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• n  (law) a document that states some contractual relationship or grants some right

• legal document
• official document
• instrument

News & Articles

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• Letter: The War on Whistle-Blowers
  Tim Weiner claims that Edward Snowden has not been accused of espionage, only of leaking secrets (“Genuine Crusaders Don’t Flee; They Fight,” July 1). Strictly speaking, this is true, but Weiner surely knows that the Espionage Act, under which Snowden has been charged, is a blunt legal instrument that allows prosecutors to pile on charges as needed to silence whistle-blowers.
  July 5, 2013 - Valley News