What is the definition of negligence?

Negligence is defined as the failure to exercise reasonable care under given circumstances, which means that a person or entity did not act with the caution that a reasonable person would have in a similar situation. This legal concept is fundamental in personal injury cases and other areas of law, as it establishes a standard of care that individuals are expected to uphold to avoid causing harm to others.

In practical terms, if someone fails to fulfill this duty of care and as a result, someone else suffers damage or injury, the negligent party may be held liable for those damages. This definition is critical because it emphasizes the importance of action (or inaction) that leads to harm, rather than focusing on intent.

The other options describe different legal principles or scenarios. Intentional harm pertains to actions taken with the intent to cause damage, which does not align with the core concept of negligence. Actions taken to lawfully control a dangerous situation do not encapsulate negligence, as they imply a responsible effort to mitigate harm. Lastly, a situation where no harm is done does not reflect negligence since negligence inherently involves a breach of duty that leads to harm. Thus, the best understanding of negligence is the failure to exercise reasonable care under given circumstances.