A penalty (or forfeiture or fine) is a monetary sum determined by a statute or contract that a debtor must pay to the creditor in case of nonperformance or improper performance of an obligation, in particular in case of a delay in performance. In demanding payment of a penalty, the creditor is not obligated to prove that losses were caused to it.
A penalty secures only a valid claim.
The creditor does not have the right to demand payment of a penalty if the debtor does not bear liability for the nonperformance or improper performance of the obligation.

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