What does "forfeiture" mean legally?

Forfeiture in a legal context refers to the loss of rights or property as a penalty for a legal breach. This can occur when an individual or entity fails to comply with legal obligations, such as violating a law or breaching a contract. When forfeiture is enacted, the court may determine that the infractor must surrender certain rights or assets as a consequence of their actions.

In contrast, gaining property through inheritance is a matter of succession law and does not involve penalties for wrongdoing. Making a claim in court relates to seeking legal remedies or asserting rights, which is distinct from forfeiture. Offering payment for legal debts may pertain to financial obligations but does not encompass the concept of losing rights due to a breach of law. Therefore, the definition of forfeiture aligns precisely with the idea of losing rights as a result of legal violations, making the selection valid.