Who is owed a duty of care according to negligence principles?

The principle of duty of care in negligence law establishes that a person has a legal obligation to take reasonable care to avoid causing harm to others. The correct answer indicates that a duty of care is owed to anyone who might be affected by an action. This principle is rooted in the landmark case of Donoghue v. Stevenson, where the court held that a manufacturer owes a duty of care to the consumer, even if there is no direct contractual relationship between them.

This wide scope of duty of care means that it encompasses not just those who are directly impacted by one's actions but also extends to a broader range of individuals who could reasonably foreseeably suffer harm. This includes bystanders, potential victims, and others who might be affected by negligent conduct.

In contrast, the other options suggest a more restrictive view on the duty of care. Limiting the duty of care to those in a contractual relationship or only to those explicitly mentioned in law overlooks the broader implications of negligence, which is designed to protect individuals against foreseeable harm regardless of a formal agreement. Similarly, restricting the duty to only those known personally by the claimant ignores the wider societal implications and responsibilities individuals have to each other. Understanding this expansive notion of duty is crucial for appreciating the framework of negligence law