acts and omissions
Definition
An 'act' is something you actively did, while an 'omission' is something you failed to do when you had a duty to do it. Courts and contracts use this phrase together because both doing the wrong thing and failing to do the right thing can make you legally responsible for harm.
Example
If you own a café and a customer slips on a wet floor, you could be liable for an act (mopping without putting up a warning sign) or an omission (knowing about the spill and doing nothing about it).
Watch Out
Many business contracts hold you responsible for damages caused by both your acts and your omissions, so review any liability clause carefully to understand the full scope of what you are agreeing to be responsible for.
See which terms appear in your contract?
This definition is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Please consult with a licensed attorney for legal guidance.