indirectly

Legal TerminologyLegal glossary term

Legal Definition

In a legal context, 'indirectly' describes an action or result that is not direct but rather achieved through a series of steps, means, or intermediaries. It implies an action taken by one party to achieve a desired outcome without performing the action directly.

Plain-English Translation

Imagine something happens where the main person doesn't do it right away; instead, they let other people or things cause it to happen indirectly. For example, if you want to get a result, but the actual action that gets the result is done by someone else through an indirect path.

Context in Contracts

It matters in legal documents because it clarifies the scope of responsibility or liability. It helps define whether a duty was met through direct action or if the obligation was fulfilled via an indirect mechanism.

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The liability is established indirectly through the negligence of a third party.

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The contract breach was determined indirectly by the failure to meet an obligation via an indirect means.

Document context

How indirectly shows up in legal documents

What is it?

A term used to describe an action, result, or consequence that is achieved through a series of steps, means, or intermediaries rather than directly or immediately.

Why does it matter?

It matters in legal documents because it clarifies the scope of responsibility or liability. It helps define whether a duty was met through direct action or if the obligation was fulfilled via an indirect mechanism.

When does it matter?

It usually appears when discussing causation, delegation of duties, or the effect of one party's actions on another party's obligations within a contract or legal claim.

Where is it usually seen?

Found in contracts, litigation briefs, statutory interpretations, and regulatory compliance documents where the direct link between an action and its consequence needs clarification.

Who is affected?

Affected parties include the plaintiff/claimant, the defendant/respondent, and the regulatory body assessing the outcome.

How does it work?

Practically, it works by tracing the chain of causation or responsibility. If a direct action leads to an indirect result (e.g., 'A' causes 'B', which causes 'C'), the legal analysis must account for the intermediary steps involved in the chain of events.

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