What is the legal term for the violation of a law or legal obligation?

The term referring to the violation of a law or legal obligation is "breach." In legal contexts, a breach occurs when an individual or entity fails to perform their duties as outlined by a statute, a regulation, or a legally binding agreement. This concept is crucial across various areas of law, including torts and contracts, as it signifies noncompliance with legal standards or expectations.

In the context of contracts, for instance, a breach may occur when one party fails to uphold their end of an agreement, which can lead to liability and the possibility of legal remedies for the aggrieved party. Understanding this term is fundamental in the study of legal obligations and accountability within the business environment.

Statutes refer to written laws enacted by a legislative body, while negligence denotes a failure to exercise appropriate care, leading to harm or damage, rather than the outright violation of a legal obligation. Contract, on the other hand, is an agreement enforceable by law but does not specifically denote a violation. Hence, "breach" is the most accurate term for describing the violation of a law or legal obligation.