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- Glossary of Terms
Glossary of Terms
This legal glossary is a basic guide to common legal terms. A lawyer is in the best position to advise you about your legal rights and responsibilities.
Different terms may have different meanings based on the specific area of law or the context in which they are being used. For legal terms not referred to in this glossary, or for more comprehensive definitions, you may wish to refer to a legal dictionary or to an internet resource.
- Liability
- Legal responsibility.
- A financial obligation.
- Absolute Liability
- A person is held liable simply because they engaged in the behaviour. No proof of intent or negligence is required. No defence is available.
- Joint Liability
- Liability shared amongst parties.
- Limited Liability
- Liability limited to contractual obligations or restricted by law.
- Several Liability
- Liability that is separate from that of other parties.
- Strict Liability
- A person is held liable because the act occurred. Some proof of intent or negligence is required, and there are some defences available.
- Vicarious Liability
- A person is held liable for the harm caused by another person. For example, an employer can be held vicariously liable for actions of employees.
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