What is it?
A demand is a core concept in contract law, representing a formal requirement or claim that dictates legal obligations between parties. It governs the right of one party to seek specific performance or remedy from another.
demand
Contract LawLegal glossary term
Definitions
What is demand?
Legal Definition
A demand is a formal request for something specific, such as payment, performance, or action from another party. It establishes a legal obligation or claim that must be met by the responding entity.
Plain-English Translation
A demand functions like asking for a permission slip to start a library session; it's a direct request for what needs to happen now.
Contract relevance
Why demand matters in contracts
Ignoring a demand can lead to a voided contract if the required obligation isn't met; it shifts risk onto the demanding party who seeks resolution.
Visual model
Understand demand fast
An explainer image has not been generated for this term yet.
01
Creditor demanding payment from a debtor
02
A landlord demanding timely repair action from a tenant
03
A creditor demanding damages in a lawsuit
Document context
How demand shows up in legal documents
Why does it matter?
Ignoring a demand can lead to a voided contract if the required obligation isn't met; it shifts risk onto the demanding party who seeks resolution.
When does it matter?
A demand typically arises when a creditor files suit after a breach of contract, or within a statutory period defined by a specific claim deadline.
Where is it usually seen?
Demands appear in various legal instruments: UCC provisions for commercial transactions, litigation filings where a plaintiff asserts a right, and regulatory requirements demanding compliance from businesses.
Who is affected?
A creditor gains the right to seek remedy; a debtor or tenant risks failing to meet the required obligation specified in the demand.
How does it work?
First, the original demand is articulated clearly. Then, the responding party must fulfill the specific requirement demanded. Finally, the court or adjudicator determines whether that fulfillment was met.
Share
Send this term to someone else fast
Copy the link, open native sharing, or scan the QR code from another device.
Scan to open this glossary page on another device.
Wikipedia
External reference for demand
Open Wikipedia for broader background on demand.
Open on Wikipedia →Knowledge graph
Where demand connects to real contract work
This layer links the term to nearby glossary entries, document use cases, and contract-risk guides so readers can move from definition to context without dead ends.
Glossary
Use Cases
Eviction Notice
Real Estate Contracts: An invalid eviction notice is legally void — but only if you know how to challenge it.
Deed of Trust
Real Estate Contracts: A Deed of Trust gives your lender the power to sell your home without going to court.
Performance Review
HR & Recruitment: Performance documents can be the paper trail used to justify termination.
Source & disclosure
This page is an AI-assisted plain-English explanation based on LexPredict Legal Dictionary context and contract-review patterns. It is not legal advice. Meaning may vary by jurisdiction, industry, and exact clause wording.
Move from term to document
See the real contract language around this term
A glossary definition helps, but actual risk usually lives in the surrounding clause. Upload the full document and BrieflyGo will map plain-English meaning, red flags, and next steps.