771. Deposition

official statement by a witness taken in writing (as opposed to testimony which where a witnesses give their perception of the facts verbally)

772. Deportation

the removal of a foreign national under immigration laws for reasons such as illegal entry or conduct dangerous to the public welfare

773. Denial

the act of opposing or otherwise refusing a claim or request

774. Demurrer

a mostly obsolete motion put to a trial judge after the plaintiff has completed his or her case, in which the defendant, while not objecting to the facts presented, and rather than responding by a full defense, asks the court to reject the petition right then and there because of a lack of basis in law or insufficiency of the evidence

775. Demurrage

term of maritime law which refers to the damages payable by a ship charterer, to the ship owner, as compensation for lost time; where a chartered ship is not returned to the owner on a specified date

776. Democracy

form of government in which the people freely govern themselves; where the executive (or administrative) and law-making (or legislative) power is given to persons chosen by the population; the free people

777. De Minimis Non Curat Lex

Latin, a common law principle whereby judges will not sit in judgment of extremely minor transgressions of law

778. Demand Letter

a letter from a lawyer, on behalf a client, that demands payments or some other action, which is allegedly due or in default

779. Delusion

a firm yet irrational belief and which may affect an individual's capacity to contract

780. Delict

civil law term which imposes liability on a person who causes injury to another, or for injury caused by a person or thing under his custody