Legal glossary for court interpreters

D

Damages

Money awarded by a court to a person injured by the unlawful act or negligence of another person.

Debtor

One who owes a debt to another; a person filing for relief under theBankruptcy Code.

Decision

The opinion of the court in concluding a case at law.

Declaratory judgment

A statutory remedy for judicial determination of a controversy where plaintiff is in doubt about his/her legal rights.

Decree

An order of the court. A final decree is one that fully and finally disposes of the litigation. (See interlocutory.)

Defamation

That which tends to injure a person's reputation. (See libel and slander.)

Default

Failure of the defendant to appear and answer the summons and complaint.

Default judgment

A judgment entered against a party who fails to appear in court or respond to the charges.

Defendant

The person defending or denying a suit.

Defense of property

Affirmative defense in criminal law or tort law where force was used to protect one's property.

Deficient

Incomplete; defective; not sufficient in quantity or force.

Defunct

A corporation no longer operative; having ceased to exist.

Demurrer

A pleading filed by the defendant that the complaint as filed is not sufficient to require an answer.

Dependent

One who derives existence and support from another.

Deposition

Testimony of a witness or a party taken under oath outside the courtroom, the transcript of which becomes a part of the court's file.

Digest

An index or compilation of abstracts of reported cases into one, set forth under proper law topic headings or titles and usually in alphabetical arrangement.

Direct evidence

Proof of facts by witnesses who saw acts done or heard words spoken.

Direct examination

The first questioning of witnesses by the party on whose behalf they are called.

Directed verdict

In a case in which the plaintiff has failed to present on the facts of his case proper evidence for jury consideration, the trial judge may order the entry of a verdict without allowing the jury to consider it.

Disbarment

Form of discipline of a lawyer resulting in the loss (often permanently) of that lawyer's right to practice law. (See censure or suspension.)