Primary

Primary

In the Past

That which is first or main; as primary evidence or that evidence which is to be admitted in the first instance, as distinguished from secondary evidence, which is allowed only when primary evidence cannot be had.

Developments

A primary obligation is one which is the main object of the contract; for example, the primary obligation of the seller is to deliver the thing sold and to transfer the title to it. It is distinguished from the accessory or secondary obligation to pay damages (see more about this popular legal topic in the U.S. encyclopedia) for not doing so. 1 Bouv. Inst. n. 702. [1]

Resources

Notes and References

1. Partialy, this information about primary is based on the Bouvier's Law Dictionary, 1848 edition. There is a list of terms of the Bouvier's Law Dictionary, including primary.

See Also