Things basic to the maintenance of a standard of living consistent with the parties' general status. For couples who have had a high standard of living during their marriage, necessaries might include much more than basic items such as food and clothing. Compare Common Necessaries. negligence The failure to use reasonable care. net lease A commercial lease under which the tenant pays most or all of the landlord's expenses (such as property taxes), so the landlord receives a "net" amount that is mostly pure profit. no contest A defendant's plea not contesting the criminal charges. This is called a plea of nolo contendere and is essentially the same as a guilty plea. While technically not an admission of guilt as to the commission of the crime, the punishment is identical. Such a plea is made in cases where there is pending civil liability. For this reason many states will not permit a no contest plea where there has been injury as a result of the criminal conduct.