What is the definition of negligence in a legal context?

Negligence in a legal context is defined as the failure to exercise reasonable care, which results in unintended harm to another individual. This definition encompasses the key principles of negligence, which include the standard of care expected in a given situation and the concept of foreseeable harm. The emphasis here is on the lack of intention to cause harm, distinguishing negligence from other torts like intentional infliction, where harm is deliberately caused. Legal cases involving negligence often focus on whether a person's actions were reasonable given the circumstances and whether those actions directly resulted in injury or damage to another party.

This concept is foundational in various legal circumstances, particularly in tort law, where determining liability hinges on the assessment of whether an individual acted with the level of care that a reasonable person would have in similar situations. The implications of negligence can extend to many areas, including medical malpractice, automobile accidents, and workplace safety, thus making a thorough understanding of this term critical for those studying privacy law and legal responsibilities.