Due Care
/ˈduː keər/
Definitions
- (n.) The standard of care that a reasonable person is expected to observe in a given situation, often applied to determine negligence.
The defendant failed to exercise due care, leading to the plaintiff’s injury.
- (n.) The level of judgment, attention, and prudence legally required under particular circumstances to avoid harm or loss.
Banks must exercise due care when handling customer transactions to prevent fraud.
Related terms
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Commentary
Due care is a foundational concept in tort law, guiding liability assessments; it is crucial to distinguish it from gross negligence, which involves a higher degree of fault.
This glossary is for general informational and educational purposes only. Definitions are jurisdiction-agnostic but reflect terminology and concepts primarily drawn from English and American legal traditions. Nothing herein constitutes legal advice or creates a lawyer-client relationship. Users should consult qualified counsel for advice on specific matters or jurisdictions.