Which principle relates to the obligation individuals have to avoid harm to others in tort law?

The duty of care principle is fundamental in tort law and refers to the legal obligation individuals have to act with a certain standard of care towards others. This principle necessitates that an individual must take reasonable care to avoid causing harm to others. It establishes a framework that guides individuals in assessing their responsibilities concerning the well-being of others.

In practical terms, when someone is undertaking actions that could potentially harm another person, the duty of care principle requires that they consider the potential consequences of their actions. This is crucial in contexts such as workplace safety, where employers must ensure that their operations do not lead to injury or harm to employees or the public.

The establishment of the duty of care is often seen through landmark cases in tort law, such as the renowned case of Donoghue v. Stevenson, which laid down the foundation for the concept of duty of care as it directly relates to the concept of negligence and how individuals should interact with one another in society.

By focusing on the duty of care, tort law seeks to promote a standard of conduct that protects individuals from harm while also holding accountable those who fail to adhere to this standard.