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 • 748 views

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

"legally bound"

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.

Show examples from the web [+]

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

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

"legally obliged"

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.'

Examples:

As a citizen, you are legally obliged to pay taxes.
The company is legally obliged to follow safety regulations.
He is legally obliged to provide financial support to his children.

Show examples from the web [+]

"All employers are legally obliged to offer new fathers two weeks paid paternity leave."
They stated that as they would be legally obliged to purchase biodiesel and as before, if a duty increased the price of biodiesel this would be passed on automatically to their customers.
It arises from the fact that we are legally obliged to meet in Strasbourg 12 times a year.
However, third-country exporters are only legally obliged to comply with EU traceability rules if they are bound by special bilateral agreements in a given sector or specific EU legal requirements.
According to Regulation (EC) No 1258/1999 the Commission is legally obliged to exclude all expenditure from Community financing where that expenditure has not been executed in compliance with Community rules.
It comes to an end on 31 December 2003 and after that, in the absence of any new legislative text, the Commission is legally obliged to implement the Sixth Framework Programme which authorises this kind of research.
B. whereas all Member States are legally obliged to transpose all Internal Market directives within the prescribed deadlines,
6. issuers of electronic money must be legally obliged to redeem electronic money against central bank money at par at the request of the holder of the electronic money;
You are legally obliged to serve me.
So, some room needs to be made under the heading 'negative aspects of ACTA' to assess the fundamental rights aspect that ACTA still has in the current draft and that the Commission from now on is legally obliged to mainstream.
If a catch includes over 15 % of immature fish, boats should be legally obliged to leave that area.
She was my client and I'm legally obliged to respect her wishes.
They're our parents... legally obliged to hide us.
Project participants are legally obliged to adhere to the WCD guidelines
However, we are legally obliged through the Treaty to safeguard the environment while also respecting the rules of the internal market.
The member state would then be legally obliged to make deposits into that account to cover the ECB bonds' coupons and principal.
Since 2001, TV2 has been legally obliged to keep separate accounts for its public service and commercial activities.
You are legally obliged to serve me! ...is causing bodily disfigurement.
In fact, the European Parliament is legally obliged to look after the buildings that it owns with due care and attention.
For its part, FOGASA was legally obliged to pay the wages in the event of suspension of payments.

Alternatives:

legally bound
legally required
legally mandated
legally compelled
legally obligated

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legally bound vs legally obliged

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