Glossary Law
There are 13 names in this directory beginning with the letter D.
De facto corporation
A company which operates as if it were a corporation although it has not completed the legal steps to become incorporated (has not filed its articles, for example) or has been dissolved or suspended but continues to function.
Death row
Nickname for that portion of a prison in which prisoners are housed who are under death sentences and are awaiting appeals and/or potential execution.
Deception
The act of misleading another through intentionally false statements or fraudulent actions.
Deed
The written document which transfers title (ownership) or an interest in real property to another person.
Defective
Not being capable of fulfilling its function, ranging from a deed of land to a piece of equipment.
Delegate
1) To assign authority to another. 2) A person chosen to attend a convention, conference or meeting on behalf of an organization, constituency, interest group or business.
Demand
1) To claim as a need, requirement or entitlement, as in to demand payment or performance under a contract. In a lawsuit for payment of a debt or performance of an act, the party suing (plaintiff) should allege that he/she/it demanded payment or performance. 2) A claim, such as an unqualified request for payment or other action. 3) The amount requested by a plaintiff (usually in writing) during negotiations to settle a lawsuit.
Dependent
1) A person receiving support from another person (such as a parent), which may qualify the party supporting the dependent for an exemption to reduce his/her income taxes. 2) Requiring an event to occur, as the fulfillment of a contract is dependent on the expert being available.
Disclaimer
1) Denial or renunciation by someone of his/her title to property. 2) Denial of responsibility for another’s claim, such as an insurance company’s refusal to admit coverage under an insurance policy. 3) Statement of non-responsibility, as is made when dissolving a partnership or business.
Dower
An old English common law right of a widow to one-third of her late husband’s estate, which is still the law in a few states in the US.
