Also known as: direct or indirect · direct/indirect
Written by attorneys · grounded in primary & secondary sources — see below
A modifier indicating that an act, effect, or relationship occurs through an intermediary, chain of causation, or secondary means rather than by immediate or direct action.
Derek Douglas, a lawyer seeking a government contract, arranged for his spouse to donate to a judicial candidate's campaign. The contribution was made at Derek's direction and funded by him. The arrangement violated professional conduct rules because the contribution was made indirectly to secure the engagement.
Dwight Dorsey grabbed Destiny Davis's backpack strap and yanked her to the floor during a store confrontation. The force caused a concussion. Liability for battery arose because the harmful contact with Destiny's person occurred indirectly through the connected object.
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Police arrested Dolores Diaz without probable cause and obtained her statement. That statement led officers to a witness who identified her in a lineup. The lineup identification was excluded because it was obtained as an indirect result of the unconstitutional arrest.
Denise Donovan served as a member of Drake Logistics LLC. A creditor sought to hold Denise personally responsible for the company's unpaid loan by claiming her management decisions contributed to the default. The claim failed because members are not liable directly or indirectly for company obligations solely by reason of their status.
Dylan Duffy acted as general partner of Davenport Pharmaceuticals LLLP. A supplier sued Dylan personally for partnership debts after the entity defaulted. The suit was dismissed because general partners in an LLLP are not personally liable directly or indirectly for the entity's obligations solely by reason of their role.
Delta Dynamics operated as a limited liability partnership. A client sued partner Dwight Dorsey individually for malpractice committed by another partner. The claim was rejected because partners are not personally liable directly or indirectly for partnership obligations incurred while the entity maintained LLP status.
No. The phrase covers both direct action and action through intermediaries or chains of causation. Courts apply it to reach conduct that produces the prohibited result even when the actor uses an agent or intermediate step.
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The phrase extends the liability shield to prevent claims that attempt to impose personal responsibility through indirect routes such as contribution or control. Statutes expressly state that members and partners are not liable directly or indirectly solely by reason of their status.
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It requires exclusion of evidence obtained through any chain of causation traceable to an illegal search or arrest. Evidence remains tainted unless the connection has become so attenuated that the taint is dissipated.
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No. The phrase addresses only the contact element. Intent to cause harmful or offensive contact remains required. The phrase simply confirms that the resulting contact may occur directly or through an intermediate object or force.
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