In tort law, what defines a negligent tort?

In tort law, what defines a negligent tort?

• A. Duty that was breached and caused damages
• B. Intent to cause harm
• C. Strict liability
• D. A contract breach

Answer: (A)

Negligence in tort law means harm that results from failing to exercise reasonable care. The essential parts are that there is a duty of care, that duty is breached, the breach causes the harm, and damages result. The statement that there is a duty that was breached and that this breach caused damages fits best because it identifies the fault (breach of a duty) and the consequence (damages) connected by causation. The other concepts described—intent to harm (an intentional tort), strict liability (liability without fault), and contract breach (contract law)—do not fit negligence.

Negligence in tort law means harm that results from failing to exercise reasonable care. The essential parts are that there is a duty of care, that duty is breached, the breach causes the harm, and damages result. The statement that there is a duty that was breached and that this breach caused damages fits best because it identifies the fault (breach of a duty) and the consequence (damages) connected by causation. The other concepts described—intent to harm (an intentional tort), strict liability (liability without fault), and contract breach (contract law)—do not fit negligence.