In English law. That portion of the effects of a deceased person which, by the custom of London and York, is allowed to the administrator; being, where the deceased leaves a widow and children, one third; where he leaves only a widow or only children, one half; and, where he leaves neither, the whole. This portion the administrator was wont to apply to his own use, till the … [Read more...] about DEAD MAN'S PART
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DE SON TORT
L. Fr. Of his own wrong. A stranger who takes upon him to act as an executor without any just authority is called an "executor of his own wrong," (de son tort.) 2 Bl. Comm. 507 ; 2 Steph. Comm. 244. … [Read more...] about DE SON TORT
DE VASTO
Writ of waste. A writ which might be brought by him who had the immediate estate of Inheritance in reversion or remainder, against the tenant for life, in dower, by curtesy, or for years, where the latter had committed waste in lands; calling upon the tenant to appear and show cause why he committed waste and destruction in the place named, to the disinherison (ad … [Read more...] about DE VASTO
DEAD MANS STATUTE
Law of Evidence: Rule of law that prevents a person who sues an estate from also testifying as to representations made by the deceased person concerning the claim, including promises, conversations or acts. … [Read more...] about DEAD MANS STATUTE
DE SON TORT DEMESNE
Of his own wrong, pleading. The name of a replication in an action for a wrong or injury. When the defendant pleads a matter merely in excuse of an injury to the person or reputation of another, the plaintiff may reply de son tort demesne sans tiel cause; that it was the defendant's own wrong without such cause. … [Read more...] about DE SON TORT DEMESNE