DA glossary terms

Browse full definitions for every DA term in the Amicus glossary.

Dactyloscopy

/dækˈtɪlɒskəpi/

Definitions

  1. (n.) The forensic science of identifying individuals based on their fingerprint patterns.
    The detective relied on dactyloscopy to match the suspect's fingerprints at the crime scene.

Forms

  • dactyloscopy

Commentary

Dactyloscopy is primarily used in criminal investigations for personal identification and is a key component of biometrics in legal contexts.


Damag

/ˈdæmɪdʒ/

Definitions

  1. (n.) Harm or injury to a person or property recognized by law as grounds for a lawsuit.
    The plaintiff claimed damages for the breach of contract.

Forms

  • damages

Commentary

Damag is an archaic or variant spelling of damage; in legal contexts, prefer using the standard form "damage."


Damage

/ˈdæmɪdʒ/

Definitions

  1. (n.) Monetary compensation awarded by a court to a person who has suffered loss or injury.
    The plaintiff sought damages for the breach of contract.
  2. (n.) Harm or injury to property, reputation, or person caused by wrongful act.
    The accident caused significant damage to the vehicle.
  3. (v.) To cause harm or injury to a person or property, affecting value or usefulness.
    The defendant was accused of damaging the plaintiff's property.

Forms

  • damages
  • damaging
  • damaged

Commentary

In legal contexts, 'damage' as a noun usually refers to monetary compensation awarded, often pluralized as 'damages,' while as a verb it denotes causing harm. Distinguishing between damages (monetary award) and damage (harm itself) is important.


Damage Assessment

/ˈdæmɪdʒ əˈsɛsmənt/

Definitions

  1. (n.) The systematic evaluation and quantification of harm or loss resulting from an event, often used in legal contexts to determine liability or compensation.
    The court ordered a damage assessment to establish the amount owed to the injured party.

Forms

  • damage assessment
  • damage assessments

Commentary

Damage assessments are critical in litigation involving compensation claims, requiring clear and objective criteria to establish the extent of harm.


Damage Awards

/ˈdæmɪdʒ ɔːrdz/

Definitions

  1. (n.) Monetary compensation awarded by a court to a plaintiff for loss or injury suffered due to the defendant's actions.
    The jury granted substantial damage awards to the injured party after the trial.

Forms

  • damage award

Commentary

Damage awards typically quantify the financial remedy for harm, and may vary depending on whether they are compensatory or punitive.


Damage Calculation

/ˈdæmɪdʒ ˌkælkjʊˈleɪʃən/

Definitions

  1. (n.) The process of quantifying monetary compensation for harm or loss caused by a party's wrongful act or breach of duty.
    The court conducted a damage calculation to determine fair compensation for the plaintiff's injury.

Forms

  • damage calculations

Commentary

Damage calculation is crucial in determining the financial remedy in civil litigation and requires careful assessment of causation and extent of loss.


Damage Cap

/ˈdæmɪdʒ kæp/

Definitions

  1. (n.) A contractual or statutory provision that limits the amount of monetary damages one party can recover from another.
    The contract included a damage cap of $100,000 to limit liability.

Forms

  • damage caps

Commentary

Damage caps are often negotiated to balance risk and encourage settlement; precise drafting is critical to avoid ambiguity about scope and applicability.


Damage Evaluation

/ˈdæmɪdʒ ˌɛvəˈluːeɪʃən/

Definitions

  1. (n.) The process of assessing the extent and monetary value of harm or loss suffered, typically for legal claims or insurance purposes.
    The damage evaluation determined the compensation amount owed to the plaintiff.

Forms

  • damage evaluations

Commentary

Often conducted by experts, damage evaluation is crucial for quantifying losses to support claims in litigation or insurance; precise documentation enhances enforceability of awards.


Damage Quantification

/ˈdæmɪdʒ ˌkwɒntɪfɪˈkeɪʃən/

Definitions

  1. (n.) The process of assessing and calculating the monetary value of harm or loss caused by a breach of contract, tort, or other legal wrong.
    The expert witness provided a detailed damage quantification to support the claimant's compensation claim.

Forms

  • damage quantification

Commentary

Damage quantification is crucial in determining accurate and just compensation; precision and reliance on evidentiary support enhance enforceability.


Damages Award

/ˈdæmɪdʒɪz əˈwɔːrd/

Definitions

  1. (n.) A monetary sum granted by a court to compensate a claimant for loss or injury.
    The court granted a damages award for the plaintiff’s medical expenses.

Forms

  • damages award
  • damages awards

Commentary

Damages awards quantify monetary relief in civil claims, often distinguished by type (e.g., compensatory or punitive). Drafting should specify the basis and measure of damages clearly.


Damages Calculation

/ˈdæmɪdʒɪz ˌkælkjʊˈleɪʃən/

Definitions

  1. (n.) The process of determining the monetary compensation owed for loss or injury in a legal dispute.
    The judge ordered a damages calculation before awarding compensation to the plaintiff.

Commentary

Precise damages calculation is critical for ensuring fair remedy; formulaic approaches vary by jurisdiction and type of harm.


Damnation

/ˌdæmˈneɪʃən/

Definitions

  1. (n.) The state of being condemned by law or divine judgment, often implying severe punishment or ruin.
    The defendant feared damnation as a consequence of his fraudulent acts.

Commentary

In legal contexts, 'damnation' may be used metaphorically to describe extreme condemnation or ruin, often with moral or religious overtones; care should be taken to distinguish literal religious usage from legal condemnation.


Damnum

/ˈdam.nʊm/

Definitions

  1. (n.) Legal term referring to harm, loss, or damage, especially as grounds for a claim in tort or contract law.
    The plaintiff sought compensation for the damnum suffered due to the defendant's negligence.

Commentary

Damnum typically appears in the phrase "damnum injuria suum cuique tribuat," a foundational principle addressing loss and legal redress.


Danger

/ˈdeɪndʒər/

Definitions

  1. (n.) The possibility of harm, injury, or adverse legal consequences.
    The plaintiff argued that the construction site posed a danger to the public.
  2. (n.) A circumstance or condition that threatens the violation of a legal right or the breach of duty.
    The court recognized the danger of prejudicing the jury if certain evidence was admitted.

