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Simple English definitions for legal terms
duty
Read a random definition: comparative jurisprudence
A quick definition of duty:
Term: Duty
Definition: Duty is something that you have to do because it is required by the law, custom, morality, or because you promised to do it. If you don't do your duty, it can cause harm to others and they may have the right to take legal action against you. For example, if you promise to take care of someone's money, you have a fiduciary duty to do so. Duty can also mean a tax on things that are brought into a country from another place.
A more thorough explanation:
Definition: Duty refers to a requirement to perform some conduct that is required by law, custom, morality, or personal commitment. This requirement often creates a right in the other person that the duty be performed. A breach of such duty gives rise to a cause of action for violation of the right. For example, fiduciary duty, duty of good faith, duty of care, duty of loyalty, etc. are some of the duties that can give rise to a cause of action. However, there are some duties in law, such as the duty of public officials, that do not give right to an action.
Example: A doctor has a duty of care towards their patients. This means that the doctor is required to provide the best possible care to their patients. If the doctor fails to provide the required care, they can be held liable for medical malpractice.
Example: A company's board of directors has a fiduciary duty towards its shareholders. This means that the board of directors is required to act in the best interests of the shareholders. If the board of directors fails to act in the best interests of the shareholders, they can be held liable for breach of fiduciary duty.
The above examples illustrate how a duty creates a legal obligation to perform a certain action and failure to do so can result in legal consequences.