Public Duty
/ˈpʌblɪk ˈdjuːti/
Definitions
- (n.) An obligation imposed by law on a public official or citizen to act for the benefit or protection of the public.
The police officer has a public duty to enforce the law impartially.
- (n.) A principle in tort law asserting that public authorities owe a duty of care only to the public at large, not to individual citizens, barring special circumstances.
The court held that a public duty does not generally give rise to liability for failure to act on an individual claim.
Forms
- public duty
Related terms
See also
Commentary
The term distinguishes between general obligations owed to the community and specific legal duties owed to individuals; clarity in drafting is vital to establish whether a duty is public or a private legal duty.
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.