Commentary

In legal contexts, 'danger' often relates to potential harm influencing liability assessments or evidentiary decisions; careful drafting distinguishes between physical danger and legal risks.


Danger Evaluation

/ˈdeɪndʒər ˌɛvəˈluːeɪʃən/

Definitions

  1. (n.) The systematic assessment of potential legal or regulatory hazards associated with an activity or situation.
    The contract required a thorough danger evaluation before proceeding with construction.

Forms

  • danger evaluation
  • danger evaluations

Commentary

In legal contexts, 'danger evaluation' typically informs risk management and compliance, focusing on identifying liabilities and regulatory concerns rather than general safety analysis.


Danger Invites Rescue

/ˈdeɪndʒər ɪnˈvaɪts ˈrɛskju/

Definitions

  1. (n.) A legal doctrine stating that a person who knowingly places themselves in danger cannot claim damages or liability for rescue attempts arising from that danger.
    Under the principle of danger invites rescue, the rescuer assumed the risk inherent in the emergency situation.

Forms

  • danger invites rescue

Commentary

This doctrine often limits liability for rescuers and encourages aid during emergencies by weighing the plaintiff's own negligence in creating the danger.


Danger to Others

/ˈdeɪndʒər tuː ˈʌðərz/

Definitions

  1. (n.) A legal concept assessing risk posed by an individual to third parties, often used in contexts of public safety and criminal responsibility.
    The court evaluated the defendant's danger to others before determining bail eligibility.

Forms

  • danger to others

Commentary

This term frequently arises in risk assessment and criminal law contexts, highlighting potential harm a defendant may pose beyond themselves.


Danger to Self

/ˈdeɪn.dʒɚ tuː sɛlf/

Definitions

  1. (n.) A condition in which an individual poses a risk of serious harm or injury to themselves, often used as a legal justification for involuntary psychiatric commitment or intervention.
    The court ordered hospitalization due to the defendant being a danger to self.

Forms

  • danger to self

Commentary

The term commonly appears in mental health law and is pivotal in balancing individual liberty against public safety concerns.


Dangerous Goods

/ˈdeɪndʒərəs ɡʊdz/

Definitions

  1. (n.) Substances or articles that pose a risk to health, safety, property, or the environment during transport and are regulated by laws governing hazardous materials.
    The shipment was delayed because it contained dangerous goods requiring special handling.

Forms

  • dangerous goods

Commentary

The term 'dangerous goods' primarily arises in transportation and environmental law; precise classification depends on regulatory frameworks like the UN Model Regulations or national legislation.


Dangerous Goods Regulations

/ˈdeɪndʒərəs ɡʊdz ˌrɛɡjʊˈleɪʃənz/

Definitions

  1. (n.) A set of legally mandated rules governing the classification, packaging, labeling, handling, and transportation of hazardous materials to ensure safety and security.
    The airline strictly adheres to the Dangerous Goods Regulations when shipping chemicals.

Forms

  • dangerous goods regulations
  • dangerous goods regulation

Commentary

Typically issued by regulatory authorities such as the International Air Transport Association (IATA), these regulations are critical for compliance and risk management in logistics and transport law.


Dangerousness

/ˈdeɪndʒərəsnəs/

Definitions

  1. (n.) The quality or state of being likely to cause harm, injury, or damage, particularly relevant in assessments of threat or risk in legal settings.
    The court considered the defendant's dangerousness before deciding on bail.

Forms

  • dangerousness

Commentary

In legal contexts, 'dangerousness' is often evaluated to determine conditions for pretrial release, sentencing, or civil commitment. Clear criteria for assessing dangerousness help ensure fair treatment and public protection.


Dark Money

/ˈdɑrk ˌmʌn.i/

Definitions

  1. (n.) Funds given to nonprofit organizations that can spend money on political campaigns without disclosing their donors' identities.
    The campaign was influenced by dark money contributions that remained anonymous.

Forms

  • dark money

Commentary

Dark money involves legal loopholes allowing anonymity, making transparency debates central in political law and campaign finance reform efforts.


Dark Pool

/ˈdɑrk pul/

Definitions

  1. (n.) A private financial forum or exchange for trading securities not accessible to the general public and often used to execute large orders anonymously to avoid market impact.
    Institutional investors use dark pools to trade large blocks of shares without revealing their intentions to the public markets.

Forms

  • dark pool
  • dark pools

Commentary

Dark pools raise regulatory concerns about market transparency and fairness, requiring careful legal and compliance frameworks.


Dash

/dæʃ/

Definitions

  1. (n.) A punctuation mark (—) used to indicate a break or range, often in legal documents to clarify language.
    The contract dates are specified as June 1—July 31 in the agreement.
  2. (v.) To strike or move swiftly, sometimes referring to a sudden act in legal contexts like a dash to escape or seize.
    The defendant made a dash for the exit, which was noted in the police report.

Forms

  • dash
  • dashes
  • dashing
  • dashed

Commentary

In legal drafting, the dash clarifies clauses or denotes ranges; precision in punctuation aids in avoiding ambiguity.


Dat

/dæt/

Definitions

  1. (n.) An abbreviation for "deed against title," a legal document pertaining to property ownership disputes.
    The parties reviewed the dat to resolve the conflicting claims on the land.
  2. (abbr.) Abbreviation for "data acquisition tool" used in legal case management.
    The lawyer used the dat to efficiently gather evidence from electronic records.

Commentary

Rarely encountered outside specialized property law or legal technology contexts; clarify abbreviation in drafting.


Data

/ˈdeɪtə/

Definitions

  1. (n.) Factual information used as evidence or for analysis in legal contexts, such as electronic records or research findings.
    The attorney requested access to the defendant's electronic data for examination.
  2. (n.) Information protected under data privacy laws regulating collection, use, and disclosure.
    Companies must comply with data protection regulations to safeguard personal data.

Commentary

In legal drafting, 'data' often requires contextual specification to distinguish between general information and regulated personal data.


