Breach vs. Violation: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Published on January 10, 2024
Breach refers to breaking a rule or agreement, whereas violation is a more severe infringement of a law or principle.
Key Differences
A "breach" and a "violation" are both terms used to describe instances where rules, agreements, or laws are broken. In the context of legal and contractual matters, a "breach" typically refers to the failure to fulfill the terms and conditions of a contract or agreement. It signifies the non-performance or disregard of contractual obligations by one party, resulting in a legal dispute. Conversely, a "violation" is a broader term encompassing any act of transgression or infringement against established rules, regulations, or laws, whether or not they are related to a contract.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 10, 2024
The term "breach" is often used in formal legal contexts and contract law, emphasizing a specific failure to meet obligations outlined in a contractual agreement. For example, if a person fails to make agreed-upon payments in a lease contract, it constitutes a "breach" of the lease terms. In contrast, a "violation" can be used more broadly to describe various forms of wrongdoing, such as a traffic violation, which relates to breaking traffic laws but doesn't necessarily involve a contract.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 10, 2024
"Breach" typically implies a contractual relationship or an agreement that has been breached, indicating a specific instance where one party fails to adhere to the terms. For instance, if an employee discloses confidential company information in violation of a non-disclosure agreement, it is considered a "breach" of the contractual obligation to maintain confidentiality. On the other hand, a "violation" is a more general term and can apply to a wide range of actions, such as a violation of a company's code of conduct or a violation of a country's immigration laws.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 10, 2024
While "breach" is often associated with legal and contractual contexts, "violation" has a broader scope and can encompass ethical, moral, or societal norms. For example, a violation of human rights refers to actions that infringe upon fundamental ethical principles, and it may not necessarily involve a contractual relationship. In summary, "breach" is primarily linked to contractual obligations and legal agreements, whereas "violation" has a more extensive application, covering a wide array of transgressions against rules, laws, or norms, both in and outside of contractual contexts.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 10, 2024
Comparison Chart
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Legal Implications
Civil consequences like fines or specific performance
Often involves criminal charges or significant penalties
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Jan 10, 2024
Context of Occurrence
Common in contracts, privacy policies, security protocols
Broad, ranging from traffic laws to human rights
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Jan 10, 2024
Remediation
Often rectifiable, with corrective actions or compensation
May require punitive action, indicating ethical implications
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Jan 10, 2024
Breach and Violation Definitions
Breach
A break or gap in a barrier or defense.
The flood caused a breach in the dam.
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Dec 18, 2023
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Violation
Disturbing or interrupting something sacred or personal.
The unwarranted search was a violation of their personal space.
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Dec 18, 2023
Breach
Failure to observe a law or agreement.
The company's actions constituted a breach of contract.
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Dec 18, 2023
Violation
An act of irreverence or desecration.
The theft from the church was a grave violation.
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Dec 18, 2023
Breach
An act of breaking a rule or promise.
His actions were seen as a breach of trust.
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Dec 18, 2023
Violation
An act that shows disrespect or contempt.
The graffiti was a violation of the sacred site.
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Dec 18, 2023
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Breach
An instance of breaking through an enemy's lines.
The soldiers made a breach in the enemy's defenses.
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Dec 18, 2023
Violation
Infringement or breach of a right, law, or ethical principle.
The surveillance was seen as a violation of privacy.
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Dec 18, 2023
Violation
The act of breaking or disregarding a law or agreement.
Entering the restricted area was a clear violation of the rules.
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Dec 18, 2023
Breach
A gap or rift, especially in a solid structure such as a dike or fortification.
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Dec 13, 2023
Violation
The act or an instance of violating or the condition of being violated
A violation of the law.
The violation of a country's neutrality.
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Dec 13, 2023
Breach
A violation or infraction, as of a contract, law, legal obligation, or promise.
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Dec 13, 2023
Violation
The act or an instance of violating or the condition of being violated.
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Dec 13, 2023
Violation
Rape; sexual activity forced on another person without their consent.
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Dec 13, 2023
Violation
The act of violating, treating with violence, or injuring; the state of being violated.
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Dec 13, 2023
Violation
Infringement; transgression; nonobservance; as, the violation of law or positive command, of covenants, promises, etc.
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Dec 13, 2023
Violation
An act of irreverence or desecration; profanation or contemptuous treatment of sacred things; as, the violation of a church.
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Dec 13, 2023
Breach
To develop a hole or opening. Used especially of protective embankments
The rising river caused the levee to breach.
