Duty Legal Meaning and Definition

Here is a simplified definition of the legal term Duty.

Duty (noun):

1. A legal requirement or obligation one party has towards another, often in a specified manner or timeframe. If this obligation is not met, it could lead to legal consequences. In a trial, determining whether a duty exists between the defendant and plaintiff is crucial. Duties can include responsibilities like a duty of care (in a safe environment, for example) or a duty to perform (such as completing a task in a contract).

2. A type of tax imposed on goods imported into a country.