The Law Dictionary

Law Dictionary

D

DEFECT

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Flawed. Lacking. Insufficient. 1. The want of something required by law. 2. It is a general rule that pleadings shall have these two requisites; 1. A matter sufficient in law. 2. That it be deduced and expressed according to the forms of law. The want of either of these is a defect. 3. Defects in matters of substance cannot be cured, because it does not appear that the … [Read more...] about DEFECT

DEFENDER OF THE FAITH

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A peculiar title belonging to the sovereign of England, as that of "Catholic" to the king of Spain, and that of "Most Christian" to the king of France. These titles were originally given by the popes of Rome; and that of Defensor Fidei was first conferred by Pope Leo X. on King Henry VIII., as a reward for writing against Martin Luther; and the bull for it bears date quinto … [Read more...] about DEFENDER OF THE FAITH

DEFECT OF PARTIES

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In pleading and practice. Insufficiency of the parties before a court in any given proceeding to give it jurisdiction and authority to decide the controversy arising from the omission or failure to join plaintiffs or defendants who should have been brought in. It is never applied to a superfluity of parties or the improper addition of plaintiffs or defendants. … [Read more...] about DEFECT OF PARTIES