fine
A fine is a monetary penalty that is issued for failing to comply with one’s duties.
In criminal law, a monetary fine is usually imposed in conjunction with, or in place of incarceration as a penalty for violating a criminal statute. Fines are generally issued by a court or an administrative agency.
In a civil law context, a fine may be imposed for breach of contract or other failures to perform one’s duties. Fines are common in landlord-tenant relationships, often used for violations of a lease agreement.
[Last reviewed in March of 2026 by the Wex Definitions Team]
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