Department of Youth Rehabilitation Services (DYRS)
The city agency that is responsible for secure detention of youth, and for rehabilitation of those committed to its care.
Deposition
Testimony of a witness that is taken outside of the courtroom and is transcribed so that it can be used in discovery and in the courtroom.
Descent and Distribution Statutes
State laws that provide for the distribution of estate property of a person who dies without a will. Same as intestacy laws.
Detention Center
A locked, fully-secure facility to house juveniles, protecting the community as well as protecting them from harm to themselves or others.
Direct Evidence
Evidence that is based on something a person knows or saw happen that, if true, proves a fact.
Direct Examination
The first questioning of witnesses by the party on whose behalf they are called.
Directed Verdict
Now called judgment as a matter of law. It occurs when the judge instructs the jury to return a specific verdict.
Disbarment
A form of discipline of a lawyer resulting in the loss (often permanently) of that lawyer's right to practice law.
Disclaim
To refuse a gift made in a will.
Discovery
The pretrial process by which one party learns information from the opposing party that is related to the litigation.