Data Access

/ˈdeɪtə ˈæk.ses/

Definitions

  1. (n.) The right or opportunity to view, retrieve, or use data, especially as governed by legal or contractual provisions.
    The company's policy on data access restricts who may view customer information.
  2. (n.) The mechanism or method by which data is retrieved or obtained in legal or technological contexts.
    The software provides secure data access to authorized users only.

Commentary

In legal drafting, clarify whether 'data access' refers to a right or a technical method to avoid ambiguity.


Data Acquisition

/ˈdeɪtə ˌækwəˈzɪʃən/

Definitions

  1. (n.) The process of legally obtaining or collecting data, documents, or information for use in litigation, investigation, or compliance.
    The lawyer emphasized the importance of proper data acquisition to preserve electronic evidence.

Commentary

Ensure the process follows applicable laws and protocols to maintain the admissibility of the data as evidence.


Data Aggregation

/ˈdeɪtə ˌæɡrɪˈɡeɪʃən/

Definitions

  1. (n.) The process of collecting and compiling data from various sources for analysis, often used in legal contexts to identify patterns, enforce compliance, or support litigation.
    The law firm utilized data aggregation to uncover trends in regulatory violations.

Commentary

In legal contexts, data aggregation is crucial for compliance and evidence synthesis; care must be taken to respect data privacy laws during aggregation.


Data Analysis

/ˈdeɪtə əˈnælɪsɪs/

Definitions

  1. (n.) The systematic examination and interpretation of data to support legal decision-making, compliance, or case strategy.
    The attorney used data analysis to identify patterns in client records relevant to the case.

Forms

  • data analysis
  • data analyses

Commentary

In legal contexts, data analysis often serves to uncover evidence or verify compliance, making accuracy and methodological rigor crucial.


Data Analytics

/ˈdeɪ.tə əˈnæl.ɪ.tɪks/

Definitions

  1. (n.) The process of examining and interpreting data to inform legal decisions, risk assessment, or compliance monitoring.
    Data analytics helped the law firm identify patterns of fraud in the plaintiff's financial records.

Forms

  • data analytics

Commentary

In legal contexts, data analytics often supports evidence evaluation, case strategy, and regulatory compliance but should be carefully vetted for admissibility and privacy compliance.


Data Anonymization

/ˈdeɪtə ˌænəˌnɪməˈzeɪʃən/

Definitions

  1. (n.) The process of removing or obscuring personal identifiers in data sets to protect individual privacy and comply with data protection laws.
    The company implemented data anonymization techniques to share research data without violating privacy regulations.

Forms

  • data anonymizations

Commentary

Data anonymization is critical in legal compliance to balance data utility and privacy, often distinguished from pseudonymization by the irreversibility of identifying data removal.


Data Approximation

/ˈdeɪtə əˌprɒksɪˈmeɪʃən/

Definitions

  1. (n.) The process or technique of producing data that closely represents or estimates original information when exact data cannot be obtained or disclosed, often for purposes of privacy or compliance.
    The company used data approximation to provide statistical insights without revealing sensitive personal information.

Commentary

Data approximation is frequently used in legal contexts involving data privacy regulations to balance information utility and confidentiality.


Data Breach

/ˈdeɪtə briːtʃ/

Definitions

  1. (n.) An incident where unauthorized access to or disclosure of sensitive, protected, or confidential data occurs.
    The company suffered a data breach that exposed customer information.
  2. (n.) A violation of data security policies or laws resulting in loss or compromise of data integrity, confidentiality, or availability.
    Regulators impose fines following a data breach affecting consumer privacy.

Forms

  • data breaches

Commentary

The term commonly refers to both accidental and intentional unauthorized data disclosures; legal definitions may differ slightly by jurisdiction and context.


Data Breach Notification

/ˈdeɪtə britʃ ˌnoʊtɪfɪˈkeɪʃən/

Definitions

  1. (n.) A legal requirement for organizations to inform affected individuals and regulatory bodies promptly after unauthorized access or exposure of personal or sensitive data.
    The company issued a data breach notification within 72 hours of discovering the attack.

Forms

  • data breach notification
  • data breach notifications

Commentary

Important to specify timing and scope requirements, as statutes vary on when and how notices must be sent.


Data Breach Notification Law

/ˈdeɪtə briːtʃ ˌnoʊtɪfɪˈkeɪʃən lɔː/

Definitions

  1. (n.) Legislation requiring entities to inform individuals and authorities upon unauthorized access to personal or sensitive data.
    The company complied with the data breach notification law by alerting affected customers within 72 hours.

Forms

  • data breach notification law
  • data breach notification laws

Commentary

Typically mandates strict timelines and specific content for notifications; varies significantly by jurisdiction.


Data Collection

/ˈdeɪtə kəˈlɛkʃən/

Definitions

  1. (n.) The process of gathering information or evidence for legal or regulatory purposes.
    The attorney emphasized the importance of accurate data collection during the investigation.
  2. (n.) The procedure of obtaining and recording data to support compliance with legal standards or to build a case.
    Data collection under privacy laws must adhere to strict consent requirements.

Commentary

In legal contexts, data collection may require adherence to specific standards to ensure admissibility and compliance with privacy laws.


Data Compression

/ˈdeɪtə kəmˈprɛʃən/

Definitions

  1. (n.) The process of encoding information using fewer bits to reduce storage space or transmission time in compliance with data handling regulations.
    The contract specified the required standards for data compression to ensure confidentiality during transmission.

Commentary

In legal contexts, data compression relates to obligations regarding data handling, privacy, and intellectual property protection rather than technical aspects alone.


Data Confidentiality

/ˈdeɪtə ˌkɒnfɪˌdɛnʃiˈælɪti/

Definitions

  1. (n.) The principle or practice of ensuring that sensitive or proprietary information is accessible only to authorized individuals or entities, preventing unauthorized disclosure.
    The data confidentiality agreement restricts sharing client information with third parties.

Forms

  • data confidentiality

Commentary

Data confidentiality is a core aspect of information security policies and legal frameworks regulating information sharing and privacy.


Data Controller

/ˈdeɪtə kənˈtroʊlər/

Definitions

  1. (n.) A person or entity that determines the purposes and means of processing personal data.
    The data controller must ensure compliance with data protection laws.

Forms

  • data controllers

Commentary

The role of a data controller is central in privacy legislation such as the GDPR, requiring clear identification and accountability for data handling.


