Technical documentation and related contractual liability

ABSTRACT

This paper examines major issues of liability that the Technical Writer faces in preparing documentation for the End User. The three relationships present in creation and delivery of documentation are defined, as well as the relationships between liability and defects in documentation.

REFERENCES

• 1: Davis, Gordon B. Management Information Systems. New York: McGraw-Hill, New York, 1978.
• 2: Black's Law Dictionary, 5th ed., West Publishing Company, 1982
• 3: http://www.ncga.state.nc.usfstatutes

INDEX TERMS

Primary Classification:
  D. Software
  D.2 SOFTWARE ENGINEERING
      D.2.7 Distribution, Maintenance, and Enhancement
          Subjects: Documentation

Additional Classification:
  K. Computing Milieux
  K.5 LEGAL ASPECTS OF COMPUTING

General Terms:
Design, Documentation, Legal Aspects, Performance, Theory

Keywords:
documentation defects, legal liability, liability, technical documentation