legally bound vs legally obliged

Both 'legally bound' and 'legally obliged' are correct phrases in English. They are often used interchangeably to indicate that someone is required to do something by law. The choice between them may depend on personal preference or regional variations.

Last updated: March 30, 2024 • 636 views

legally bound

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to indicate that someone is required to do something by law.

This phrase is used to express that someone is under a legal obligation to do something, as in 'I am legally bound to fulfill the terms of the contract.'

Examples:

The company is legally bound to provide a safe working environment for its employees.
Once you sign the agreement, you are legally bound by its terms.
She is legally bound to testify in court as a witness.

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Being... being legally bound to.
I'm legally bound to present all offers.
I'm legally bound to ask if you would like an ambulance on standby, in order to take you to the hospital.
Henry Smythe, I am legally bound to ask you if you would like an ambulance on standby in order to take you to hospital.
Are the citizens of the EU obliged to know the content of legislative proposals of the Commission and are they legally bound by them?
There have recently been reports suggesting that the USA will not consider itself legally bound by ACTA whereas the EU would consider itself bound.
You're legally bound to help me, and if you don't, I'll sue Valley of Flowers Corp...
Okay, but I'm legally bound to warn you that I'm a psychotherapist and I know the power of subliminal primitive and cognitive influence.
The French authorities indicate first of all is that Sernam is not legally bound to compile consolidated accounts. Consequently, Sernam cannot be reproached for failing to have published information concerning such accounts.
Rights of action for damages of persons whom the passenger was maintaining without being legally bound to do so, shall be governed by national law.
Even if he wanted out, He was legally bound to my client.
Although the FBI was legally bound to investigate who was responsible, to date they have done no such thing.
As your lawyer, I'm legally bound not to discuss it, Lee.
But as his mother, they would be legally bound to provide you with the information.
Well, according to City Code 348-61, the Sherlock Consortium is not legally bound to, quote: engage in interagency cooperation.
Several states believe that the DPRK is still legally bound by the treaty and has not followed the correct legal procedures to withdraw.
However it was very important to consider our responsibility carefully as it would have had a direct effect on those countries legally bound by this Directive.
To be perfectly honest, I'm not entirely sure we are legally bound.
I believe it is important that Member States are not legally bound to deploy or accept armed in-flight security officers on domestic or foreign aircraft.
Private undertakings have chosen to join the deposit guarantee scheme even when they were not legally bound to do so.

Alternatives:

legally obliged
legally required
legally mandated
legally compelled
legally obligated

legally obliged

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to indicate that someone is required to do something by law.

This phrase is used to express that someone is under a legal obligation to do something, as in 'The landlord is legally obliged to maintain the property.'