What are damages in a legal context?
Understand the Problem
The text is explaining the definition of 'damages' in a legal context, specifically referring to compensation awarded by a court for harm or loss due to negligence or actions of another party.
Answer
Damages are monetary compensation to reverse harm caused by a legal violation.
In a legal context, damages are a monetary compensation awarded to a harmed party to make them whole again. They are typically granted when a party has breached a duty under a contract or violated some legal rights.
Answer for screen readers
In a legal context, damages are a monetary compensation awarded to a harmed party to make them whole again. They are typically granted when a party has breached a duty under a contract or violated some legal rights.
More Information
Damages serve as compensation to reverse the negative effects of a wrongful act, breach of contract, or violation of rights. They are a key component of civil litigation and aim to provide financial recovery for losses or injuries.
Tips
A common mistake is confusing 'damages' with 'damage'. 'Damage' refers to the harm or injury itself, while 'damages' are the financial compensation for that harm.
Sources
- Damages | Legal Information Institute - Cornell Law School - law.cornell.edu
- What's the Definition of "Damages" in Legal Terms? - Todd W Burris Law - toddwburrislaw.com
- Damages - Wikipedia - en.wikipedia.org
