Legal Glossary
Understanding legal terms simplified
DACA
DACA stands for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, a U.S. federal policy that protects certain undocumented immigrants who came to the country as children from deportation and grants them work permits.
Damages
Damages are the money a court orders one party to pay another to make up for the harm or loss they caused.
Deductible
A deductible is the fixed amount of money you must pay out-of-pocket for a covered car repair or claim before your auto insurance company begins to pay.
Deed
In California, a deed is the official legal document used to transfer the ownership of real estate (like a house or land) from one person or entity to another.
Defendant
A defendant is the person or entity being sued in a civil lawsuit or accused of a crime in a criminal case.
Deportation
Deportation is when the U.S. government legally requires a non-citizen to leave the country and return to their home country or another country. This process is handled by the federal government, not specifically by California state law.
Deposition
A deposition is sworn testimony given by a witness or party outside of court, before a trial, to gather information for the case.
Diminished Value
In California auto insurance, Diminished Value refers to the reduction in a vehicle's market worth after it has been repaired from an accident, simply because it now has a damage history.
Discovery
Discovery is the formal pre-trial process in a lawsuit where opposing sides exchange information and evidence to prepare their cases.
Discrimination
In California, employment discrimination is when an employer unfairly treats an individual in work-related decisions, like hiring or firing, because of their race, gender, age, or other protected personal trait, instead of their job qualifications.
Due Process
Определение: Due Process ensures that the government must follow fair procedures and give you a chance to be heard before it can take away your rights, freedom, or possessions.