In legal terms, what is the act of non-compliance with a duty or obligation?

The act of non-compliance with a duty or obligation is referred to as default. In legal terminology, default occurs when an individual or entity fails to fulfill a required duty or obligation, which can lead to various legal consequences, including penalties or a breach of contract actions. This term is often used in contexts such as loan agreements, where a borrower may face default if they do not make scheduled payments.

The other terms mentioned have specific legal definitions but do not accurately capture the broad idea of failing to meet an obligation. Malpractice refers to a failure by a professional to adhere to the standards of their profession, typically in a context involving professional liability. Negligence involves a breach of duty that leads to harm or damage, which, while related, does not encompass all forms of non-compliance with obligations. Infringement specifically relates to the violation of someone else's rights, particularly in intellectual property law. Each of these terms has its particular context that distinguishes them from the more general concept of default.