Legal Duty
/ˈliːɡəl ˈdjuːti/
Definitions
- (n.) A legal obligation imposed on an individual or entity to perform or refrain from certain actions, enforceable by law.
The contractor has a legal duty to complete the work as agreed.
- (n.) An obligation arising from statutes, contracts, or common law that requires adherence to standards of conduct to avoid liability.
Doctors have a legal duty to provide care that meets accepted standards.
Forms
- legal duties
Related terms
See also
Commentary
Legal duty often grounds liability and is central to tort and contract law; precision in defining its scope is critical in drafting and litigation.
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.