Negligence is defined as the omission to do something which a prudent and reasonable person would do, or doing something which a prudent and reasonable person would not do.

• A. The duty to exercise reasonable care
• B. The omission or commission that a prudent person would or would not do
• C. A strict liability standard
• D. Intentional wrongdoing

Answer: (B)

Negligence centers on failing to meet the standard of care a prudent and reasonable person would follow. This can happen in two ways: by omitting to act when there is a duty to act, or by doing something that a prudent person would not do. The chosen description captures both sides—omission and commission—evaluated against the ordinary-care standard. Remember, the duty to exercise reasonable care is part of how negligence is analyzed (the obligation that exists), but it alone isn’t the full definition. Strict liability imposes liability without fault, and intentional wrongdoing involves deliberate harm, not careless mistakes. So, the definition that includes both failing to act and improper action under the prudent person standard is the best fit.