How is "negligence" defined in tort law?

In tort law, "negligence" is defined as the failure to exercise reasonable care, which is a crucial aspect of many personal injury cases and civil disputes. This concept revolves around the idea that individuals have a duty to act with a level of caution and concern for the safety of others that a reasonable person would exercise under similar circumstances. When an individual or entity fails to meet this standard of care and this failure results in harm or injury to another party, they may be found liable for negligence.

The essence of negligence lies in the breach of duty; it is not about intent or wrongdoing, but rather the absence of reasonable precautionary measures that could have prevented the harm. This is why the definition ascribed to negligence emphasizes the aspect of care and caution, which is measurable and can be examined against the actions of an average person in comparable situations.

In contrast, the other answer choices relate to different legal concepts. The act of intentionally causing harm pertains to intentional torts, engaging in unlawful activities refers to criminal law, and strict adherence to statutory regulations relates more to compliance rather than the principles governing negligence. Thus, the focus on reasonable care effectively captures the essence of negligence in tort law.