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liability definition - legal

n

  1. A legally enforceable obligation.
  2. More generally, a debt or other legal obligation to pay an assessed amount (for example, taxes).
joint and several liability
Liability that is jointly payable by multiple parties, but that may (or must, depending on jurisdiction) be paid in full by one or more of them if the others are not to be found or are incapable of paying their share.
joint liability
Liability that is jointly payable by multiple parties, of which none may be required to pay more than his or her share.
primary liability
Liability for which one is directly responsible, without the claimant being obligated to resort to any other source for payment.
secondary liability
Liability that one is not obligated to pay unless the party with primary liability fails to make payment.
strict liability
In tort law, a financial responsibility to compensate a harm in the absence of any negligence; an absolute responsibility to ensure the safe functioning of a dangerous instrumentality.
vicarious liability
The liability of an employer or supervisor for the acts of an employee, based on the employer-employee or supervisory relationship. See respondeat superior.

Webster's New World Law Dictionary Copyright © 2006 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Hoboken, New Jersey.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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