Data Conversion

/ˈdeɪtə kənˈvɜːrʒən/

Definitions

  1. (n.) The process of transforming data from one format to another, especially to ensure compatibility and usability in legal information systems or electronic discovery.
    The lawyer requested a data conversion to make the documents compatible with the court’s software.

Commentary

In legal contexts, data conversion is critical for handling electronic evidence and facilitating litigation technology; accuracy and auditability during conversion are essential.


Data Deletion

/ˈdeɪtə dɪˈliːʃən/

Definitions

  1. (n.) The process of permanently removing or erasing data from a storage device or system, often to comply with legal, regulatory, or privacy requirements.
    The company ensured data deletion to comply with GDPR regulations.
  2. (n.) The legal obligation or practice of erasing personal data upon request or after a retention period, as mandated by data protection laws.
    Data deletion requests must be honored to protect individual privacy rights under the law.

Forms

  • data deletion

Commentary

In legal contexts, data deletion is distinct from mere data hiding or archiving; it carries implications for compliance, particularly under privacy laws like GDPR.


Data Destruction

/ˈdeɪtə dɪsˈtrʌkʃən/

Definitions

  1. (n.) The process of permanently erasing or destroying data stored on electronic devices to prevent its recovery or unauthorized access.
    The company implemented strict data destruction policies to protect confidential client information.

Commentary

Legal requirements for data destruction vary by jurisdiction and often depend on the type of data involved; precise methods should be documented to ensure compliance.


Data Discrimination

/ˈdeɪtə dɪsˌkrɪmɪˈneɪʃən/

Definitions

  1. (n.) Unfair or prejudicial treatment based on data attributes or algorithmic outputs, often resulting in legal claims under anti-discrimination laws.
    The company faced a lawsuit alleging data discrimination in its hiring algorithms.
  2. (n.) The unjust differentiation or bias produced through collection, analysis, or use of data, especially in contexts regulated by privacy and civil rights statutes.
    Data discrimination can violate equal opportunity laws if protected characteristics are inferred and misused.

Forms

  • data discrimination

Commentary

Term often arises in the context of algorithmic decision-making and data analytics, highlighting legal risks of automated bias and the importance of compliance with anti-discrimination statutes.


Data Encryption

/ˈdeɪtə ɪnˌkrɪpʃən/

Definitions

  1. (n.) The process of converting data into a coded form to prevent unauthorized access, ensuring confidentiality and security in legal contexts such as data protection and cybersecurity laws.
    Data encryption is crucial for compliance with privacy regulations to protect sensitive client information.

Forms

  • data encryption

Commentary

In legal drafting, specify the type and standard of data encryption to clarify compliance obligations and security expectations.


Data Erasure

/ˈdeɪtə ɪˈreɪʒər/

Definitions

  1. (n.) The process of securely and permanently removing data from storage media to prevent recovery.
    The company performed data erasure to comply with privacy regulations before disposing of old hard drives.

Forms

  • data erasure

Commentary

Data erasure should be distinguished from data deletion; erasure implies a method ensuring unrecoverability and often meets legal standards for data protection compliance.


Data Fabrication

/ˈdeɪtə ˌfæbrɪˈkeɪʃən/

Definitions

  1. (n.) The intentional creation or alteration of data or evidence with the purpose of deception, often resulting in legal or ethical violations.
    The researcher was accused of data fabrication, which led to the retraction of the published study.

Forms

  • data fabrication

Commentary

Data fabrication is distinct from data falsification; both constitute research or legal misconduct but involve different methods of deception.


Data Falsification

/ˈdeɪtə ˌfɔːlsɪfɪˈkeɪʃən/

Definitions

  1. (n.) The deliberate alteration, fabrication, or misrepresentation of data often to mislead or deceive in a legal, scientific, or regulatory context.
    The lawsuit alleged that the company engaged in data falsification to cover up environmental violations.

Forms

  • data falsification
  • data falsifications

Commentary

Data falsification is a critical issue in legal proceedings involving regulatory compliance and scientific evidence; it is distinct from data fabrication, which involves creating false data rather than altering existing data.


Data Flow

/ˈdeɪtə floʊ/

Definitions

  1. (n.) The movement or transfer of data within or between systems, crucial for ensuring information integrity in legal digital processes.
    The contract stipulated strict controls over the data flow between the parties' IT systems.

Commentary

In legal documents, clarity about data flow helps define responsibilities for data handling and compliance with privacy laws.


Data Furnishers

/ˈdeɪtə ˈfɜrnɪʃərz/

Definitions

  1. (n.) Entities that provide consumer credit information to credit reporting agencies.
    Data furnishers must ensure accurate reporting to avoid legal liability.

Forms

  • data furnishers
  • data furnisher

Commentary

The term typically appears in the context of consumer credit law, where accurate data furnishing affects credit reporting and compliance obligations under statutes like the Fair Credit Reporting Act.


Data Governance

/ˈdeɪtə ˈɡʌvərnəns/

Definitions

  1. (n.) The system of policies, standards, and controls ensuring the proper management, protection, and use of data within an organization.
    The company implemented strict data governance to comply with privacy laws.
  2. (n.) A legal framework governing the collection, access, retention, and sharing of data to ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
    Data governance frameworks help prevent unauthorized disclosure of sensitive information.

Forms

  • data governance

Commentary

Data governance integrates legal, technical, and procedural aspects to ensure organizational data complies with regulatory requirements and supports risk management.


Data Hosting

/ˈdeɪtə ˈhoʊstɪŋ/

Definitions

  1. (n.) The provision of infrastructure and services to store, manage, and maintain data on behalf of clients, often under contractual terms outlining security and liability.
    The contract specified the obligations of the data hosting provider regarding data breach notifications.

Forms

  • data hosting

Commentary

Data hosting is often governed by contracts addressing data protection and liability; precise terms are crucial to allocate risk effectively.


Data Integrity

/ˈdeɪtə ɪnˈtɛɡrɪti/

Definitions

  1. (n.) The accuracy, consistency, and reliability of data, especially in legal records and evidence.
    The court emphasized the importance of data integrity in electronic evidence to ensure a fair trial.
  2. (n.) Protection of data from unauthorized alteration, ensuring its trustworthiness in legal contexts such as contracts and compliance.
    Regulations require businesses to maintain data integrity to prevent fraud and comply with legal standards.

