Legal Glossary
Find clear meanings for important legal terms, expressions and principles.
Glossary – Letter D
DOMESTIC ANIMAL
An animal that is customarily owned or used by people.
DOMESTIC DOCUMENT
An official record, or entry in it, kept within the United States or any state, district, commonwealth, territory, etc.
DOMICILE
One’s primary place of abode and to which, upon a departure therefrom, there is a present intention of returning.
DOUBLE JEOPARDY
Constitutional protections prohibiting: a second prosecution after acquittal; a second prosecution after conviction; and multiple punishments for the same offense. In Mississippi, jeopardy attaches when a jury is empaneled and sworn, or for a non-jury trial, when the first witness is sworn.
DRUG
Any substance recognized or designated as a drug by law. Such would include controlled substances and over-the-counter medicines.
DUE PROCESS
Rules of procedure necessary to ensure a fair and just trial.
DURANTE VIVA
Latin: “During life.”
DWELLING HOUSE
A structure where one lives or where one intends to live.