How is "negligence" defined in civil liability?

Negligence in civil liability is defined as a failure to exercise reasonable care that results in harm to another person. This legal concept is fundamental in tort law, where the party alleging negligence must demonstrate that the defendant owed a duty of care, breached that duty, and caused harm as a direct result of the breach. The standard of "reasonable care" varies based on the circumstances and the relationship between the parties involved.

This definition emphasizes the behavior of an individual or entity in failing to act as a reasonable person would under similar circumstances, leading to unintended consequences for others. The focus is not on intentional wrongdoing but rather on lapses in care that could have been avoided through proper attention and caution. This distinction is crucial as it distinguishes negligence from intentional acts and torts, which might be rooted in deliberate action or misconduct.

Other responses do not accurately reflect the definition of negligence. The first option pertains to intentional actions rather than unintentional acts, while the second is related to court procedures rather than the concept of care and harm. The last option misclassifies negligence as a criminal act, while it is primarily concerned with civil liability and compensatory remedies.