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Dec 13, 2023
Breach
A gap or opening made by breaking or battering, as in a wall, fortification or levee / embankment; the space between the parts of a solid body rent by violence
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Dec 13, 2023
Violation
An act that disregards an agreement or a right;
He claimed a violation of his rights under the Fifth Amendment
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Dec 13, 2023
Breach
A breaking of waters, as over a vessel or a coastal defence; the waters themselves
A clear breach is when the waves roll over the vessel without breaking. A clean breach is when everything on deck is swept away.
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Dec 13, 2023
Violation
The crime of forcing a woman to submit to sexual intercourse against her will
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Dec 13, 2023
Breach
(legal) A breaking or infraction of a law, or of any obligation or tie; violation; non-fulfillment
Breach of promise
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Dec 13, 2023
Breach
(transitive) To make a breach in.
They breached the outer wall, but not the main one.
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Dec 13, 2023
Breach
To charge or convict (someone) of breaching the terms of a bail, probation, recognizance, etc.
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Dec 13, 2023
Breach
Specifically: A breaking or infraction of a law, or of any obligation or tie; violation; non-fulfillment; as, a breach of contract; a breach of promise.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
Breach
A gap or opening made made by breaking or battering, as in a wall or fortification; the space between the parts of a solid body rent by violence; a break; a rupture.
Once more unto the breach, dear friends, once more;Or close the wall up with our English dead.
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Dec 13, 2023
Breach
A breaking of waters, as over a vessel; the waters themselves; surge; surf.
The Lord hath broken forth upon mine enemies before me, as the breach of waters.
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Dec 13, 2023
Breach
A breaking up of amicable relations; rupture.
There's fallen between him and my lordAn unkind breach.
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Dec 13, 2023
Breach
A breaking out upon; an assault.
The Lord had made a breach upon Uzza.
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Dec 13, 2023
Breach
A personal or social separation (as between opposing factions);
They hoped to avoid a break in relations
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Dec 13, 2023
Breach
Act in disregard of laws and rules;
Offend all laws of humanity
Violate the basic laws or human civilization
Break a law
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Dec 13, 2023
Breach
A break in relations.
The scandal led to a breach between the two countries.
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Dec 18, 2023
Repeatedly Asked Queries
Can a 'breach' be remedied?
Often, through corrective actions or compensations.
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Jan 10, 2024
Can a 'violation' lead to criminal charges?
Yes, depending on the nature and severity of the act.
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Jan 10, 2024
What is a 'breach' in legal terms?
A failure to fulfill the terms of a contract or agreement.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 10, 2024
Is a 'breach' always intentional?
Not necessarily; it can be accidental or due to negligence.
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Jan 10, 2024
Are all 'violations' illegal?
Most are, especially if they infringe on laws or regulations.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 10, 2024
Can a 'breach' lead to a lawsuit?
Yes, especially in cases of contract breaches.
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Jan 10, 2024
Is 'breach of trust' a legal term?
Yes, it refers to the failure to act in good faith in a trusted role.
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Jan 10, 2024
Can a 'breach' occur in informal agreements?
Yes, though legal repercussions may be different.
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Jan 10, 2024
How are 'breaches' resolved in business?
Through negotiations, legal actions, or settlements.
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Jan 10, 2024
What's an example of a 'violation' in everyday life?
Speeding is a common violation of traffic laws.
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Jan 10, 2024
Is trespassing a 'violation' or a 'breach'?
It's a violation of property rights and possibly law.
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Jan 10, 2024
What constitutes a 'violation' of human rights?
Any act that infringes upon the fundamental rights and freedoms.
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Jan 10, 2024
Is 'violation' a term used in international law?
Yes, particularly in treaties and human rights discussions.
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Jan 10, 2024
Does a 'violation' always involve ethical implications?
Often, but not always. It depends on the context.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 10, 2024
Can a 'breach' be a criminal offense?
In certain cases, like a breach of certain legal duties.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 10, 2024
Are 'violations' always deliberate?
They can be, but unintentional violations occur too.
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Jan 10, 2024
What's a common consequence of a 'breach' of policy?
Disciplinary actions or policy revisions.
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Jan 10, 2024
Are privacy 'breaches' serious?
Yes, they can have significant legal and ethical implications.
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Jan 10, 2024
Is a 'violation' always visible or obvious?
Not always; some are subtle or occur in private.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 10, 2024
Can a minor act be considered a 'violation'?
Yes, if it goes against set rules or norms.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 10, 2024
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
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