Breach of contract n. A violation of a contract by either failing to perform one's own contractual obligations or by interfering with another party's performance of their obligations.

Anticipatory breach. A party's positive and unequivocal action or statement, before the time his contractual obligation is due, indicating that he does not intend or will not be able to perform when the time to do so arrives.

Material breach. A breach of a contract that destroys the value of the contract for the non-breaching party, excusing her from the further performance of her own obligations under the contract and giving her the right to sue for damages.

Partial breach. A breach of contract that does not substantially affect the value of the contract for the non-breaching party. Thus, while the non-breaching party has the right to sue for damages, he is not excused from the further performance of his own obligations under the contract.

Breaking and entering n. Two of the elements constituting the crime of burglary.