Which of the following refers to the failure to meet an obligation created by agreement?

The term that refers to the failure to meet an obligation created by agreement is a breach of contract. In legal terms, a contract is an enforceable agreement between parties that establishes certain rights and duties. When one party fails to fulfill their contractual obligations, whether by not performing their duties as specified or by failing to perform on time, this constitutes a breach of contract.

This concept is distinct because it specifically pertains to the realm of contractual agreements, which are defined by the mutual consent of the parties involved. In civil law, a breach of contract may give rise to a right for the aggrieved party to seek remedies, including damages or specific performance.

Other terms like torts and negligence refer to different aspects of law. Torts encompass a broader range of wrongful acts not arising from contractual obligations, while negligence specifically relates to a failure to exercise reasonable care resulting in harm to another party. Criminal liability involves actions that violate statutory laws and are punishable by the state. Understanding these distinctions is crucial in identifying the correct legal terminology and principles applicable to various scenarios in healthcare law and ethics.