Joint Committee on Statutory Instruments
(Joint Scrutiny Committee) A committee of both Houses of Parliament whose function is to examine most delegated legislation (particularly statutory instruments of a general character) and to draw Parliament’s attention to it on a number of specified grounds; for example, if it imposes a tax, has retrospective effect, has been unduly delayed in publication, or is badly drafted. The Committee consists of seven members appointed by each House.

• decree absolute
• decree nisi
• decree of presumption of death and dissolution of marriage
• deductions
• deed
• deed of arrangement
• deed of covenant
• deed of family arrangement
• deed of gift
• deed of variation
• deed poll
• deemed
• deemed domicile
• deep seabed area
• de facto
• de facto carers
• de facto director
• defamation
• default
• default notice
• default summons
• defeasance
• defect
• defective equipment
• defective premises