Necessity

Definition - Noun
1 a  : the presence or pressure of circumstances that justify or compel a certain course of action
esp
: a need to respond or react to a dangerous situation by committing a criminal act
b  : an affirmative defense originating in common law that the defendant had to commit a criminal act because of the pressure of a situation that threatened a harm greater than that resulting from the act
see also choice of evils defense at defense
compare duress undue influence
2  : something that is necessary esp. to subsistence <obligated to provide the necessities of food, clothing, and shelter>

Based on Merriam-Webster's Dictionary of Law ©2001.
Merriam-Webster, Incorporated
Published under license with Merriam-Webster, Incorporated.
http://www.m-w.com

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slight negligence

failure to exercise the great degree of care typical of an extraordinarily prudent person

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