Legal Terms Starting with D
Damages
Monetary compensation awarded to a party who has suffered loss, injury, or harm as a result of another's wrongful conduct.
Civil LitigationDecree
A formal court order or judgment, particularly in equity cases such as divorce or foreclosure proceedings.
Court ProcedureDeed
A legal document transferring ownership of real property from one party to another, executed and delivered with proper formalities.
Real EstateDefamation
False statements communicated to third parties that harm another's reputation, including libel (written) and slander (spoken).
Tort LawDefault Judgment
A binding judgment entered in favor of the plaintiff when the defendant fails to respond or appear in court.
Civil ProcedureDefendant
The party against whom a lawsuit is filed or criminal charges are brought in a legal proceeding.
Legal PartiesDeposition
Sworn out-of-court testimony taken during discovery, recorded for use at trial or to gather information before trial.
Civil ProcedureDiscovery
The pre-trial process where parties exchange information and evidence relevant to the case through various legal mechanisms.
Civil ProcedureDiscrimination
Unfair treatment based on protected characteristics such as race, gender, age, religion, or disability in violation of law.
Employment LawDivorce
The legal dissolution of a marriage by court order, terminating the marital relationship and dividing assets and responsibilities.
Family LawDocket
A court's calendar of scheduled cases or the official record of proceedings in a particular case.
Court AdministrationDue Diligence
Comprehensive investigation and evaluation of a business, property, or investment before entering into an agreement or transaction.
Business LawDue Process
Constitutional guarantee that legal proceedings will be fair and individuals will receive notice and opportunity to be heard.
Constitutional LawDurable Power of Attorney
A legal document authorizing someone to make decisions on your behalf that remains valid even if you become incapacitated.
Estate PlanningDuress
Unlawful pressure or coercion forcing someone to act against their will, potentially invalidating contracts or confessions.
Contract LawDuty of Care
The legal obligation to exercise reasonable care to avoid causing harm to others, fundamental to negligence claims.
Tort LawDeductible
An amount that must be paid out of pocket before insurance coverage begins or tax benefits apply.
Insurance LawDefendant in Error
The party who prevailed in the lower court and defends that judgment on appeal, also called appellee or respondent.
Appellate LawDeliberation
The jury's discussion and consideration of evidence in private to reach a verdict after trial concludes.
Trial PracticeDiminished Capacity
A mental state that reduces criminal culpability though not rising to the level of legal insanity.
Criminal LawDirect Examination
The initial questioning of a witness by the party who called them to testify, establishing their testimony and evidence.
Trial PracticeDisability
A physical or mental impairment that substantially limits major life activities, protected under employment and civil rights laws.
Civil RightsDisbarment
The permanent revocation of an attorney's license to practice law due to serious ethical violations or misconduct.
Professional EthicsDischarge
The release from legal obligations, such as debt elimination in bankruptcy or termination from employment.
Bankruptcy LawDisclaimer
A statement denying legal responsibility or renouncing rights, claims, or property interests.
General Legal Terms