Care Definition and Legal Meaning

On this page, you'll find the legal definition and meaning of Care, written in plain English, along with examples of how it is used.

What is Care?

(n) Care is the state of alertness of the person who is responsible to an activity or event where in he undertakes the responsibility in a prudent and attentive manner. Eg. Care for the accompanying kids, care in handling explosives

History and Meaning of Care

The term "care" has been used for centuries to denote the attention, caution, and responsibility that a person takes when undertaking a task or activity. In a legal context, care is often used to describe the level of diligence, skill, and attention that a reasonable person would exercise under similar circumstances. This means that a person who is undertaking an activity or providing a service is expected to act with the utmost care and responsibility to avoid causing harm or damage.

Examples of Care

  1. A doctor has a duty to provide care and attention to their patients, including diagnosing and treating medical conditions with diligence and skill.
  2. A parent is responsible for the care and safety of their child, including providing food, shelter, and medical attention when needed.
  3. A contractor has a duty to take care in completing a construction project, ensuring that the work is done safely and to a high standard.
  4. An employer has a duty to provide a safe working environment for their employees, including training, safety equipment, and hazard assessments.
  5. A driver has a duty to take care when operating a vehicle, including following traffic laws, avoiding distractions, and driving responsibly.

Legal Terms Similar to Care

  1. Duty of care: The legal obligation to act in a way that avoids causing harm or damage to others.
  2. Reasonable care: The level of care that a reasonable person would exercise under similar circumstances.
  3. Negligence: The failure to exercise reasonable care, resulting in harm or damage to another person.