Which statement about negligence is true?

Negligence is defined as the failure to exercise the level of care that a reasonably prudent person would under similar circumstances. This concept is fundamental in tort law and revolves around a breach of duty that results in harm to another individual. The key aspect of negligence is the lack of reasonable care, which means that if someone does not act with the caution that a typical person would in a given situation, leading to harm or damage, they can be held liable.

This understanding of negligence is crucial because it applies to a wide range of situations, not limited to intentional wrongdoing or specific contexts, such as professional settings or criminal acts. This broad application emphasizes how negligence can arise in everyday life, affecting anyone's legal responsibilities.

In contrast, the other statements do not accurately reflect the nature of negligence. It is not always a crime; rather, it is a civil issue. While intent may be an aspect of other torts, negligence does not require intent to cause harm, as it is based on a lack of proper care. Lastly, negligence is not confined to professional environments; it can occur in any context where an individual's actions (or inactions) can lead to harm to another person.