Legal Definitions - innominate obligations

Innominate obligations refer to legal duties or responsibilities that do not fit neatly into the traditional, named categories of legal obligations. These duties are not strictly contractual (arising from an agreement), delictual (arising from a civil wrong like negligence), or quasi-contractual (arising from situations where fairness dictates a contract should exist). Instead, innominate obligations arise from other circumstances, specific relationships, or principles of law where a duty is imposed for reasons of fairness, public policy, or the inherent nature of a particular connection.

• The obligation of a parent to provide financial support and care for their minor child.

  This is an innominate obligation because it doesn't originate from a contract signed between the parent and child, nor is it typically a direct result of a civil wrong committed by the parent (unless abuse or neglect occurs). Instead, it is a fundamental duty imposed by family law, reflecting societal expectations and the child's vulnerability, arising purely from the parent-child relationship itself.

• The duty of confidentiality a doctor owes to their patient regarding medical information.

  While a patient might enter into a service agreement with a doctor, the profound duty of confidentiality often extends beyond the explicit terms of that contract. It is an obligation inherent in the professional-client relationship, mandated by medical ethics and legal statutes, designed to foster trust and protect privacy, rather than being solely a contractual or tortious duty.