Rights, Duties and Obligations
Objectives
- Express obligation and permission
- Use must, have to, may, may not
- Read simple contractual clauses
Explanation
In legal English: 'shall' and 'must' express obligation; 'may' expresses permission; 'shall not' or 'may not' express prohibition. In modern plain-English drafting, 'must' is preferred to 'shall'. Avoid 'can' in contracts because it is ambiguous (ability or permission).
right
Something a person is legally entitled to.
“The tenant has the right to privacy.”
obligation
Something a person is legally required to do.
“Payment is the buyer's main obligation.”
to comply with
To act according to a rule or law.
“The company must comply with the law.”
breach
Failure to fulfil an obligation.
“Late payment is a breach of contract.”
liable
Legally responsible.
“The landlord is liable for structural repairs.”
Flashcards
Match terms and definitions
right
obligation
to comply with
breach
liable
Complete the sentences
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