DIRECT CONTEMPT Contempt committed in the presence of the
judge presiding in court or so near the
judge as to interrupt the court’s
proceedings.
DIRECT EVIDENCE 1. Evidence which, if believed, proves the
fact without inference or presumption. 2.
Evidence not circumstantial, e.g.,
eyewitness testimony.
DIRECT EXAMINATION Questioning of one’s own witness at trial
who afterwards is subject to cross
examination. Ordinarily direct examination
precludes the use of leading questions.
Compare, CROSS EXAMINATION.
DISABILITY 1. Any physical, mental or neurological
impairment which severely restricts a
person's mobility, manual dexterity or
ability to climb stairs; substantial loss of
sight or hearing; loss of one or more limbs
or use thereof; or significantly diminished
reasoning capacity. 2. Incapacity because
of injury to earn the wages which the
employee was receiving at the time of
injury in the same or other employment,
which incapacity and the extent thereof
must be supported by medical findings.
DISCOVERY Procedures whereby each party, to avoid
unfair surprise at trial, may discover
beforehand certain information accessible
to the opposition. Examples of discovery
in civil cases includes depositions, written
interrogatories, production of documents or
things, and admissions.
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