In legal terms, what does "a claim" mean?

In legal terminology, "a claim" refers to a demand for an action or the right to a resource. This means that one party is asserting its rights or interests, often in relation to an obligation or entitlement that it believes another party owes. This encompasses various contexts, such as filing a lawsuit, where an individual or entity seeks to compel another party to perform a duty, pay damages, or affirm a right to a resource like property.

Claims can arise in several legal contexts, including contracts, torts, and property law, signifying the formal assertion of one's rights, which can be enforced by legal action if necessary. This distinguishes it from a mere request for compensation, which is more narrowly focused and may not encompass the broader implications of one's rights or demands for action.