A certificate granted by a building control authority which certifies compliance, at design stage of non–domestic buildings and apartment blocks, with the requirements of Part M of the Second Schedule to the Building Regulations 1997 to 2009. With the exception of houses and certain agricultural buildings, a Disability Access Certificate is required for all new non-domestic buildings (including apartments and flats), material alterations and extensions to buildings and certain changes of use.
Damages
Damages: Financial compensation ordered by a court to offset losses or suffering caused by another person”s action or inaction. Damages are typically awarded in claims for breach of contract, negligence or breach of statutory duty.
De facto
De facto: (Latin: in fact) Something which exists in fact, though not necessarily approved by law (de jure). A common law spouse may be referred to as a de facto spouse, although not legally married.
De minimis non curat lex
De minimis non curat lex: (Latin: the law does not concern itself with trifles) A common law principle whereby very minor transgressions of the law are disregarded. Under the Consumer Information Act 1978, for example, a description must be false “to a material degree” to constitute an offence.
De novo
De novo: (Latin: anew) Used to refer to a trial which begins all over again, as if any previous partial or complete hearing had not occurred. A District Court appeal is heard by the Circuit Court de novo, with the court considering afresh all the law and facts.
Debtor
Debtor: Person who owes money, goods or services to a creditor. If a court judgment has been registered against the person owing the money, he is known as a judgment debtor.
Decision (EU)
An EU act that is binding on those to whom it is addressed and is directly applicable.
Decision notice
A formal, written, legal document which states the decision made by a planning authority in relationship to an application, usually the result of a planning application including any conditions attached to the permission or in the case of a refusal the detailed reasons for the refusal.
Deed
Deed: Written and signed document which sets out the agreement of the signatories in relation to its contents. Under common law, a deed had to be sealed – marked with an impression in wax. A deed is delivered by handing it to the other person. Usually a deed (or some other written evidence) is required in relation to actions involving land.
Defence
Defence: Response to claim by plaintiff.
