Duty to Act
/ˈduːti tə ækt/
Definitions
- (n.) A legal obligation requiring an individual or entity to take specific action, often to prevent harm or fulfill a statutory mandate.
The firefighter has a duty to act when someone is in danger.
- (n.) An obligation under criminal or civil law mandating intervention in certain circumstances to avoid liability.
Failure to provide assistance to a victim may breach the duty to act.
Related terms
See also
Commentary
The duty to act is distinct from a general moral obligation; in law, it arises only under specific statutory or relational conditions.
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.