Page 46 - Expert Witness

directed verdict. A ruling by a trial judge taking a case from the jury because the evidence will
permit only one reasonable verdict as a matter of law.

directory tree. A graphical representation of a disk’s contents that shows the branching structure of
directories and subdirectories. Microsoft Windows 95 and 98 Explorer, for example, display a di-
rectory tree.

disaster recovery plan. A written plan with detailed instructions specifying an alternative compu-
ting facility to sue for emergency processing until a destroyed computer can be replaced.

discovery. Compulsory disclosure, at a party’s request, of information that relates to the litigation.
The primary discovery devices are interrogatories, depositions, requests for admissions, and re-
quest for production.

dispute. A conflict or controversy, especially one that has given rise to a particular lawsuit.

dispute resolution services. Consulting services to assist parties with the settlement or determina-
tion of a dispute.

dissolution of marriage. A divorce-like remedy available when both spouses have signed a separa-
tion agreement that deals with (1) the issue of alimony (providing either some or none) and (2) if
there are children, the issues of support, custody, and visitation.

diversity of citizenship. A basis for federal court jurisdiction that exists when (1) a case is between
citizens of different states or a citizen of a state and an alien and (2) the matter in controversy ex-
ceeds a specific value (now $75,000) (Judiciary and Judicial Procedures, USC 28 Section
1332).

domain. In a computer network, a group of computers that are administered as a unit. Network ad-
ministrators are responsible for all the computers in their domain. On the Internet, this term re-
fers to all the computers that are collectively addressable within one of the four parts of an IP ad-
dress. For example, the first part of an IP address specifies the number of a computer network.
All the computers within this network are part of the same domain.

double jeopardy. The fact of being prosecuted or sentenced twice for substantially the same of-
fense.

drill down. In data mining, a method of data exploration and analysis that involves more detailed
examination of the data that produced a summary value or aggregate.

driver. A program designed to operate a specific peripheral, such as a monitor or printer.

due diligence. The diligence reasonably expected from, and ordinarily exercised by, a person who
seeks to satisfy a legal requirement or discharge an obligation.

dumping. (1) The act of selling a large quantity of goods at less than fair value. (2) Selling good
abroad at less than the market price at home.

electronically stored information (ESI). Defined in this practice aid to mean electronically stored
data. See Rule 26(a)(1)(A) of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure and The Sedona Confer-

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