What best defines "reasonable care" in legal terms?

The concept of "reasonable care" is best defined by exhibiting a standard of care expected from an average person. This standard is often used in legal contexts, particularly in negligence cases, to determine whether an individual acted in a way that is consistent with how a typical person would behave under similar circumstances. This means considering whether a reasonable person would have taken the same precautions to avoid harm.

In practical terms, "reasonable care" does not demand perfection or exhaustive measures; rather, it acknowledges that individuals are not expected to foresee every possible risk or danger. Instead, it involves a balance between taking adequate precautions and recognizing the limits of one's ability to predict every outcome. This principle helps establish accountability while acknowledging human limitations in risk assessment and decision-making.