Standard of Care

What Is the Standard of Care in Tort Law?

The Standard of Care in tort law refers to the level of caution and concern an ordinary, reasonable person would exercise in a similar situation. It is a benchmark used to determine whether a person's actions were negligent.

Quick Definition

The Standard of Care is the expected level of attentiveness, caution, and prudence that a reasonable person would demonstrate in similar circumstances. It is a key element in establishing negligence in tort law.

In Context

In real life, the Standard of Care is crucial in determining liability in negligence cases. For example, in the famous case of Bolam v. Friern Hospital Management Committee (1957), the court established that a doctor is not negligent if they act in accordance with a practice accepted as proper by a responsible body of medical professionals. This case illustrates how the Standard of Care can vary depending on the profession and situation, making it a vital concept in both legal practice and exams.

See Also

• Duty of Care

• Negligence

• Breach of Duty

Learn More

Dive deeper into the nuances of the Standard of Care with our Tort Law Notes for comprehensive case law, examples, and revision tips.