1 A legally enforceable obligation. 2More generally, a debt or other legal obligation to pay an assessed amount (for example, taxes). joint and several liability. Liability that is jointly payable by multiple parties, but that may (or must, depending on jurisdiction) be paid in full by one or more of them if the others are not to be found or are incapable of paying their share. joint liability. Liability that is jointly payable by multiple parties, of which none may be required to pay more th...