Legal terms starting with D

Money awarded by a court to compensate a party for losses caused by a breach or wrongdoing.

The process of determining how much money a harmed party should receive for a breach.

A contract limit on the maximum amount one party can recover in damages if the other party breaches.

A person's likelihood of committing future crimes or harming others, used in bail and sentencing decisions.

Physical force intended or likely to cause death or serious bodily injury.

A false statement that damages someone's reputation and causes real harm.

The person accused of a crime in a criminal case or sued in a civil case.

A lawyer who represents a person accused of a crime in court.

Handing off your contract duties to someone else to perform.

Assigning your contractual responsibilities to another person.

A formal out-of-court questioning of a witness or party under oath, with a transcript recorded.

Extreme recklessness showing a wanton disregard for human life, often used in murder charges.

Something a party gives up or agrees to do as part of a contract exchange.

A gift of real property, such as land or a house, made through a will.

A party's legal right to reject or cancel a contract, typically available to minors.

The release of a party from their contractual obligations.

The release of both parties from their contractual obligations.

A legal refusal by a beneficiary to accept an inheritance or gift.

A statement that removes or limits the automatic guarantees a seller would otherwise provide.

The legal process where parties exchange information and evidence before trial.

A minor criminal offense involving behavior that disturbs public peace or safety.

The process and methods parties use to settle disagreements arising from a contract.

The legal dissolution of a marriage, ending the spouses' rights and responsibilities to each other.

A contract is excused when unforeseen events make its purpose impossible to achieve.

A party is excused from contract performance when it becomes physically or legally impossible.

Performance is excused when it becomes extremely difficult or expensive due to unforeseen events.

A contract may be voided or reformed when both parties made a fundamental error about key facts.

A contract may be modified or excused when circumstances change dramatically after signing.

Criminal conduct involving abuse between intimate partners, family members, or household members.

A third party who receives the benefit of a contract as a gift.

Being prosecuted or punished twice for the same crime, which the Fifth Amendment forbids.

Legal responsibility of bars or stores for harm caused by serving alcohol to intoxicated people.

The constitutional right to fair legal procedures and treatment by the government.

Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, a serious criminal offense.

Forcing someone to sign a contract through threats or coercion.