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demembration (dee-mem-bray-sh<<schwa>>n), n. The cutting off of a limb; dismemberment; mutilation. [Blacks Law 8th]

de  melioribus  damnis (dee  mee-lee-or-<<schwa>>-b<<schwa>>s  dam-nis).  [Law Latin]  Of the better damages. • This term  describes a plaintiff’s election  of the  defendant against which to take  judgment  when  the  jury  has  mistakenly  awarded  separate  damages  against  two  or  more defendants for a joint tort. Under these circumstances, the plaintiff could take a judgment against the…

de  medio  (dee  mee-dee-oh),  n.[Law  Latin  “of  mesne”]  Hist.  A  writ  against  a  mesne  (i.e., middle) lord to protect an undertenant from harassment by a paramount lord for rent actually due from the mesne lord. — Also termed writ of mesne. [Blacks Law 8th]

de   medietate   linguae   (dee   mee-dee-<<schwa>>-tay-tee   ling-gwee).   [Law   Latin]   Of half-tongue.  •  This  term  describes  a  jury  made  up  of  an  equal  number  of  natives  and  aliens. Edward III originally provided for such a jury in commercial cases when one party was an alien. It was later extended to criminal cases. If enough aliens could not…

demease (di-meez), n. Hist. Death. See DEMISE(1). [Blacks Law 8th]

demeanor evidence.See EVIDENCE. [Blacks Law 8th]

demeanor.  Outward  appearance  or  behavior,  such  as  facial  expressions,  tone  of  voice, gestures, and  the  hesitation  or readiness to answer questions. • In  evaluating credibility, the jury may consider the witness’s demeanor. [Cases: Witnesses    315. C.J.S. Witnesses § 567.] [Blacks Law 8th]

de  maritagio  amisso  per   defaltam  (dee  mar-<<schwa>>-tay-jee-oh  <<schwa>>-mis-oh p<<schwa>>r d<<schwa>>-fawl-t<<schwa>>m), n.[Law Latin] Hist. A writ available to a tenant of a frankmarriage to regain land lost by default. [Blacks Law 8th]

démarche (day-mahrsh). [French “gait; walk”] An oral or written diplomatic statement, esp. one  containing  a  demand,  offer,  protest,  threat,  or  the  like.  —  Also  spelled  demarche.  See AIDE-MéMOIRE. [Blacks Law 8th]

demarcation line.Int’l law.  A provisional border  having the  function  of separating  territories under  different  jurisdictions,  usu.  established  when  the  political  situation  does  not admit a  final boundary arrangement. — Also termed line of demarcation. [Blacks Law 8th]