Forms

  • data integrity

Commentary

Data integrity is crucial in legal contexts where electronic data serves as evidence or contractual records; ensuring unaltered and reliable data supports lawful decision-making.


Data Interception

/ˈdeɪtə ˌɪntərˈsɛpʃən/

Definitions

  1. (n.) The unauthorized access or capture of data during transmission, often infringing privacy or confidentiality laws.
    The company was liable for data interception after hackers accessed sensitive client information during its transfer.

Forms

  • data interception

Commentary

Commonly linked to electronic communications and governed by specific statutes such as the Wiretap Act; precise definition may vary by jurisdiction.


Data Masking

/ˈdeɪtə ˈmɑːskɪŋ/

Definitions

  1. (n.) The process of obscuring or anonymizing specific data elements within a dataset to protect sensitive information from unauthorized access.
    The company implemented data masking to ensure customer information remained confidential during testing.

Forms

  • data masking

Commentary

Data masking is vital in compliance contexts like GDPR and HIPAA to prevent exposure of personal or sensitive data during operations such as software testing or data sharing.


Data Minimization

/ˈdeɪtə mɪnɪməˈzeɪʃən/

Definitions

  1. (n.) A principle in data protection law requiring that personal data collected be limited to what is directly relevant and necessary for a specified purpose.
    The company implemented data minimization to comply with GDPR requirements.

Forms

  • data minimization

Commentary

Data minimization is a core principle under laws such as the GDPR emphasizing limiting data collection to what is strictly necessary for a legal purpose.


Data Mining

/ˈdeɪtə ˈmaɪnɪŋ/

Definitions

  1. (n.) The process of extracting patterns or knowledge from large datasets in a manner that can impact legal compliance, privacy, and intellectual property rights.
    The law firm utilized data mining to identify trends in regulatory violations.

Forms

  • data mining

Commentary

In legal contexts, data mining often raises concerns about data privacy and the legality of data usage, requiring careful compliance with applicable statutes and regulations.


Data Network

/ˈdeɪtə ˈnɛtwɜrk/

Definitions

  1. (n.) A system of interconnected computers and telecommunications devices used to transmit data, often subject to legal regulations concerning data privacy, security, and intellectual property.
    The legal agreement specified the responsibilities of each party in maintaining the integrity of the data network.

Forms

  • data networks

Commentary

In legal drafting, clarity on the scope and control of a data network is crucial due to implications in liability and compliance with data protection regulations.


Data Preservation

/ˈdeɪtə prɪˌzɜːrˈveɪʃən/

Definitions

  1. (n.) The legal process or practice of maintaining and protecting data to ensure its integrity and availability for legal, regulatory, or evidentiary purposes.
    The company implemented strict data preservation policies to comply with discovery obligations in litigation.

Commentary

Data preservation is critical in litigation and regulatory compliance to avoid spoliation of electronic evidence.


Data Privacy

/ˈdeɪtə ˈprɪvəsi/

Definitions

  1. (n.) The legal framework governing the protection, collection, usage, and disclosure of personal and sensitive information.
    Data privacy laws require organizations to obtain consent before processing personal data.
  2. (n.) The right of individuals to control access to their personal information held by others.
    Data privacy ensures individuals can restrict who views their medical records.

Commentary

Often overlaps with data protection but focuses more on individual rights and legal obligations concerning personal data control.


Data Privacy Agreement

/ˈdeɪtə ˈprɪvəsi əˈɡriːmənt/

Definitions

  1. (n.) A legally binding contract that outlines how personal data is collected, used, stored, and protected between parties.
    The company signed a data privacy agreement to ensure compliance with GDPR regulations.

Forms

  • data privacy agreement
  • data privacy agreements

Commentary

Often used in contexts involving compliance with data protection laws; clarity in scope and data handling obligations is crucial.


Data Privacy Law

/ˈdeɪtə ˈprɪvəsi lɔː/

Definitions

  1. (n.) A body of law regulating the collection, storage, use, and sharing of personal information by organizations and governments to protect individuals’ privacy rights.
    The company updated its policies to comply with the latest data privacy law.

Forms

  • data privacy law
  • data privacy laws

Commentary

Often overlaps with data protection law; precise scope may vary by jurisdiction but generally focuses on protecting individuals' personal information from misuse or unauthorized access.


Data Privacy Risk

/ˈdeɪtə ˈprɪvəsi rɪsk/

Definitions

  1. (n.) The potential legal exposure or harm arising from the unauthorized access, use, or disclosure of personal or sensitive data.
    Organizations must assess their data privacy risk to comply with regulations like GDPR.

Forms

  • data privacy risk
  • data privacy risks

Commentary

Data privacy risk often underpins compliance efforts and risk management frameworks in jurisdictions with strict data protection laws.


Data Processing

/ˈdeɪtə ˈproʊsɛsɪŋ/

Definitions

  1. (n.) The collection, organization, and analysis of data, often by computers, to produce information relevant for legal or regulatory purposes.
    The company’s data processing practices were audited for compliance with privacy laws.
  2. (n.) The handling of personal or sensitive data in accordance with data protection regulations.
    Data processing under the GDPR requires strict adherence to consent and security protocols.

Commentary

In legal contexts, emphasize the regulatory compliance aspects of data processing, especially under frameworks like GDPR or HIPAA.


Data Processing Agreement

/ˈdeɪtə ˈprɒsɛsɪŋ əˈɡriːmənt/

Definitions

  1. (n.) A contract outlining the obligations of a data processor concerning the handling of personal data on behalf of a data controller, ensuring compliance with privacy laws like the GDPR.
    The company signed a data processing agreement with its cloud service provider to comply with data protection regulations.

Forms

  • data processing agreement
  • data processing agreements

Commentary

Typically included as a mandatory annex or clause in broader service contracts involving personal data to clarify responsibilities and liabilities under data protection regimes.


