'uphold' indicates agreement with the prior decision, unlike 'reverse' or 'vacate.'
/ˈʌpˌkiːp/
The lease requires the tenant to be responsible for the upkeep of the premises.
In legal contexts, 'upkeep' often implies an obligation to maintain property per contractual or statutory standards, distinguishing it from mere repair or improvement.
/ˈʌpˌlɪft/
The property’s uplift in value after renovation resulted in increased capital gains tax.
The contract included an uplift clause granting the licensor a percentage uplift on profits.
In legal and contractual contexts, 'uplift' often refers to monetary increases either in asset valuation or contractual payments; clarity in drafting uplift clauses avoids ambiguity over calculation methods.
/əˈpɒn/
Upon receipt of the documents, the buyer must notify the seller immediately.
The contract shall become effective upon approval by the board.
In legal drafting, "upon" is commonly used to specify the moment or condition when a legal obligation arises, often interchangeable with "on" but with a slightly more formal tone.
/ˈʌpər/
The upper court issued a ruling that overturned the lower court's decision.
The bill was debated extensively in the upper before passing.
In legal drafting, "upper" is commonly used as an adjective or noun to denote hierarchy, such as "upper court" or "upper house." Its meaning is context-dependent and often relates to rank or authority within institutional frameworks.
/ˈʌpər haʊs/
The bill was approved after review by the upper house.
The term 'upper house' typically contrasts with 'lower house' in bicameral legislatures and denotes a body with distinct powers or membership criteria.
The citizens upris against the oppressive regime.
Use 'uprise' for the base form; 'upris' is an inflected form rarely used alone in legal texts.
/ˈʌpˌraɪz/
The country experienced an uprise following the disputed election.
The term 'uprise' is often used interchangeably with 'uprising' and denotes acts of civil unrest or rebellion; legal documents typically prefer more specific terms such as 'rebellion' or 'insurrection'.
