What principle in tort law did the Donaghue and Stevenson case establish?

The case of Donoghue v. Stevenson established the "neighbour principle," which is a foundational concept in negligence law. This principle asserts that individuals must take reasonable care to avoid acts or omissions that could foreseeably harm others who are closely and directly affected by their actions. In this landmark case, the court ruled that a manufacturer owed a duty of care to the consumer, even in the absence of a contractual relationship, because the manufacturer could reasonably foresee that a defective product could cause harm to the consumer.

The case provided clarity on the responsibilities of individuals toward others in their proximity—hence the name "neighbour principle." It emphasizes that one's actions can impact those around them and that they should act in a way that does not cause unnecessary harm to others. This principle has been influential in developing tort law regarding negligence and the responsibilities held by individuals and organizations in various contexts.

The other principles mentioned, such as the duty of care and negligence principles, are closely related but fall under the broader interpretation of what was established through the neighbour principle. Vicarious liability relates to the legal responsibility of an employer for the negligent actions of an employee while performing their duties, which is a different aspect of tort law.