What does "negligence" entail in a legal context?

In a legal context, "negligence" refers to a situation where an individual or entity fails to exercise the level of care that a reasonably prudent person would in similar circumstances, leading to harm or injury to another person. This concept is foundational in tort law and is based on the idea that individuals have a duty to act with care to prevent foreseeable harm to others.

The correct understanding of negligence shows that it is not about intentional wrongdoing or a reckless disregard for others’ safety, but instead focuses on a lack of proper care or caution that results in unintentional injury. This distinguishes it from other concepts such as intent, which implies a purposeful action, or strict liability, where liability is imposed without the need to prove negligence or wrongdoing. In essence, negligence revolves around the breach of a duty of care and the resulting damages, making it a critical concept in assessing liability in civil cases.