Legal Definitions - negative act

A negative act is a failure to do something that is legally required, which involves the breach of a legal duty to take positive action. This can take the form of either a forbearance or an omission.

For example, if a lifeguard fails to rescue a drowning person, it is considered a negative act. The lifeguard had a legal duty to take positive action to save the person, but their failure to do so resulted in harm.

Another example is if a landlord fails to repair a dangerous condition in a rental property, such as a broken staircase. The landlord has a legal duty to take positive action to ensure the safety of their tenants, but their failure to do so can result in harm and liability.