Willfulness
/ˈwɪlfəlnəs/
Definitions
- (n.) The intentional or voluntary violation of a known legal duty or standard of conduct.
The defendant's willfulness in ignoring safety regulations led to severe penalties.
- (n.) The state of acting with deliberate intent rather than accidental or negligent behavior, relevant in distinguishing types of liability.
Willfulness must be proven to establish enhanced damages under the statute.
Related terms
See also
Commentary
Willfulness often requires proof of conscious intent or knowledge, distinct from negligence; precise definition depends on statutory or case law context.
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.