How is "negligence" defined in tort law?

In tort law, negligence is fundamentally defined as the failure to exercise reasonable care, which means that an individual did not act with the level of care that a reasonably prudent person would exercise in similar circumstances. This breach of duty can lead to harm or injury to another person, making it a key concept in personal injury claims.

When assessing negligence, courts will typically evaluate whether the actions of the defendant fell below the standard of care that is expected in society. This is often assessed through the "reasonable person" standard, which reflects how an average individual would responsibly act in comparable situations. If the actions are deemed unreasonable and result in harm, the plaintiff can establish a claim for negligence.

The other options do not align with the established definition of negligence. A lack of a legal contract pertains more to contract law and does not directly relate to the standards of care expected in tort law. Engaging in criminal behavior is a separate legal issue usually charged by the state and is not relevant to the concept of negligence. Intentional harm created by a person involves willful actions directed toward causing harm, which is categorized under intentional torts rather than negligence. Thus, the correct understanding of negligence strictly revolves around the failure to uphold reasonable care in one's actions.