What aspect of negligence is assessed through the concept of duty?

The aspect of negligence that is examined through the concept of duty is the responsibility of care. In the context of negligence, duty refers to the legal obligation that one party has to avoid causing harm to another. This obligation is often established based on the standards of care that a reasonably prudent person would adhere to in a similar situation.

When determining whether negligence has occurred, it is critical to assess whether the individual or entity had a duty to act in a particular way to ensure the safety and well-being of others. If a duty exists, the next step is to analyze whether that duty was breached, leading to harm or injury. This foundational concept is essential in legal cases involving negligence, as it establishes the framework within which responsibility is evaluated.

In contrast, the other options such as intent to cause harm or reasonable suspicion do not pertain to the duty of care. Intent generally relates to intentional torts rather than negligence, where harm may occur without intent. Property ownership pertains to property law and has a different focus than the duty owed to others in negligence cases. Reasonable suspicion is a standard used primarily in law enforcement contexts for stops and searches, not in the assessment of negligence.