Which term is defined as failure to exercise the standard of care typical of a reasonably prudent person?

• A. Malpractice
• B. Negligence
• C. Carelessness
• D. Recklessness

Answer: (B)

Negligence is the failure to exercise the standard of care typical of a reasonably prudent person. This standard is about acting with the caution and foresight a careful, sane person would show in similar situations, and liability arises when that failure harms someone. Malpractice refers to not meeting professional standards in a professional context, which is a specialized form of negligence but not the general standard. Carelessness is a vague term and not a formal legal standard, while recklessness implies a conscious disregard for substantial risk, which is a higher level of fault than ordinary negligence.