Terms starting with "D"

Decree A decree is a formal court order that directs parties to take or refrain from specified actions. The term is often used for orders granting equitable relief, such as injunctions or orders requiring changes in practices. The exact meaning depends on the court and legal context. Defamation Defamation is a civil claim concerning a defamatory falsehood published about someone. Constitutional proof rules depend on the plaintiff: public officials must prove actual malice, public figures face a heightened standard, and private plaintiffs in public-concern cases may recover under state law requiring fault above strict liability, such as negligence. The Court’s cases also distinguish criminal libel statutes from civil defamation suits. Default Judgment Under Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 55, when a party from whom affirmative relief is sought fails to plead or otherwise defend, and that failure is shown, the clerk enters default. A party then seeks a default judgment: the clerk may enter one for a sum certain or computable amount under specified conditions, while other cases require an application to the court, which may hold hearings to determine damages or establish allegations by evidence. Defeat Defeat is a legislative term used to describe bills, votes, committees, debates, oversight, budgets, or lawmaking procedure. Defendant A defendant is the person or entity against whom a plaintiff brings a civil suit, or the person accused of a crime in a criminal case. The term identifies the party facing the civil suit or criminal accusation. Daily Digest The Daily Digest is a section of the Congressional Record that summarizes scheduled congressional activities, committee meetings, and other official business. It helps readers track what Congress plans to do and what occurred during a legislative day. Damages Damages are monetary compensation a court awards to a party that has suffered a legally recognized injury. Different types include compensatory damages, nominal damages, and punitive damages, and the available remedy depends on the claim and applicable law. De Facto De facto describes a condition that exists in practice rather than being established by law. In school-segregation cases, the distinction from de jure segregation turns on purpose or intent: the Court described de facto segregation as arising from actions not associated with the state. De Jure De jure means established or authorized by law. In the school-segregation context, it describes segregation imposed or permitted by state laws, whether or not practices outside the law also shaped conditions. De Novo Review De novo review means a reviewing court considers an issue anew, without deferring to the lower court's conclusion on that issue. Appellate courts often use de novo review for questions of law, while giving more deference to factual findings or discretionary decisions under other standards.