What is considered an act of omission in legal terms?

An act of omission in legal terms refers specifically to the failure to take action when there is a duty to do so, which can lead to harm or injury. In this context, an individual or entity has a responsibility to perform a specific action, and not doing so constitutes an act of omission. For example, if a property owner neglects to address lead hazards in their building, leading to tenant exposure and subsequent health issues, that failure can be classified as an act of omission.

On the other hand, refusing to sign a contract is an active choice and pertains to refusal rather than neglecting a duty. Writing a false statement is an example of an act of commission, where an individual deliberately takes action that is misleading or dishonest. Ignoring a complaint may imply neglect, but it does not suffice as a legal duty that leads to injury compared to the failure to act appropriately to prevent harm.