Data Processor

/ˈdeɪtə ˈprɑːsɛsər/

Definitions

  1. (n.) An entity that processes personal data on behalf of a data controller under data protection laws.
    The data processor must follow the instructions given by the data controller to ensure compliance with GDPR.

Forms

  • data processors

Commentary

In drafting, clearly distinguishing 'data processor' from 'data controller' is crucial, as legal obligations differ significantly between the two.


Data Protection

/ˈdeɪtə prəˈtɛkʃən/

Definitions

  1. (n.) Legal measures and principles designed to safeguard personal information from unauthorized access, use, or disclosure.
    The company implemented strict data protection policies to comply with privacy laws.
  2. (n.) The body of law regulating the collection, storage, and processing of personal data.
    Data protection legislation varies significantly between jurisdictions.

Commentary

Data protection primarily concerns personal information and involves both substantive legal rights and organizational compliance measures.


Data Protection Act

/ˈdeɪtə prəˈtɛkʃən ækt/

Definitions

  1. (n.) A statute designed to regulate the collection, storage, and use of personal data to protect individual privacy.
    The Data Protection Act requires organizations to handle personal data responsibly.

Forms

  • data protection act
  • data protection acts

Commentary

The term commonly refers to specific national laws regulating data privacy; drafters should specify jurisdiction to avoid ambiguity.


Data Protection Act 1998

/ˈdeɪtə prəˈtɛkʃən ækt ˈnaɪntiːn ˈnɪntiː eɪt/

Definitions

  1. (n.) A UK statute enacted in 1998 regulating the processing of personal data and granting rights to individuals regarding their personal information.
    The company ensured compliance with the Data Protection Act 1998 to protect customer privacy.

Forms

  • data protection act 1998
  • data protection acts 1998

Commentary

The Data Protection Act 1998 was largely superseded by the Data Protection Act 2018 and the GDPR, but remains a foundational statute in UK data privacy law.


Data Protection Act 2018

/ˈdeɪtə prəˈtɛkʃən ækt 2018/

Definitions

  1. (n.) A UK statute that updates data protection laws to comply with the EU General Data Protection Regulation, governing the processing of personal data and privacy rights.
    The Data Protection Act 2018 sets out the legal framework for handling personal information in the UK.

Forms

  • data protection act 2018
  • data protection acts 2018

Commentary

The Act supplements and tailors GDPR provisions for the UK context; it is important when drafting data handling policies to reference both.


Data Protection Agreement

/ˈdeɪtə prəˈtɛkʃən əˈɡriːmənt/

Definitions

  1. (n.) A contract outlining parties’ obligations and responsibilities regarding the handling and protection of personal data in compliance with data privacy laws.
    The company signed a data protection agreement to ensure compliance with GDPR.

Forms

  • data protection agreement
  • data protection agreements

Commentary

Often integrated with data processing agreements, this document is crucial for demonstrating compliance with data protection regulations such as the GDPR and CCPA.


Data Protection Authority

/ˈdeɪtə prəˈtɛkʃən ɔːˈθɒrɪti/

Definitions

  1. (n.) An independent public authority responsible for enforcing data protection laws and safeguarding individuals' personal data privacy.
    The data protection authority investigated the company's mishandling of user data.

Forms

  • data protection authority
  • data protection authorities

Commentary

Typically established by statute, these authorities have regulatory and enforcement powers to ensure compliance with data protection legislation.


Data Protection Directive

/ˈdeɪtə prəˈtɛkʃən dɪˈrɛktɪv/

Definitions

  1. (n.) A European Union legislative act regulating the processing of personal data to protect individual privacy and data rights.
    The Data Protection Directive laid the groundwork for comprehensive data privacy laws across EU member states.

Forms

  • data protection directive

Commentary

The term often refers specifically to Directive 95/46/EC, superseded by the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) but remains relevant in historical and comparative contexts.


Data Protection Law

/ˈdeɪtə prəˈtɛkʃən lɔː/

Definitions

  1. (n.) A body of legislation and regulations designed to protect personal data and ensure privacy rights are respected.
    The organization must comply with data protection law to avoid penalties for mishandling personal information.

Forms

  • data protection laws

Commentary

Data Protection Law often overlaps with privacy law but specifically emphasizes the handling and processing of personal data by entities.


Data Protection Officer

/ˈdeɪtə prəˈtɛkʃən ˈɒfɪsər/

Definitions

  1. (n.) An individual appointed within an organization to ensure compliance with data protection laws and oversee data privacy strategy.
    The company appointed a data protection officer to manage GDPR compliance.

Forms

  • data protection officers

Commentary

The role involves both advisory and monitoring functions, and may be mandatory under certain data protection regulations like the GDPR.


Data Protection Policy

/ˈdeɪtə prəˈtɛkʃən ˈpɒlɪsi/

Definitions

  1. (n.) A formal document outlining how an organization collects, uses, stores, and protects personal data to ensure compliance with privacy laws.
    The company updated its data protection policy to comply with new GDPR regulations.

Forms

  • data protection policy
  • data protection policies

Commentary

Draft clearly to specify responsibilities and measures for personal data handling to support legal compliance and reduce risk.


Data Protection Regulation

/ˈdeɪtə prəˈtɛkʃən ˌrɛɡjəˈleɪʃən/

Definitions

  1. (n.) A legal framework or set of rules regulating the collection, storage, use, and sharing of personal data to protect individual privacy rights.
    The Data Protection Regulation mandates strict compliance for companies handling consumer information.

Forms

  • data protection regulations

Commentary

The term commonly refers to specific statutes like the EU's General Data Protection Regulation; drafting should clearly specify jurisdiction and scope to avoid ambiguity.


Data Retention

/ˈdeɪtə rɪˈtɛnʃən/

Definitions

  1. (n.) The practice or legal obligation of maintaining and preserving data or records for a specified period to comply with regulatory, operational, or legal requirements.
    The company's data retention policy requires storing customer records for at least five years.
  2. (n.) The period during which data must be retained before it is deleted or destroyed, as mandated by law or policy.
    The data retention period for financial documents is typically seven years.

Commentary

Data retention is often defined by legislation or industry standards; clear specifications in policies help ensure compliance and limit risks related to data over-retention or premature deletion.


