De Novo
A new. A trial de novo is a new trial of a case.
Decedent
The person who died.
Decision
The judgment reached or given by a court of law.
Declaratory Judgment
A judgment of the court that explains what the existing law is or expresses the opinion of the court without the need for enforcement.
Decree
An order of the court. A final decree is one that fully and finally disposes of the litigation. An interlocutory decree is a preliminary order that often disposes of only part of a lawsuit.
Defamation
That which tends to injure a person’s reputation. Libel is published defamation, whereas slander is spoken.
Default
A failure to respond to a lawsuit within the specified time.
Default Judgment
A judgment entered against a party who fails to appear in court or respond to the charges.
Defendant
In a civil case, the person being sued. In a criminal case, the person accused of the crime.
Demurrer
A motion to dismiss a civil case because of the legal insufficiency of a complaint.