The Law Dictionary

Law Dictionary

D

DEAN

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In English ecclesiastical law. An ecclesiastical dignitary who presides over the chapter of a cathedral, and is next in rank to the bishop. So called from having been originally appointed to superintend ten canons or prebendaries. 1 Bl. Comm. 382; Co. Litt 95; Spelman. There are several kinds of deans, namely: Deans of chapters; deans of peculiars; rural deans; deans in the … [Read more...] about DEAN

DEATH

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The extinction of life; the departure of the soul from the body; defined by physicians as a total stoppage of the circulation of the blood, and a cessation of the animal and vital functions consequent thereon, such as respiration, pulsation, etc. In legal contemplation, it is of two kinds: 1) Natural death, i.e., the extinction of life; 2) Civil death, which is that change in a … [Read more...] about DEATH

DEBATE

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legislation, practice. A contestation between two or more persons, in which they take different sides of a question, and maintain them, respectively, by facts and arguments; or it is a discussion, in writing, of some contested point. 2. The debate should be conducted with fairness, candor and decorum, and supported by facts and arguments founded in reason; when, in addition, it … [Read more...] about DEBATE

DEATH BED

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Scotch law. The incapacity to exercise the power of disposing of one's property after being attacked with a mortal disease. 2. It commences with the beginning of such disease. 3. There are two exceptions to this general rule, namely: 1. If he survive for sixty days after the act or, 2. If he go to kirk or market unattended. He is then said to be in legitima potestate, or in … [Read more...] about DEATH BED