Reasonable Person Standard
/ˈriːzənəbəl ˈpɜːrsən ˈstændərd/
Definitions
- (n.) A legal standard evaluating how an ordinary person would reasonably act in given circumstances, used to assess negligence and liability.
The court applied the reasonable person standard to determine whether the defendant's actions were negligent.
Related terms
See also
Commentary
This standard is objective, contrasting with subjective standards based on the actor's personal perspective, ensuring consistent assessment in tort law.
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.