Deviation

/ˌdiːviˈeɪʃən/

Definitions

  1. (n.) A departure from a prescribed norm, rule, or contract term, often justifying legal remedy or sanctions.
    The contractor's deviation from the specifications led to a breach of contract claim.
  2. (n.) In criminal law, an action or behavior that strays from legal or social norms and may be subject to penalty.
    The statute addresses deviations that qualify as unlawful conduct.

Forms

  • deviation

Commentary

Often appears in contract law and regulatory contexts; clarity in specifying the nature of deviation helps avoid ambiguity in legal drafting.

This glossary is for general informational and educational purposes only. Definitions are jurisdiction-agnostic but reflect terminology and concepts primarily drawn from English and American legal traditions. Nothing herein constitutes legal advice or creates a lawyer-client relationship. Users should consult qualified counsel for advice on specific matters or jurisdictions.

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