What does negligence refer to in legal terms?

Negligence in legal terms is defined as the failure to use reasonable care that results in harm to another person. This concept is rooted in the expectation that individuals will act with a certain level of caution and responsibility in their actions. When someone does not meet this standard of care—whether through carelessness or inattention—they may be legally considered negligent if their actions lead to injury or damage.

For example, if a property owner does not fix a broken step and someone trips and injures themselves, the owner's negligence in maintaining safe conditions could make them liable for the injuries sustained. The core component of negligence is the absence of the due care one is expected to exercise in a given situation, and this is what distinguishes it from intentional acts of harm or wrongdoing.