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Simple English definitions for legal terms
obligatio naturalis
Read a random definition: corporeal thing
A quick definition of obligatio naturalis:
OBLIGATIO NATURALIS: In Roman law, an obligation that is not legally enforceable but may still have some legal effects. It is a type of obligation that arises from the law of nature and not from a contract or wrongdoing. This means that while it is not legally binding, it is still considered a moral obligation.
A more thorough explanation:
Definition: Obligatio naturalis is a term used in Roman law to refer to an obligation that is not legally enforceable, although it may produce legal effects. It is an obligation that derives only from the law of nature.
Example: An example of obligatio naturalis is when a person voluntarily pays a debt that is already time-barred. The person is not legally obligated to pay the debt, but their payment may produce legal effects, such as preventing the creditor from harassing them for the debt.
This example illustrates the definition of obligatio naturalis because the person is not legally bound to pay the debt, but their payment is still recognized as having legal effects. The obligation to pay the debt is derived from the natural law of fairness and equity, rather than from a legal contract or obligation.