Simple English definitions for legal terms
Read a random definition: recognizance
A promise is when someone says they will do something or not do something. Whether or not they have to keep that promise depends on the rules about contracts and other obligations. Sometimes, if someone breaks a promise, they can get in trouble with the law.
Definition: A promise is a statement or declaration of intent to do something or refrain from doing something. It is a commitment made by one person to another, and it can be either written or verbal. Whether a promise will be enforced in court depends on the law of contracts and related obligations.
Example 1: John promises to pay back the money he borrowed from his friend, Sarah, within a month.
Example 2: Mary promises to take her sister to the park on Saturday.
Both examples illustrate a promise as a commitment made by one person to another. In example 1, John promises to pay back the money he borrowed from his friend, Sarah, within a month. This is a promise to do something. In example 2, Mary promises to take her sister to the park on Saturday. This is a promise to refrain from doing something else during that time.
Whether these promises will be enforced in court depends on the law of contracts and related obligations. If John fails to pay back the money he borrowed from Sarah within a month, Sarah may take legal action against him to enforce the promise. Similarly, if Mary fails to take her sister to the park on Saturday, her sister may be able to take legal action against her to enforce the promise.