Which element describes a failure to meet the standard of care expected of a reasonable person?

• A. Duty
• B. Breach of duty
• C. Causation in fact
• D. Damages

Answer: (B)

The element described by a failure to meet the standard of care expected of a reasonable person is breach of duty. In tort law, a duty to exercise reasonable care is owed to others, and breach occurs when someone’s conduct falls short of that standard under the circumstances. It’s the act of not meeting what a reasonable person would do, which creates liability. The other elements—duty (the obligation to act reasonably), causation in fact (the actual link between the breach and the injury), and damages (the actual harm or loss suffered)—come after establishing the breach. So, the concept you’re looking for is breach of duty, the failure to meet the expected standard of care.