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Simple English definitions for legal terms
natural obligation
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A quick definition of natural obligation:
Natural obligation refers to a moral duty that a person has, but it cannot be enforced by law. It is different from a legal obligation, which is a duty that is enforceable by law. For example, if someone voluntarily pays for medical treatment they received, even though they are not legally obligated to do so, they cannot later ask for the money back. Natural obligations are recognized in some countries, but they are not legally binding.A more thorough explanation:
A natural obligation is a moral duty that is not legally enforceable. It is a duty that a person feels they should do, but there is no legal requirement to do it. For example, if a person borrows money from a friend and promises to pay it back, but there is no written agreement, it is a natural obligation. The friend cannot take legal action to force the person to pay it back, but the person may feel a moral obligation to do so.
Another example of a natural obligation is when a person voluntarily pays for medical treatment for someone who cannot afford it. There is no legal obligation to pay for the treatment, but the person may feel a moral obligation to help.
It is important to note that something that has been performed under a natural obligation may not be reclaimed. For example, if a person voluntarily pays for someone's medical treatment, they cannot later reclaim the payments voluntarily made.