Several Liability
/ˈsɛvərəl laɪəˈbɪləti/
Definitions
- (n.) A legal doctrine under which each defendant is liable only for their individual share of a debt or obligation, rather than being jointly responsible for the full amount.
Under several liability, each defendant pays only the portion of damages corresponding to their fault.
Related terms
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Commentary
Several liability contrasts with joint liability; drafting should clarify whether liability is several, joint, or joint and several to avoid ambiguity.
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.