Data Retention Law

/ˈdeɪtə rɪˈtɛnʃən lɔː/

Definitions

  1. (n.) A statute or regulation requiring organizations to store data for a specified period for legal or regulatory purposes.
    The company complied with the data retention law by preserving customer records for five years.

Forms

  • data retention law
  • data retention laws

Commentary

Data retention laws vary significantly by jurisdiction and sector; precise terms of retention periods and data types covered should be clearly specified in drafting.


Data Retention Policy

/ˈdeɪtə rɪˈtɛnʃən ˈpɒlɪsi/

Definitions

  1. (n.) A legal or organizational rule outlining how long personal or corporate data must be stored before deletion or anonymization.
    The company's data retention policy requires retaining client records for five years.

Forms

  • data retention policy
  • data retention policies

Commentary

Data retention policies must balance regulatory compliance with privacy rights, often specifying retention periods linked to legal obligations.


Data Retrieval

/ˈdeɪtə rɪˈtriːvəl/

Definitions

  1. (n.) The process of extracting or accessing stored information, often from databases or electronic records, for legal or evidentiary purposes.
    The attorney requested data retrieval from the company's servers to gather evidence.

Forms

  • data retrieval

Commentary

In legal contexts, data retrieval commonly pertains to obtaining electronically stored information during discovery; clarity in specifying scope and methods is crucial in drafting agreements.


Data Sanitization

/ˈdeɪtə ˌsænɪtəˈzeɪʃən/

Definitions

  1. (n.) The process of deliberately, permanently, and irreversibly removing or destroying all sensitive data stored on a memory device to prevent unauthorized access.
    Companies must ensure data sanitization before disposing of old hard drives to protect customer privacy.

Forms

  • data sanitization

Commentary

Data sanitization is a critical step in information security law, especially under regulations requiring careful handling and disposal of personal and sensitive data.


Data Security

/ˈdeɪtə sɪˈkjʊərəti/

Definitions

  1. (n.) The legal and technical measures to protect digital and physical information from unauthorized access, disclosure, alteration, or destruction.
    The company implemented strict data security protocols to comply with privacy laws.
  2. (n.) The safeguarding of personally identifiable information under data protection and privacy regulations.
    Data security is essential to prevent breaches that violate consumer privacy rights.

Commentary

In legal drafting, data security provisions often reference specific regulatory standards; clarity on scope (digital vs. physical data) improves enforceability.


Data Security Agreement

/ˈdeɪ.tə səˈkjʊər.ɪ.ti əˈɡriː.mənt/

Definitions

  1. (n.) A contractual agreement outlining the measures and obligations parties must follow to protect data from unauthorized access, use, or disclosure.
    The companies entered into a data security agreement to ensure compliance with privacy laws.

Forms

  • data security agreement
  • data security agreements

Commentary

Typically incorporated in contexts involving sensitive information exchange; careful drafting ensures clarity on standards and liabilities related to data breaches.


Data Security Standard

/ˈdeɪtə səˈkjʊərɪti ˈstændərd/

Definitions

  1. (n.) A set of legal or regulatory requirements establishing minimum controls and practices to protect data confidentiality, integrity, and availability.
    The company implemented the data security standard to ensure compliance with privacy laws.

Forms

  • data security standard
  • data security standards

Commentary

Data security standards often derive from or support broader data protection laws; precise drafting should specify applicable standards and scope.


Data Sharing

/ˈdeɪtə ˈʃɛərɪŋ/

Definitions

  1. (n.) The legally governed practice of distributing or exchanging data between entities under agreed terms, often focusing on privacy, intellectual property, and compliance requirements.
    The contract included strict provisions on data sharing to protect customer privacy.

Forms

  • data sharing

Commentary

Data sharing agreements must clearly define permitted use, responsibility for data accuracy, and regulatory compliance to mitigate legal risks.


Data Sharing Agreement

/ˈdeɪtə ˈʃɛərɪŋ əˈɡriːmənt/

Definitions

  1. (n.) A legally binding contract outlining terms under which parties agree to exchange or access data.
    The companies signed a data sharing agreement to collaborate on research using shared customer information.

Forms

  • data sharing agreement
  • data sharing agreements

Commentary

Data sharing agreements must clearly specify data scope, usage rights, confidentiality, and compliance with applicable data protection laws to avoid liability.


Data Storage

/ˈdeɪtə ˈstɔːrɪdʒ/

Definitions

  1. (n.) The method or practice of retaining digital or physical information in a manner that ensures accessibility, security, and compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.
    The company upgraded its data storage systems to comply with GDPR regulations.
  2. (n.) Legal frameworks and policies governing the handling, protection, and retention of information stored electronically or in physical form.
    Data storage laws dictate how long financial records must be preserved.

Commentary

In legal contexts, 'data storage' often implies obligations regarding data security and compliance with privacy or regulatory standards.


Data Subject

/ˈdeɪtə ˈsʌbdʒɪkt/

Definitions

  1. (n.) An individual whose personal data is collected, held, or processed under data protection laws.
    The data subject has the right to access the information held about them.

Forms

  • data subject
  • data subjects

Commentary

The term primarily appears in data protection contexts, referring to the individual whose information is subject to regulation; clarity in distinguishing data subject from data controller and processor is crucial in drafting.


Data Subject Rights

/ˈdeɪtə ˈsʌbdʒɪkt raɪts/

Definitions

  1. (n.) Legal entitlements granted to individuals regarding the collection, use, and control of their personal data under data protection laws.
    The data subject rights include access, rectification, and erasure of personal data.

Forms

  • data subject right

Commentary

This term specifically arises in data protection and privacy law, commonly under statutes like the GDPR, emphasizing individuals' control over their personal data.


Data Subpoena

/ˈdeɪtə səˈpiːnə/

Definitions

  1. (n.) A subpoena specifically issued to compel the production of electronically stored information or records for use as evidence in legal proceedings.
    The court issued a data subpoena to obtain the defendant's email records.

Forms

  • data subpoena
  • data subpoenas

Commentary

A data subpoena is increasingly important in digital-era litigation, requiring precise description of data to avoid overbreadth.


Data Transfer Agreement

/ˈdeɪtə ˈtrænsfər əˈɡriːmənt/

Definitions

  1. (n.) A legally binding contract outlining terms and conditions for transferring personal or sensitive data between parties, ensuring compliance with data protection laws.
    The company signed a data transfer agreement to comply with GDPR when sharing client information with its European branch.

Forms

  • data transfer agreement
  • data transfer agreements

Commentary

Typically used when transferring data across jurisdictions to clarify responsibilities and legal compliance.


Data Transmission

/ˈdeɪtə trænsˈmɪʃən/

Definitions

  1. (n.) The process of sending digital or electronic data from one location to another, often governed by legal standards concerning privacy, security, and intellectual property.
    The contract specified the protocols for secure data transmission between the parties.

Forms

  • data transmission

Commentary

In legal contexts, data transmission often intersects with compliance issues, requiring precision in defining responsibilities and liabilities related to data handling and transfer.


Data Transmission Devices

/ˈdeɪtə trænsˈmɪʃən dɪˌvaɪsɪz/

Definitions

  1. (n.) Electronic or mechanical devices used to send, receive, or relay digital or analog information between points in communication systems.
    The contract specified that all communications must be transmitted using certified data transmission devices.

Forms

  • data transmission devices
  • data transmission device

Commentary

In legal contexts, specifying the use of certified data transmission devices can affect compliance with privacy and security regulations.


Data Transparency

/ˈdeɪtə trænsˈpærənsi/

Definitions

  1. (n.) The legal principle requiring organizations to disclose clear, accessible, and accurate data to ensure accountability and informed consent.
    The company's commitment to data transparency helped build trust with its users.

Forms

  • data transparency

Commentary

In legal drafting, ensure clarity on the scope and limits of data disclosure to balance transparency with privacy rights.


Data Use Agreement

/ˈdeɪtə juz əˈgrimənt/

Definitions

  1. (n.) A legal contract outlining terms under which data may be shared, accessed, or used between parties.
    Researchers signed a data use agreement to comply with privacy regulations before accessing the dataset.

Forms

  • data use agreement
  • data use agreements

Commentary

Data Use Agreements often include specific restrictions on data handling, emphasizing compliance with privacy laws and ethical standards.


Database

/ˈdeɪtəˌbeɪs/

Definitions

  1. (n.) A structured collection of data electronically stored and accessed, especially under legal regulations concerning data protection and intellectual property.
    The company’s database contained sensitive client information protected by privacy laws.

Forms

  • databases

Commentary

In legal contexts, databases often implicate issues of intellectual property rights and data privacy, requiring careful consideration of compliance with relevant statutes.


Database Management

/ˈdeɪtəˌbeɪs ˈmænɪdʒmənt/

Definitions

  1. (n.) The organized administration of a database to ensure data integrity, security, accessibility, and compliance with legal standards.
    Effective database management is critical for protecting sensitive client information under privacy laws.

Forms

  • database management

Commentary

In legal contexts, focus on aspects of database management that pertain to compliance with data protection and privacy regulations.


Database Query

/ˈdeɪtəˌbeɪs ˈkwɪri/

Definitions

  1. (n.) A formal request to retrieve or manipulate data stored within a database, often used in legal contexts for evidence gathering or compliance verification.
    The attorney submitted a database query to extract relevant client records for the litigation.

Forms

  • database query
  • database queries

Commentary

In legal drafting, clarify the scope and parameters of a database query to ensure precise data extraction and admissibility.


Date

/ˈdeɪt/

Definitions

  1. (n.) A specified day, month, and year used to mark when a legal event occurs or a document is executed.
    The contract’s effective date is January 1, 2024.
  2. (v.) To specify or assign a particular date to a legal document or event.
    The lawyer dated the affidavit on the day it was signed.

Forms

  • dates (pl. n. and 3rd pers. s. v.)
  • dated (past tense and past participle v.)
  • dating (gerund v.)

Commentary

In legal drafting, clearly stating the date is crucial for establishing timelines and enforceability; the term serves both as a noun and verb with closely related meanings.


Date Stamping

/ˈdeɪt ˈstæmpɪŋ/

Definitions

  1. (n.) The process of marking a document with the date to establish the time of receipt or execution for legal record-keeping.
    The contract's validity is supported by the date stamping on the signed copies.

Commentary

Date stamping serves as a crucial evidentiary tool to verify the chronological authenticity of legal documents and filings.


Datum

/ˈdeɪtəm/

Definitions

  1. (n.) A single piece of information, often used in legal contexts to refer to a fact or element recorded for evidence or analysis.
    The expert analyzed each datum from the contract negotiation to assess intent.

Forms

  • data

Commentary

In legal writing, datum is seldom used in the singular; the plural 'data' is more common. Ensure clarity by distinguishing between singular datum and plural data when discussing evidentiary material.


Davis-Bacon Act

/ˈdeɪvɪs ˈbeɪkən ækt/

Definitions

  1. (n.) A U.S. federal law requiring payment of local prevailing wages on public works projects funded by the federal government.
    The contractor must comply with the Davis-Bacon Act to ensure fair wages for construction workers.

Forms

  • davis-bacon act

Commentary

Commonly referenced in construction and labor law; enforcement hinges on proper wage determination and certified payroll records.


Dawes Act

/ˈdɔːz ækt/

Definitions

  1. (n.) A U.S. federal law enacted in 1887 that aimed to assimilate Native Americans by dividing tribal lands into individual allotments.
    The Dawes Act resulted in the loss of tribal landholdings and reshaped Native American land ownership.

Forms

  • dawes act

Commentary

The Dawes Act is frequently discussed in the context of U.S. federal Indian policy and property law, highlighting shifts from collective to individual land ownership among Native Americans.


Day

/ˈdeɪ/

Definitions

  1. (n.) A period of 24 hours, often legally significant for deadlines or time limits.
    The contract must be signed within five days of receipt.
  2. (n.) A defined part of a calendar or business day for legal purposes, sometimes excluding non-working hours.
    The court filing deadline is 3 p.m. on the last business day before the hearing.

Forms

  • days

Commentary

In legal contexts, 'day' may refer to a full 24-hour period or to defined business or calendar days, affecting interpretation of deadlines and statutes of limitation.

Glossary – DA Terms